United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1978
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to authorize any taxpayer to elect to have any portion of any overpayment of tax or any contribution in money which the taxpayer forwards with the return for such taxable year be available, as the taxpayer may designate on such return, for the National Endowment for the Arts or the National Endowment for the Humanities.
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1978
Surface Transportation Assistance Act - Title I: Federal Aid Highway Act - Amends the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956 to revise and extend the authorization for appropriations for the Interstate Highway System through fiscal year 1992. Sets forth a formula for the apportionment of a portion of such funds for fiscal years 1980 through 1983. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to apportion such amounts in a specified manner for fiscal year 1980. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1982 for specified highway programs. Stipulates that the Federal share of railroad-highway crossing demonstration projects under the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1973 shall be 95 percent of the cost of such a project. Establishes a cutoff date for the designation and completion of the Interstate Highway System. Authorizes the Secretary to approve projects for resurfacing, restoring, and rehabilitating lanes on the Interstate System which have been in use for more than five years. Sets forth the Federal share of the costs of such projects. Increases the Federal share for specified highway programs. Authorizes the Secretary to approve a State's request for the retention of certain outdoor advertising where the sign or display was in existence on May 5, 1976. Authorizes the Secretary to approve Federal participation in State projects for replacing unsafe highway bridges which are not on the Federal-aid system. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to States for traffic control signalization projects designed to conserve motor fuel and decrease traffic congestion. Directs the Secretary to allocate funds made available for pavement marking demonstration programs in a manner deemed by the Secretary most appropriate to expedite the completion of pavement markings on all highways. Increases the amount of appropriations authorized for the construction of bridges across Federal dams which may be expended as an emergency fund to meet additional costs. Amends the Appalachian Regional Development Act of 1965 to increase the Federal share for construction projects on the Appalachian development highway system and to increase the authorized mileage for such system. Establishes a ceiling on obligations for Federal- aid highways and highway construction projects for fiscal year 1979. Amends the Energency Highway Emergy Conservation Act to authorize the Secretary to approve carpool projects in urbanized areas. Authorizes the reapportionment of funds not used by a State for the Interstate System to another State which has obligated all of its apportionment. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out access control demonstration projects designed to demonstrate whether preserving the capacity of existing highways to move traffic safely by acquiring and controlling the right of access to such highways is a cost effective alternative to the construction of additional highways. Bikeway Transportation Act - Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to States and municipalities for the construction of bikeways in urbanized areas. Stipulates that the Federal share of such a project shall be 80 percent of its cost. Authorizes appropriations for such grants for fiscal years 1979 through 1982. Stipulates that upon repayment of a specified sum by the State of Indiana to the Treasurer of the United States, Interstate Route 80/90 shall be free of all restrictions with respect to the imposition and collection of tolls. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct a demonstration project in a metropolitan area of 500,000 or more population to restrict the access of motor vehicles to the central business district during peak traffic hours in order to determine the practicability of this method in reducing motor vehicle congestion. Directs the Secretary to conduct a demonstration project on the Interstate System to place vending machines in rest and recreation areas located on the rights-of-way of such System. Directs the Secretary to designate a portion of State Highway Numbered 17 in Richmond, California as part of the Interstate System. Exempts the facility owned by the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority on the right-of-way of interstate route I-81 in New York State from certain restrictions prohibiting commercial establishments on such a right-of-way. Authorizes the Secretary to approve certain construction projects with respect to interstate route I-90 in New York State. Authorizes the Secretary to provide for the construction of spur highways to connect the Great River Road with existing bridges across the Mississippi River. Directs the Secretary to reimburse the Federal share of the cost of constructing a new toll bridge across the Ohio River at Huntington, West Virginia. Prohibits the expenditure of Federal funds to erect or modify road signs solely using the metric system unless specifically authorized by Congress. Requires each State to annually report to the Secretary regarding State enforcement of its vehicle weight limitations on the Federal-aid system. Amends the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1973 to authorize appropriations to the State of New Hampshire for expenditure on Federal-aid highways (other than Interstate System highways) which serve as alternative routes to the Franconia Notch Parkway. Directs the Secretary to carry out a demonstration project permitting a State to sell State lottery tickets at publicly owned rest and recreation areas on the rights-of-way of the Interstate System in such State. