United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1977
Amends rule III of the Rules of the House of Representatives to require the Clerk to make available for public inspection all records under the Clerk's control respecting expenditures incurred on or after January 5, 1977, by any Member or committee of the House.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1977
Amends the Rules of the House of Representatives to transfer the responsibility for investigating Communist and subversive organizations affecting the internal security of the United States to a standing Committee on Internal Security established by this Resolution. Confers upon such committee the responsibility for investigating all organizations within the United States aimed at overthrowing or altering the Government of the United States by force, insurrection or other unlawful means or inciting or employing violence to obstruct the authority of the Federal Government with respect to matters of internal security of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1977
Broadcast License Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to set the term of a television broadcast station license, or renewal, at four years and for a radio or other class of station at five years. Requires the Federal Communication Commission, in determining whether public interest, convenience, and necessity would be served by the renewal of a broadcast license, to grant the renewal if the licensee has been responsive to the public station and its station operation lacked serious deficiencies. Requires each licensee to annually solicit the views of various categories of the audience served by the licensee and to prepare and maintain a report which shall be available for public inspection. Allows the Commission to set a time limitation during which any interested party may file a petition to deny an application. Prescribes the actions which the Commission may take after receiving a petition to deny. Describes the preliminary response to such petition which a contested applicant may file. Allows appeals from decisions and orders of the Commission to be taken to the United States Court of Appeals for the circuit in which such broadcast facility is located.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1977
Extends the provisions of the Rice Production Act of 1975 from the 1977 through the 1981 crop year. States that for the 1978, 1979, 1980 and 1981 crops: (1) the established price for each such rice crop shall be the established price for the crop immediately preceding the crop for which the price is established, adjusted in each year to reflect any changes in the index of prices paid by farmers for specified items; and (2) the loan rate for each such crop shall be established at such rate as bears the same ratio to the loan rate for the preceding year's crop as the established price for each such crop bears to the established price for the preceding year's crop. Requires that cooperators receiving payments for the 1978 through 1981 crops must have planted no less than 90 percent of their allotments. States that acreage on a farm not planted to rice because of drought, flood, other natural disaster, or a condition beyond the control of the producer shall be considered to be acreage planted to rice.
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 1977
Prohibits the Federal Trade Commission from promulgating trade regulation rules which repeal or limit use of holder in due course defenses in connection with the sale or lease of goods or services to consumers.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 1977
Petroleum Marketing Practices Act - Title I: Franchise Protection - Prohibits a franchisor from terminating or failing to renew a franchise unless specified conditions exist. Enumerates the basis upon which a franchisor may terminate or fail to renew a franchise. Exempts trial franchises from the requirements of this Act. Requires that 90 days advance notice of termination or nonrenewal be made in writing and delivered to the franchisee. Directs the Administrator of the Federal Energy Administration to publish in the Federal Register a summary of this Act. Authorizes civil actions in a United States district court against any franchisor who violates any requirement of this Act. Provides for the preemption of State laws unless such law is the same as the applicable provisions of this Act. Title II: Octane Disclosure - Requires the Federal Trade Commission to: (1) establish testing procedures for the determination of the octane rating of automotive gasoline; (2) establish requirements applicable to refiners with respect to the testing of automotive gasoline; (3) establish a certification procedure applicable to the distribution of automotive gasoline; and (4) establish requirements applicable to retailers of gasoline with respect to display of the octane rating of automotive gasoline at the point of sale. Prohibits any person who distributes automotive gasoline from making representations respecting the octane rating of gasoline unless the gasoline has been tested in accordance with the procedures established by the Federal Trade Commission. Grants to the Commission the procedural, investigative, and enforcement powers necessary to make effective the rules required to be prescribed. Makes it an unfair or deceptive act or practice in or affecting commerce under the Federal Trade Commission Act to violate the rules prescribed by this Act. Authorizes judicial review of the rules prescribed under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 1977
Amends the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 and the Agricultural Act of 1949 to extend through the 1981 crops specified provisions of the upland cotton program. Sets a new formula for the determination of the level for nonrecourse loans, and stipulates the established price per pound of cotton at 110 percent of the loan level. Sets conditions for, and formulas for the amounts of, mandatory special limited global import quotas.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1977
