United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1976
Provides, under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, that whenever an employer's failure to comply with any provision of that Act or any State requirement relating to industrial safety causes or contributes to an accident resulting in bodily injury, no provision of any workers' compensation law or similar statute shall be construed to bar an action at law for contribution, indemnification, or other relief against the employer by a person alleged liable for such injury.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1976
Amends the Tariff Schedules of the United States to declare it the policy of Congress that the importation of prepared or preserved beef or veal (other than cured or pickled beef and veal and beef in airtight containers) be limited to 11,433,000 pounds after 1976. Authorizes revision of such limitation by the percentage of estimated average domestic commercial production of such articles for any calendar year and the two preceding calendar years compared to the average annual domestic commercial production during 1966 through 1975 inclusive. Sets forth procedures whereby the Secretary of Agriculture shall implement such limitations.
United States · United States Congress · 10 August 1976
Regulatory Cost Impact Act - Requires every Federal agency to prepare in conjunction with every regulation it proposes which may have a significant impact on costs to the public a Regulatory Cost/Benefit Assessment setting forth the foreseeable costs and benefits of and alternatives to such regulation. Requires that hearings on such regulations include comments solicited from the public, Federal, State, and local agencies on the final wording of such cost/benefit assessment. Provides special procedures for emergency regulations which must be promulgated immediately to protect the public. Requires each committee of Congress which reports legislation which may have a significant impact on costs to the public to prepare a Regulatory Cost/Benefit Assessment.
United States · United States Congress · 10 August 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 · 5 August 1976
Suspends the rule of the Federal Trade Commission which removed the holder in due course status of purchasers of consumer notes until the General Accounting Office has studied the effect of such rule on the consumer credit market and the Commission has considered such study in a formal rulemaking proceeding.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1976
Authorizes construction of bank stabilization works on the Missouri River between Fort Randall Dam and Sioux City, Iowa, subject to the concurrence of the Governors of Nebraska and South Dakota.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1976
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Secretary of Agriculture study the impact of the development of the foreign palm oil industry on the domestic vegetable oil industry. Directs the Secretary, if such study justifies, to recommend that the administration negotiate bilateral agreements with the principal palm oil producing countries to provide reasonable restraints against excessive imports of palm oil into the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1976
Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to study the impact of the development of the foreign palm oil industry on the domestic vegetable oil industry and submit his recommendations to the National Advisory Council on International Monetary and Financial Policies. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to instruct the United States Executive Director in each of the international financial institutions to oppose new proposals for palm oil development loans.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1976
Amends the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 to provide that any employer who successfully contests a citation or penalty under such Act shall be awarded a reasonable attorney's fee and other reasonable litigation costs.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 1976
Amends rule XXII of the Rules of the House of Representatives to remove the limitation on the number of Members who may introduce jointly any bill, memorial, or resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 1976
Expresses the sense of the Congress that no individual whose social security or railroad retirement benefits are increased should suffer, by reason of such increase, a loss of or reduction in any pension which he or she (or any member of his or her family) is otherwise entitled to receive under laws administered by the Veterans' Administration. Stipulates that the House and Senate Committees on Veterans' Affairs should without delay consider and report legislation eliminating the possibility of any loss of or reduction in pensions payable under laws administered by the Veterans' Administration on account of increases in social security or railroad benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 1976
Amends the Third Supplemental Appropriations Act of 1957 to provide that unexpended funds subject to disbursement by the Clerk of the House of Representatives shall be returned to the Treasury of the United States four months after the close of the fiscal year for which such funds are appropriated.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 1976
Provides that no payment shall be made from the contingent fund of the House of Representatives unless such payment is approved by a resolution adopted by the House of Representatives. Directs that the Committee on House Administration of the House of Representatives shall submit proposed payments from the contingent fund to the House of Representatives for approval.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 1976
Provides that any statement or other information furnished by the Clerk of the House of Representatives to any Member of the House of Representatives relating to the expenditure of funds from any expense allowance available for use by such Member shall be available for public inspection.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 1976
Provides that any amount of the stationery allowance of a Member of the House of Representatives which is unexpended on the date of the adjournment of a session of the Congress which begins in any even-numbered year shall be paid into the contingent fund of the House of Representatives. Establishes a fund, to be administered by the Committee on House Administration of the House of Representatives, for the purpose of administering funds appropriated for stationery allowances of Members of the House and for stationery for use of the committees, departments, and offices of the House.