Food Additive Safety Amendments - States that a food additive shall be deemed safe if the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare (1) makes a finding, based on recommendations of an advisory committee, that the public benefit from permitting the use of such additive would exceed the public risk which might result from such use; (2) gives notice in the Federal Register of such a finding and invites public comment thereon; and (3) issues a final order not earlier than 120 days of such publication in the Federal Register of such findings. Specifies factors the Secretary must take into consideration when evaluating a food additive. Deems saccharin a safe food additive unless the Secretary declares it unsafe under the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1977
Title I: Meat and Meat Products - Requires, under the Federal Meat Inspection Act, the package or container of any imported meat or meat products capable of use as human food to be labeled in such a way as to inform consumers that such product was imported. Requires that such products meet the same health standards as domestically produced meats. Requires testing of imported meat in the countries from which such meat is being imported. Directs that periodic tests be conducted in the United States by the Department of Agriculture also. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to prescribe such assessments and fees as he determines necessary to cover the Departments costs under this Title. Title II: Dairy Products - Prohibits the importation of dairy products into the United States unless the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare certifies the products as wholesome and pure. Requires the Secretary to establish standards for imported products comparable to standards imposed upon domestic dairy products. Directs the Secretary, where and to the extent necessary, to inspect imported dairy products and require such products to be accompanied by a certificate of compliance issued by the Secretary. Requires imported dairy products to comply with United States labeling and packaging requirements. Requires that imported dairy products be labeled in such a way as to inform consumers that such product was imported.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1977
Amends rule XVI of the Rules of the House of Representatives to apply the ten minutes of debate rules to a motion to recommit with instructions on the adoption of a simple resolution or conference report after the previous question has been ordered.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1977
Amends the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 to extend authority to finance agricultural commodity sales and to enter into commodity assistance programs to 1981.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1977
Administrative Rule Making Reform Act - Requires a Federal agency preparing to hold a rule making session to make a reasonable effort to inform those likely to be affected by the proposed rule making. Requires that if the affected group is large, representatives of such group must be notified. Requires, in addition to present requirements, that the notice of rule making include the projected effective date of the rules, the purpose of the rule making, the text of the proposed rules, and the technical or other studies on which the agency intends to rely in the rule making proceedings. Applies the requirements of this Act to all rule making sessions except (1) those specifically authorized to be kept secret in the interest of national security, (2) those relating to agency management, and (3) those promulgating rules which are not enforceable by imprisonment, fine, civil penalty, or denial of future Federal benefits. Requires public notice and public opportunity for comment of all rule making proceedings under this Act unless the agency finds that the rules to be proposed are emergency rules or are of routine or insignificant impact in which case the rule must be published with reasons for its adoption. Requires Federal agencies to give interested persons at least 45 days to participate in the rule making. Requires the agency to maintain a file of each proceeding to be made available to the courts, Congress, and to the public in connection with review of the rule. Limits the period for public comment to a maximum of 90 days. Requires a copy of all proposed rules to be sent to Congress. States that such rule, other than an emergency rule, shall not become effective if it is disapproved within 90 days by both Houses of Congress, or it is disapproved within 60 days by one House and no action is taken on the disapproval resolution by the other House. Provides that either House of Congress may, by resolution, require any agency to reconsider and resubmit any rule to which this Act applies. Requires that such proposed rule be repromulgated anew in accordance with all the provisions of this Act unless it is reconsidered and resubmitted to Congress within 180 days after the adoption of the resolution requiring such reconsideration. Sets forth procedures for adoption of resolutions to approve, disapprove, or compel reconsideration for both Houses. Requires the Administrative Conference of the United States to study congressional review of agency rule making under this Act and report the effect of such review on such rule making before July 1, 1982. Authorizes to be appropriated $200,000 to finance such study. Makes this Act effective on the first day of the first session of the 95th Congress. Terminates the congressional review required by this Act at the adjournment of the 97th Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1977
Administrative Rule Making Reform Act - Requires a Federal agency preparing to hold a rule making session to make a reasonable effort to inform those likely to be affected by the proposed rule making. Requires that if the affected group is large, representatives of such group must be notified. Requires, in addition to present requirements, that the notice of rule making include the projected effective date of the rules, the purpose of the rule making, the text of the proposed rules, and the technical or other studies on which the agency intends to rely in the rule making proceedings. Applies the requirements of this Act to all rule making sessions except (1) those specifically authorized to be kept secret in the interest of national security, and (2) those relating to agency management. Requires public notice and public opportunity for comment of all rule making proceedings under this Act unless the agency finds that the rules to be proposed are emergency rules or are of routine or insignificant impact in which case the rule must be published with reasons for its adoption. Requires Federal agencies to give interested persons at least 45 days to participate in the rule making. Requires the agency to maintain a file of each proceeding to be made available to the courts, Congress, and to the public in connection with review of the rule. Limits the period for public comment to a maximum of 90 days. Requires a copy of all proposed rules to be sent to Congress. States that such rule, other than an emergency rule, shall not become effective if it is disapproved within 90 days by both Houses of Congress, or it is disapproved within 60 days by one House and no action is taken on the disapproval resolution by the other House. Provides that either House of Congress may, by resolution, require any agency to reconsider and resubmit any rule to which this Act applies. Requires that such proposed rule be repromulgated anew in accordance with all the provisions of this Act unless it is reconsidered and resubmitted to Congress within 180 days after the adoption of the resolution requiring such reconsideration. Requires the Administrative Conference of the United States to study Congressional review of agency rule making under this Act and report the effect of such review on such rule making before July 1, 1982. Authorizes to be appropriated $200,000 to finance such study. Makes this Act effective on the first day of the first session of the Ninety-fifth Congress. Terminates the Congressional review required by this Act at the adjournment of the Ninety-seventh Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1977
Administrative Rule Making Reform Act - Requires a Federal agency preparing to hold a rule making session to make a reasonable effort to inform those likely to be affected by the proposed rule making. Requires that if the affected group is large, representatives of such group must be notified. Requires, in addition to present requirements, that the notice of rule making include the projected effective date of the rules, the purpose of the rule making, the text of the proposed rules, and the technical or other studies on which the agency intends to rely in the rule making proceedings. Applies the requirements of this Act to all rule making sessions except (1) those specifically authorized to be kept secret in the interest of national security, and (2) those relating to agency management. Requires public notice and public opportunity for comment of all rule making proceedings under this Act unless the agency finds that the rules to be proposed are emergency rules or are of routine or insignificant impact in which case the rule must be published with reasons for its adoption. Requires Federal agencies to give interested persons at least 45 days to participate in the rule making. Requires the agency to maintain a file of each proceeding to be made available to the courts, Congress, and to the public in connection with review of the rule. Limits the period for public comment to a maximum of 90 days. Requires a copy of all proposed rules to be sent to Congress. States that such rule, other than an emergency rule, shall not become effective if it is disapproved within 90 days by both Houses of Congress, or it is disapproved within 60 days by one House and no action is taken on the disapproval resolution by the other House. Sets forth procedures for adoption of resolutions to approve or disapprove any such rule for both Houses. Requires the Administrative Conference of the United States to study Congressional review of agency rule making under this Act and report the effect of such review on such rule making before July 1, 1982. Authorizes to be appropriated $200,000 to finance such study. Makes this Act effective on the first day of the first session of the Ninety-fifth Congress. Terminates the Congressional review required by this Act at the adjournment of the Ninety-seventh Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 1977
Palm Oil and Palm Oil Products Inspection and Identification Act - Prohibits the importation of palm oil unless the Secretary of Agriculture has certified that such imports originate from pure and wholesome supplies and that such imports were processed in plants meeting minimum sanitation standards. Directs the Secretary to establish standards which are comparable to domestic standards for purity, wholesomeness, and sanitation. Directs the Secretary to inspect such imports. Subjects such imports to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act after entry. Requires that such imports be labeled (1) to indicate country of origin, and (2) as containing palm oil. Imposes a fine of not more than $1,000 or imprisonment for not more than one year or both for violation of the content labeling requirements. Increases this penalty to a fine of $10,000 or imprisonment for not more than three years or both where such violation involves intent to defraud.
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 1977
Amends the Tariff Schedules of the United States to impose a customs duty on palm oil which is not imported for use in the manufacture of iron or steel products, tinplate, or terneplate.