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 1976
Agenda for Government Reform Act - Directs the President to report to Congress concerning the effects of Federal agency activity upon: (1) the transportation and agriculture industries by January 31, 1978; (2) the mining, heavy manufacturing, and public utilities industries by January 31, 1979; (3) the light manufacturing and construction industries by January 31, 1980; and (4) the communications, finance, insurance, real estate, trade, and service industries by January 31, 1981. Requires that such report include a determination of whether any such agency activity has fulfilled its purposes, whether it is duplicative or conflicts with other agency activity, and whether the benefits of such activity exceed its costs. Directs the President to present in such report his recommendation for reform. States that the Congressional committee to which a proposal made by the President is referred must report to its respective House a bill approving or disapproving, in whole or in part, such proposal. Provides that if such a bill has not been reported by November 15 next following the submission of such report, the President's proposal shall become the pending order of business in both Houses and remain so until acted upon.
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 1976
School Desegregation Standards and Assistance Act - Title I: Standards and Procedures in School Desegregation Suits - States that the purpose of this title is: (1) to prevent unlawful discrimination in public schools; and (2) to remedy the effects of past discrimination. States that, upon a finding that a local or State educational agency has engaged or is engaging in an act of unlawful discrimination, a court may: (1) enter an order enjoining the continuation or future commission of such act; and (2) provide other relief necessary to prevent the occurrence of discriminatory acts or to eliminate the effects of such acts except remedies directed at eliminating the effects of such acts on the present degree of concentration by race, color, or national origin. States that where a court finds that discriminatory acts have caused a greater concentration by race, color, or national origin in a student population than would have existed in a normal course, the court may order appropriate relief to adjust the composition to that which would have been in the normal course. Requires courts, before entering such an order, to make specific findings concerning the degree to which such concentration in schools affected by unlawful acts varies from which it would have been in the normal course. Places upon the educational agency involved the burden of going forward with evidence to show that such concentration is attributable to factors other than unlawful discrimination. States that the court's findings required under this Act shall be based on conclusion and reasonable inferences from all of the evidence and shall not be based on the presumption that the concentration by race, color or national origin in a student population is a result of discriminatory acts. Requires all school desegregation orders to rely, to the greatest extent practicable, on the voluntary action of school officials, teachers and students. Prohibits courts from removing the control of the schools from the educational agency involved except to the minimum extent necessary to prevent unlawful discrimination or eliminate its present effects. States that in all cases in which a court-imposed requirement for transportation of students has remained in effect for a period of three years, or in the case of final orders entered prior to the enactment of this Act three years after the effective date of this Act, the court shall terminate the requirement unless: (1) the court finds that the local or State education agency has failed to comply with the requirement and other provisions of the court's order substantially and in good faith throughout the three preceding years, in which case the court may extend the requirement until there have been three consecutive years of such compliance; or (2) the court finds, at the expiration of such period that the other provisions of its order and other remedies are not adequate to correct the effects of unlawful discrimination, and that the requirement remains necessary for the purpose, in which case the court may continue the requirement in effect until the local or State education agency has complied with the requirement substantially and in good faith for two consecutive additional years. Authorizes courts to extend such time period under extraordinary circumstances or when there are unusually severe residual effects of discriminatory acts. Authorizes courts to reimpose a requirement for transportation of students if there has been a failure to comply with other provisions of the court's order or if discriminatory acts have occurred since the termination of the order necessitating such action. States that such an order may be imposed if no other remedy is sufficient and shall require the transportation of students only to such extent and for such limited period as may be necessary to remedy the effects of discriminatory actions. Prohibits a court from modifying student assignment plans because of subsequent population shifts unless the court finds such changes resulted from discriminatory acts. Directs courts to notify the Attorney General of proceedings in which the relief sought is a recomposition of a student population or whenever it believes that an order or an extension of an order requiring the transportation of students may be necessary. Authorizes the Attorney General to intervene in such actions, including recommendations for: (1) the appointment of a mediator; and (2) the formation of a committee of community leaders to develop a five-year desegregation program. Title II: National Community and Education Committee - Declares that the purpose of this title is to create a nonpartisan national committee to provide assistance to communities which are engaged in or preparing to engage in the desegregation of their schools. Establishes within the executive branch a National Community and Education Committee for such purpose. Specifies the functions and limitations on the activities of the Committee. Authorizes the Chairman of the Committee to make grants to private nonprofit community organizations to assist them in carrying out activities designed to accomplish the purposes of this title. States that such a grant shall not exceed $30,000. Authorizes appropriations of $2,000,000 for salaries and expenses of the Committee and $2,000,000 for grants for each of the fiscal years 1977 through 1979. Establishes a Federal Community Assistance Coordinating Council to consult with representatives of communities which are seeking Federal support for community relations projects and other community-based efforts to facilitate desegregation. Authorizes appropriations of $250,000 annually for fiscal years 1977 through 1979 for the purpose of carrying out the functions and duties of the Council.
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 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 · 29 June 1976
Small Business Growth and Job Creation Act - Title I: Small Business Independence and Continuation - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish graduated corporate income tax rates. Changes the holding period for capital assets from six months to one year. Establishes a new alternative tax on capital gains. Increases the estate tax exemption from $60,000 to $180,000. Establishes a new rate schedule for the estate tax. Increases the gift tax exclusion from $3,000 to $9,000, and the gift tax exemption from $30,000 to $90,000. Replaces the present gift tax schedule with a flat rate of 75 percent of whatever the estate tax on such a sum would be. Provides that a distribution of property by a corporation in redemption of stock to pay death taxes shall be treated as a distribution in full payment in exchange for the stock if all of the stock of such corporation which is included in determining the value of the decedent's gross estate is either, (1) more than 20 percent (generally, 35 percent), of the value of the gross estate of such decedent, or (2) more than 40 percent (generally, 50 percent) of the taxable estate of such decedent. Provides that if stock in a corporation is sold by a shareholder owning stock representing more than 30 percent of the fair market value of all outstanding stock of the corporation whose stock is being sold, the gain from such sale shall be recognized only to the extent that the taxpayer's sale price exceeds the cost of replacement property purchased by the taxpayer within two years. Defines "replacement property" as property which is held for the production of income or which is held for investment. Allows the executor of an estate involving an interest in a closely held business to elect to include in the value of the gross estate the decedent's basis in such business rather than the fair market value of such interest. States that the basis of property acquired from a decedent as to which such an election was made shall be the decedent's basis in such property rather than the fair market value of such interest. Allows the marital deduction of the estate tax to exceed 50 percent of the value of the adjusted gross estate when an interest in a specially defined small business is included in the estate. Title II: Small Business Growth Incentives - Allows a taxpayer to choose the cash method of accounting in any case where inventory is an income determining factor and the ending inventory for the taxable year does not exceed $200,000. Provides a deferred tax credit against taxable income for unincorporated businesses. Establishes a graduated investment tax credit. Amends the definition of a small business corporation to allow domestic corporations with up to 20 shareholders (presently, ten) to qualify for subchapter S treatment. Allows a small business to make a subchapter S election at any time during the taxable year. Allows to a business a credit equal to 50 percent of the wages paid during the taxable year to new employees, up to two employees and $20,000 for the taxable year. Allows a similar credit for new disadvantaged employees up to a maximum of $60,000 per taxable year. Allows the practical cost recovery method to be used in computing depreciation. Title III: Small Business Tax Simplification - Allows a corporation to file an application for refund of overpayment of estimated income tax at any time during the taxable year. Provides a special rule for treatment of net operating loss adjustments in the case of new corporations. Increases the minimum credit on accumulated earnings from $150,000 to $500,000. Redefines "section 1244 stock" to mean common stock in a corporation if: (1) such corporation during its preceding taxable year derived more than 50 percent of its aggregate gross receipts from sources other than royalties, rents, dividends, interest, annuities, and sales or exchanges of stock or securities; and (2) the equity capital of such corporation does not exceed $1,000,000. Increases the losses on section 1244 stock which may be treated as ordinary losses (rather than capital losses) from $25,000 to $50,000.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1976
Creates a House select committee which shall conduct an investigation of all records, memorandums, papers, documents, books, and other information of any standing or select committee of the House or officer of the House respecting expenses incurred by or on behalf of any such committee or its members or employees.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1976
Amends rule X of the Rules of the House of Representatives to permit a majority of the House to direct the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct to investigate complaints or resolutions involving alleged misconduct if the committee fails to undertake an investigation within 15 legislative days after the receipt of such complaint or referral of such resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1976