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 1977
Declares the sense of the House that: (1) the Secretary of Agriculture should study the impact of the foreign palm oil industry on the domestic vegetable oil industry and recommend to the National Advisory Council on International Monetary and Financial Policies that further loans by the international financial institutions for the development of palm oil be discouraged by the United States; and (2) the Secretary of the Treasury instruct the United States Executive Director in each of the international financial institutions to oppose new proposals for palm oil development loans unless the palm oil is needed domestically and does not have the effect of increasing palm oil exports.
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 1977
Declares the sense of the House that the Secretary of Agriculture study the impact of the foreign palm oil industry on the domestic vegetable oil industry and, if justified, recommend that the administration negotiate agreements with the principal palm oil producing countries to restrain excessive imports of palm oil into the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1977
Coastal Zone Management Act Amendments - Amends the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 to redefine energy activities subject to the provisions of the Act to include construction or operation of any energy facilities required for technical or economic purposes. Revises requirements applicable to grants to coastal States under the Act to require that the Secretary of Commerce disburse such grants promptly upon determining the amount of each States' entitlement. Repeals the requirement that grant monies to be used for planning and development of public services be unavailable under other provisions of the Act. Eliminates the requirement that States provide for apportionment of financial assistance to local governments.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1977
Amends Title XX (Grants to States for Services) of the Social Security Act to repeal Federal child day care requirements, and to require adherence of child day care plans to published State standards of such care.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1977
Jobs Creation Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce the individual income tax rates. Allows a credit against the income tax up to $1,000, for ten percent of the increase in the total savings deposits and investments since the end of the previous year. Allows a limited income tax deduction by certain domestic corporations for dividends paid. Limits corporate deductions for dividends received from foreign corporations. Repeals corporate deductions for other dividends received. Allows the taxpayer to take a deduction for specified percentages of the acquisition costs of certain types of property, with a corresponding reduction in basis, in lieu of a depreciation deduction. Doubles the corporate surtax exemption to $100,000.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1977
Natural Gas Act Amendments - Amends the Natural Gas Act to terminate Federal Power Commission authority to regulate sales of new natural gas in interstate commerce. Stipulates that prices for offshore sales of new natural gas shall not exceed the ceiling price for sales of new natural gas produced from onshore Federal lands. Stipulates that emergency sales of natural gas to curtailed customers who qualify as essential users shall not affect such exempt status. Authorizes the Commission to terminate such exemptions on or after April 15, 1978, if they are no longer deemed necessary to protect high priority consumers of natural gas. 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 through December 31, 1982. 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. 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.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1977
Coal Pipeline Act - Authorizes the exercise of the right of eminent domain by any carrier of coal by coal pipeline who holds a certificate of public convenience and necessity issued by the Department of the Interior. Stipulates that, before issuance of such certificate, environmental considerations and the need for energy domestically shall be weighed before the Secretary of the Interior makes a finding. Requires that no carrier granted the power of eminent domain under this Act shall transport any coal in which it has any ownership interest. Establishes procedures for making application for a certificate of public convenience and necessity, for antitrust review, and for enforcement under this Act. Imposes a maximum fine of $10,000, six months imprisonment, or both, for knowing violation of any provision of, or regulation issued pursuant to, this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
National Agricultural Research Policy Act - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to coordinate and disseminate all agricultural research information affiliated with the Department of Agriculture, to keep abreast of developments in agricultural research and education and to represent the needs for such research and education within the executive branch of the United States Government. Establishes within the Department of Agriculture the National Agricultural Research Policy Advisory Board. States that the Board's responsibilities shall include: (1) establishing means for evaluating the economic, environmental and social impacts of research and extension programs; (2) reviewing programs, policies and goals of agricultural research agencies; (3) providing a forum for research-sponsoring agencies to exchange information on programs related to agriculture, food and nutrition; (4) recommending national policies, priorities and strategies for agricultural research and education; and (5) reviewing and making recommendations to the Secretary with regard to the allocation of funds for all programs of research and extension carried out by the Department. Directs the Department of Agriculture to establish a Clearinghouse for Federal Human Nutrition Research which shall collect from each Federal agency and report to Congress information pertaining to research with regard to human nutrition. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to land grant colleges and universities eligible for assistance under the First Morrill Act and the State agricultural experiment stations eligible for assistance under the Hatch Act to carry out mission-oriented basic research. Allows the Secretary to make grants on a competitive basis to Federal agencies, research institutions, organizations and individuals for agricultural research. Authorizes appropriations for the competitive grant program of $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1978 and such sums as may be necessary for fiscal year 1979 and fiscal year 1980, the total amount for the three-year period not to exceed $150,000,000. Authorizes appropriations for human nutrition research of $5,000,000 for fiscal year 1978 and such sums as may be necessary for fiscal year 1979 and fiscal year 1980. Authorizes appropriations of $600,000,000 for fiscal year 1978 for those agricultural research programs existing prior to the enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Constitutional Amendment - States that Congress shall make no appropriations for any fiscal year which exceed the total revenues of the United States for such year. Prohibits spending by, or on behalf of, the United States which exceeds the total revenue for that year. Suspends such requirements when Congress declares war or national emergency.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Creates a Select House Committee on Population to conduct an investigation and study of: (1) the major adverse effects of current population growth throughout the world; (2) approaches which have been shown to be effective in coping with excessive population growth; and (3) means to encourage countries with excessive population growth rates to adopt methods proven to be successful in reducing population growth rates.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1976
Amends the Clayton Act to expand the definition of the term, "purchaser" as it relates to the prohibition against price discrimination between purchasers in transactions where commodities are sold for resale. States that the term "purchaser" shall include any person who receives a commodity for resale from an affiliate. Defines the term, "affiliate" as any person who directly or indirectly controls, is controlled by, or is under common control or ownership with any other person as determined by the Federal Trade Commission by rule. Directs the Commission to promulgate such rules no later than six months after the enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 1976
Amends the Clayton Act to expand the definition of the term, "purchaser" as it relates to the prohibition against price discrimination between purchasers in transactions where commodities are sold for resale. States that the term "purchaser" shall include any person who receives a commodity for resale from an affiliate. Defines the term, "affiliate" as any person who directly or indirectly controls, is controlled by, or is under common control or ownership with any other person as determined by the Federal Trade Commission by rule. Directs the Commission to promulgate such rules no later than six months after the enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 1976
Expresses the sense of the House that the President should initiate discussions leading to negotiations with other nations to restrain the growth of palm oil imports into the United States. Calls upon development agencies to make an analysis of the impact of support of the production in developing countries of specific agricultural commodities for export on agricultural adjustments in other nations. Calls for action by the United States and development agencies to insure that the resources available for agricultural development in the developing nations of the world are directed at the relief of hunger and malnutrition.
United States · United States Congress · 26 August 1976
Authorizes the President to issue a proclamation designating the week beginning October 3, 1976, and ending October 9, 1976, as "National Volunteer Firemen Week."
United States · United States Congress · 9 August 1976
Designates the following trails for study as potential additions to the national trails system: (1) Bartram Trail, extending through Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee; (2) Daniel Boone Trail, extending through North Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, and Kentucky; (3) Desert Trail, extending through Washington, Idaho, Oregon, California, Nevada, and Arizona; (4) Dominguez-Escalante Trail, extending through New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, and Arizona; (5) Florida Trail; (6) Indian Nations Trail, Oklahoma; (7) Nez Perce Trail, extending through Oregon, Idaho, and Montana; and (8) Pacific Northwest Trail, extending through Washington, Idaho, and Montana.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1976
Federal Program Information Act - Creates a Federal Program Information Center to establish and maintain a computerized program information system which is capable of identifying all existing Federal domestic assistance programs. Requires that such identification include enough information to allow a prospective beneficiary to determine whether or not he qualifies for such program by utilizing the system. Directs the President to publish an annual catalog of such programs which includes all information in the Center's data base. Authorizes to be appropriated $700,000 for fiscal year 1977, $800,000 for fiscal year 1978, $900,000 for fiscal year 1979, and $1,000,000 for fiscal year 1980.
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 · 29 July 1976
Palm Oil and Palm Oil Products Inspection and Identification Act - Prohibits the importation of palm oil and palm oil products unless the Secretary of Agriculture certifies that such products are pure and wholesome and meet sanitation standards. Authorizes the Secretary to establish such standards, and to inspect such imports. Requires that such imports meet the packaging and labeling requirements in effect in the United States and specify the country of origin. Makes all palm oil in the United States subject to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Sets forth labeling requirements for palm oil in the United States Imposes a fine of not more than $1,000, or imprisonment of not more than one year, or both, for violation of this Act. Increases such penalties to a fine of not more than $10,000, or imprisonment for not more than three years, or both, when such violation includes an intent to defraud.