Consumer Communications Reform Act - States that Congress finds that the revenues from integrated interstate and foreign common carrier telecommunications services helped maintain a level of charges for telephone exchange service which is lower than otherwise would be required. Expresses the sense of Congress that the authorization of lines, facilities, or services of specialized carriers which duplicate the lines, facilities, or services of other telecommunications common carriers is contrary to the public interest. Reaffirms the intent of Congress that the complete authority to regulate terminal and station equipment used for telephone exchange service shall rest with the States even though such terminal and station equipment also may be used in connection with interstate services. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to provide that no compensatory charges for or in connection with such communication service may be found to be unjust or unreasonable on the ground that it is to low. Prohibits the Federal Communications Commission from holding the charge of a carrier up to a particular level to protect the traffic or revenues from a communication service offered or provided by another carrier if such charge proposed by the carrier is compensatory. Grants the Commission jurisdiction to approve the acquisition of control by a domestic common carrier of any other domestic common carrier or to approve the acquisition by a person which is not a common carrier of control of any domestic common carrier or the acquisition of the whole or any part of the property of a domestic common carrier after determining that the acquisition is in the public interest. Provides that the Commission shall not grant or authorize any construction permit, station license, or certificate, for the construction, acquisition, or operation of any communication or transmission line or facility, or extension thereof, or any modification or renewal thereof, unless the Commission shall find, after full opportunity for evidentiary hearing on the record, that such permit, license, or certificate will not result in increased charges or unnecessary duplication of communication lines.
United States · United States Congress · 17 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 · 16 June 1976
Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to public and nonprofit private entities which are engaged in the development of new schools of veterinary medicine to assist in such development. Requires applying schools to demonstrate that there is a reasonable indication that non- Federal financial resources for development will be available and that Federal assistance will accelerate the date on which the school will be able to begin its teaching program.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1976
Requires the United States to pay to any defendant who prevails in a civil action in which the United States is a plaintiff a reasonable attorney's fee and other reasonable litigation costs.
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 · 27 May 1976
Natural Gas Act Amendments - Amends the Natural Gas Act to terminate Federal Power Commission authority to directly regulate sales prices of new natural gas except for new natural gas produced from offshore Federal lands. Stipulates that prices for onshore sales of new natural gas shall not exceed the ceiling price for sales of new natural gas produced from offshore Federal lands. Stipulates that prices paid for natural gas in transactions between a natural gas company and its affiliates shall not exceed prices paid in comparable sales by persons not affiliated with any natural gas company. Directs the Federal Power Commission to conduct studies and make reports regarding the nature and availability of natural gas reserves. Requires that the Commission keep current information available relating to the estimated natural gas reserves for individual fields. Establishes procedures for the establishment of ceiling prices for new natural gas produced from offshore Federal lands. Authorizes the Commission to grant exemptions to price ceilings within high-cost production areas. Establishes procedures for adjustments to price ceilings established pursuant to this Act. Directs the Commission to prohibit the curtailment of adequate supplies of natural gas for essential agricultural purposes. Stipulates that the provisions of the Natural Gas Act shall extend to synthetic natural gas. Directs the Commission to prohibit the use of natural gas as boiler fuel where adequate alternatives are available. Authorizes exemptions from such prohibition where necessary to comply with pollution control or environmental protection and safety standards. Establishes procedures for the establishment and periodic revision of national ceiling prices for the sale of old natural gas in interstate commerce.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 1976
Grants judicial officers the power to deny pretrial release to persons charged with the commission of violent crimes if there is reason to believe that such persons would flee or pose a danger to others or the community. (Adds 18 U.S.C. 3146A; Amends 18 U.S.C. 3156a)
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 1976
Directs the Federal courts to consider, in their determinations of the imposition of terms of imprisonment for criminal offenses, the following factors: (1) the nature and circumstances of the offense and the history and characteristics of the defendant; (2) the need for the sentence imposed to reflect the seriousness of the offense and the providing of adequate deterrence to criminal conduct; (3) whether other less restrictive sanctions have been applied to the defendant frequently or recently; and (4) any sentencing guidelines established by the Commission under this Act. Establishes a United States Commission on Sentencing as an independent commission within the judicial branch of the United States Government to consist of five members appointed by the United States Judicial Conference. Directs such Commission to promulgate and distribute to all Federal courts guidelines for sentencing consistent with this Act. Empowers the Commission to establish general policies and rules necessary to carry out this Act. Empowers the Commission to utilize the services and information of other Federal, State, local and private agencies with or without reimbursement therefor. Empowers the Commission to establish a research and development program for the purpose of: (1) serving as a clearinghouse and information center for the collection, preparation, and dissemination of information on Federal sentencing practices; and (2) assisting and serving in a consulting capacity to Federal courts, departments, and agencies in the development, maintenance, and coordination of sound sentencing practices. Empowers the Commission to devise and conduct a training program of short-term instruction in sentencing techniques for judicial and probation personnel and other persons connected with the sentencing process. Requires the Commission to report annually to the Congress, the Judicial Conference, and the President on its activities. (Adds 18 U.S.C. 3579, 3621, 3657, 3742, 3801-5)