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 · 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 · 23 June 1976
Repeals the regulation promulgated by the Federal Trade Commission which subjects purchasers of notes of consumers to defenses such consumers have against the seller of goods or services to whom such consumer issued such note, and prohibits holder in due course protection for such purchasers. Prohibits the Commission from promulgating such a rule in the future.
United States · United States Congress · 18 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 · 9 June 1976
Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to require that when any imported article, the container of which is required to be marked under such Act, is removed from the container and offered for sale in a new package, such new package shall be marked to indicate the country of origin. Directs the seizure and forfeiture of articles offered for sale in violation of this Act. Makes such requirements inapplicable to cases in which the Secretary of the Treasury finds that compliance would necessitate substantial changes in customary trade practices.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1976
Amends the National Trails System Act to direct a study of the feasibility and desirability of designating the Bartram Trail, Louisiana, a National Scenic Trail.
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 · 11 May 1976
National Food Stamp Reform Act - Redefines the meaning of the term "food" as used in the Food Stamp Act of 1964 to include seeds and plants for garden use. Redefines the term "household" to delete the requirement that individuals sharing common living quarters be related in order to qualify as a household. Defines the term "nutritionally adequate diet. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish uniform national standards of eligibility for participation by households in the Food Stamp program. States that no household shall be eligible if its income exceeds the income poverty guideline for a household of its size as prescribed by the Office of Management and Budget. Stes forth standards by which the income of a household shall be determined. Excludes from gross income Federal, State, and local taxes, and necessary expenses incurred in self-employment. Establishes limits on the value of liquid and nonliquid assets owned or being purchased by a household for purposes of determining eligibility. Specifies types of holdings which are to be included in determining the value of the household's assets. Authorizes the Secretary to establish temporary emergency eligibility standards for households which are victims of a disaster. States that no household shall be eligible for participation in the Food Stamp program which includes an able-bodied adult between the ages of 18 and 65 who: (1) incurs a reduction of income as a result of voluntarily reducing his or her number of hours of employment without good cause; (2) fails to register for employment at a State or Federal employment office; (3) has refused to accept employment or public work within 30 miles of the person's principal residence; or (4) fails to actively seek employment. Excludes from this class of ineligible individuals mothers with dependent children, primary or secondary school students, postsecondary level students or trainees' employed part-time, enrollees in a drug addiction or alcoholic treatment program, and persons working at least 30 hours per week. States that refusel to work at a plant site because of a strike or other labor dispute shall be deemed to be a refusal to accept employment. Declares that no person shall be eligible who is not a citizen or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence. States that no individual shall be considered a household member for food stamp program purposes who: (1) has reached his eighteenth birthday; (2) is enrolled in an institution of higher education; and (3) is properly claimed or could be claimed as a dependent by a taxpayer who is not a member of an eligible household. Declares that no household that knowingly transfers liquid or nonliquid assets for the purpose of qualifying or attempting to qualify for the food stamp program shall be eligible to participate in the program for a minimum of 90 days. States that no individual shall be eligible for participation in the Food Stamp program who resides in a State in which the Supplemental Security Income benefit has been increased specifically to include the bonus value of food coupon allotments. Requires food coupons to be designed with spaces for the user to sign upon receipt and redemption. Requires coupon users to present suitable identification; including signature and photograph, when redeeming coupons at approved food stores. States that the value of the food coupon allotment to which eligible households will be entitled shall be an amount sufficient to allow a household to purchase a nutritionally adequate diet. Requires the semi-annual adjustment of the value of an allotment based on changes in the cost of living. Sets the charge for a household coupon allotment at 30 percent of the household's monthly income. Requires State agencies administering the food stamp program to conduct nutrition education programs for food coupon recipients. Establishes a plan whereby the States will pay two and one-half percent of the bonus value of the food coupon allotments made to State residents each month of fiscal year 1977, with an additional two and one-half percent added annually until the States pay ten percent of such bonus value each year.
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 · 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.
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