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1976
Requires the appointment of an optometrist to the National Professional Standards Review Council and the participation by optometrists in the activities of local professional standards review organizations pursuant to the requirements of Title XI of the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1976
Amends the Small Business Emergency Relief Act to provide for emergency relief for small business concerns in connection with fixed-price Government contracts for the lease of real property.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1976
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Federal Communications Commission and other agencies shall be encouraged to exercise their full legal authority to insure that the quality and quantity of over-the-air broadcasting service which is now available to the public shall not be reduced or impaired by the operations of pay television. Calls for regulation of pay television in a manner consistent with the establishment and maintenance of over-the-air television broadcast services.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1976
Directs the President to convene a White House Conference to evaluate the success of compulsory busing to achieve integration. Requires the President to issue a comprehensive report including policy recommendations for alternative positive steps for equalizing educational opportunity and providing excellence in education for all Americans.
United States · United States Congress · 12 April 1976
Sales Representatives Protection Act - States that the purpose of this Act is to provide a reasonable and equitable system under which sales representatives may be indemnified for commissions denied them because of wrongful terminations. Title I: Indemnification - Requires any principal to indemnify any sales representative who experiences a loss of commission income if such principal causes such loss by wrongfully: (1) taking away from such representative an account originally developed or serviced by such representative; (2) causing the amount of such representative's commission to be decreased by 25 percent or more by reducing the size of such representative's geographic territory; or (3) decreasing the rate of such representative's commission by 25 percent or more. States that such indemnification must be paid in accordance with formulae set forth in this Act. Title II: Contracts Between Sales Representatives and Principals - Sets forth provisions which must be included in any employment contract between sales representatives and their principals including: (1) rate of commission; (2) terms affecting advance payments of future compensation; and (3) a description of the sales territory. Lists duties of the principal with respect to furnishing such sales representative with information concerning his or her accounts or compensation. Title III: Miscellaneous - Sets forth procedures by which this Act may be enforced in any United States district court.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1976
Sales Representatives Protection Act - States that the purpose of this Act is to provide a reasonable and equitable system under which sales representatives may be indemnified for commissions denied them because of wrongful terminations. Title I: Indemnification - Requires any principal to indemnify any sales representative who experiences a loss of commission income if such principal causes such loss by wrongfully: (1) taking away from such representative an account originally developed or serviced by such representative; (2) causing the amount of such representative's commission to be decreased by 25 percent or more by reducing the size of such representative's geographic territory; or (3) decreasing the rate of such representative's commission by 25 percent or more. States that such indemnification must be paid in accordance with formulae set forth in this Act. Title II: Contracts Between Sales Representatives and Principals - Sets forth provisions which must be included in any employment contract between sales representatives and their principals including: (1) rate of commission; (2) terms affecting advance payments of future compensation; and (3) a description of the sales territory. Lists duties of the principal with respect to furnishing such sales representative with information concerning his or her accounts or compensation. Title III: Miscellaneous - Sets forth procedures by which this Act may be enforced in any United States district court.
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 1976
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President shall seek the elimination of surety deposit requirements on vegetable protein products imposed by the European Economic Community. Provides that if the President shall fail to eliminate such requirements, he shall obtain full compensation for such actions under article XXIII of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1976
Authorizes and requests the President to issue annually a proclamation designating the last full calendar week in April in each year as "National Secretaries Week."
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 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 · 4 March 1976
Toxic Substances Control Act - Provides that if the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency finds that testing of a chemical substance in accordance with a test protocol for such substance is necessary to protect against unreasonable risk to health or the environment, he may, by rule: (1) prescribe standards for a test protocol for such substance; and (2) require one or more persons connected with such substance to perform the test called for in such protocol. Provides criteria from which the Administrator shall determine the need for a test protocol. Permits those persons connected with such substance to designate one or more of their members or a qualified independent third party to perform the required tests and share the costs of such tests. Authorizes the Administrator, if those persons connected with the substance cannot agree on a designee or if the designee is unacceptable to the Administrator, to designate one or more of those connected with the substance or a third party to perform the required tests and require those connected to contribute to the costs of the tests. Directs the Administrator upon receipt of the tests results to promptly publish in the Federal Register the test data, the intended uses of the substances, and the nature of the tests. Directs the Administrator to establish a list of chemical substances which the Administrator finds may pose a substantial danger to health or environment. Provides that a chemical substance placed on such list which was manufactured and distributed in commerce prior to its listing may not be manufactured and placed in commerce for a new use unless the manufacturer or distributor submits applicable test data with respect to such intended new use. Requires the submission of test data for such listed chemical substances which were not manufactured or distributed in commerce prior to such listing before such chemical substance may be distributed in commerce. Authorizes the Administrator, upon a finding that a chemical substance is dangerous or potentially dangerous, to prescribe rules to: (1) prohibit the manufacture or distribution of a substance or limit the amount which may be produced or distributed; (2) prohibit particular use or uses of such a substance; and (3) require an adequate warning with regard to the use or disposal of the substance. Provides the Administrator with criteria for formulating such rules. Permits the Administrator to formulate quality control rules if he has good cause to believe processing or manufacturing permits or causes dangerous adulteration of a chemical substance. Provides that the Administrator shall conduct hearings to determine if quality control rules are necessary. Provides that the Administrator may file an action for temporary or permanent relief in a U.S. district court against an imminently hazardous chemical substance for its seizure or against any person who is a manufacturer, processor, retailer, or distributor of such chemical substance. Authorizes the Administrator, by rule, to require reports of all manufacturers and importers of chemical substances where appropriate to ascertain the nature, quantity and uses of substances produced. Exempts tobacco and tobacco products, pesticides, and drugs, devices, or cosmetics from the provisions of this Act. Prohibits the Administrator from taking action under this Act if any risks to health or environment could be prevented by employing existing Federal law. Permits the Administrator to inspect and examine the records and properties of persons to the extent that such records and properties relate to the manufacture, processing, or distribution in commerce of chemical substances subject to this Act. Establishes procedures for the issuance of administration inspection warrants. Provides that this Act shall not apply to any chemical substances which are to be used solely for export from the United States. Provides that the Secretary of the Treasury shall refuse entry into the United States of any chemical substance or article containing such substance offered for entry which fails to conform with rules promulgated under this Act. Provides that all information reported to, or otherwise obtained by, the Administrator or his representative which contains or relates to trade secrets shall be considered confidential. Makes it unlawful to fail or refuse to comply with any provision of this Act or any rule promulgated under the authority of this Act. Provides a $25,000 a day civil penalty for each day of violation and a criminal penalty of $25,000 a day or imprisonment not to exceed one year or both in addition to or in lieu of a civil penalty. Declares that the Administrator shall waive compliance with this Act upon request of the Secretary of Defense and upon a determination by the President that the requested waiver is necessary in the interest of national defense. Authorizes to be appropriated not to exceed $9,240,000, $11,100,000, and $10,100,000 for the fiscal years 1977, 1978 and 1979, respectively, for the purposes and administration of this Act. Stipulates that no part of the funds so authorized to be appropriated shall be used to construct any research laboratories.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1976
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to acquire lands and interests in lands in specified areas of Nebraska and to establish the Trails West National Historical Park in Nebraska and Wyoming once sufficient lands have been acquired. Creates a Trails West National Historical Park Advisory Commission. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1976
Free Market and Food Protection Resolution - States that whenever the President or any other member of the executive branch suspends export sales of corn, wheat, soybeans, or grain sorghum, the Secretary of Agriculture shall make payments to any farmowner or operator who has in storage at the beginning of the suspension any amount of the commodity for which export sales have been suspended. Sets forth the specified percentage rate of such payments.
United States · United States Congress · 3 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 · 2 March 1976
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Federal Communications Commission and other agencies shall be encouraged to exercise their full legal authority to insure that the quality and quantity of over-the-air broadcasting service which is now available to the public shall not be reduced or impaired by the operations of pay television. Calls for regulation of pay television in a manner consistent with the establishment and maintenance of over-the-air television broadcast services.
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.
![Official portrait of Rep. McCollister, John Y. [R-NE-2]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/m000349_200.jpg)