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out a demonstration project on the Federal-aid primary system for the construction of a bypass highway around Prairie Creek Redwood State Park in Humbolt County, California. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study on the feasibility of an additional bridge across the Columbia River between Vancouver, Washington, and Portland, Oregon. Directs the Secretary to carry out a rural highway public transportation demonstration project in the Sherman, Texas - Denison, Texas area. Title II: Highway Safety Act - Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1982 for specified highway safety programs. Amends the Highway Safety Act of 1973 to authorize appropriations through fiscal year 1982 for projects to eliminate hazards relating to rail-highway crossings. Requires each State to annually certify to the Secretary that it is enforcing the national maximum speed limit. Directs the Secretary to reduce a State's apportionment for Federal-aid highway funds if the percentage of motor vehicles exceeding 55 miles per hour exceeds a specified percentage. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1979 through 1982 to the Secretary of Transportation for the acquisition, storage, and retrieval of highway accident data and for establishing procedures for reporting accidents on a nationwide basis. Abolishes the National Highway Safety Advisory Committee. Authorizes the Secretary to waive State highway safety program standards for projects to identify highway accident causes and to reduce accidents. Directs the Secretary to carry out six pilot projects designed, through the use of television and radio, to develop and evaluate methods to achieve maximum measurable effectiveness in reducing traffic accidents, injuries, and death. Authorizes appropriations for such purpose. Title III: Urban Mass Transportation Act Amendments - Amends the Urban Mass Transportation Act to repeal the provision which allows States or local public bodies to use Federal urban mass transportation assistance for the payment of operating expenses for mass transportation services. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1982 for specified projects under such Act. Requires that a specified portion of such appropriations be used for grants for intercity bus service. Directs the Secretary to apportion authorizations for the urban mass transit program according to a specified formula for fiscal years 1979 through 1982. Removes specified restrictions regarding the availability of fellowships for public transportation training programs. Authorizes general appropriations to carry out the provisions of the Urban Mass Transportation Act through fiscal year 1982. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress monthly regarding the funding of projects under such Act. Revises the Federal operating assistance program for the provision of rail passenger service under such Act. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1982 for such program. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to States and local bodies to acquire, construct, or alter facilities for use in providing intercity bus service and in coordinating such service with other modes of transportation. Stipulates that the Federal share of such a project shall be 80 percent of its net cost. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1982 to carry out such program. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1982 for the liquidation of obligations incurred for public mass transit projects substituted for routes on the Interstate Highway System. Authorizes the Secretary to convert specified mass transportation equipment and facilities loans to grants under specified conditions. Directs the Secretary to make a full and complete investigation and study of establishing and operating a mass transportation system which would provide basic services with a minimum of amenities at low costs and to report the results of such study to Congress. Directs the Secretary to carry out a demonstration project using high speed jetfoil transportation facilities and operating between the Long Branch, New Jersey area, Sandy Hook State Park, and New York, New York to determine the feasibility of utilizing this technology in providing certain public mass transportation service. Authorizes appropriations to carry out such project. Title IV: Prohibits the awarding of grants of more than $5,000,000 for the acquisition of any steel or rolling stock for fixed rail service unless substantially all the steel to be acquired has been domestically produced. Sets forth exceptions to this requirement. Provides for Congressional review of certain rules and regulations relating to highways or urban mass transportation.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1978
Directs the Secretary of the Interior to accept a donation from the National Council for the Encouragement of Patriotism of the property known as the Highway of Flags Servicemen's Memorial in Lake County, Indiana. Directs the Secretary to designate such property as the Highway of Flags National Servicemen's Memorial and to administer it as a national monument.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1978
Expresses the condemnation by the Congress of the March 11, 1978, attack on Israel by the Palestine Liberation Organization, and the expressed intention of the PLO to continue such attacks and to disrupt the peace efforts between Israel and Egypt. Requests the President to make the disapproval of the Congress known to governments approving the PLO attack. Expresses Congressional approval of the peace efforts between Israel and Egypt. Urges other Middle East countries to join such efforts. Declares negotiation to be the best way to bring peace to the Middle East.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1978
Flexible Parity Act - Title I: Wheat - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to provide for the 1978 crop of wheat a sliding-scale of established prices, keyed to voluntary five percent increments above the required acreage set-aside level, ranging from $3.00 per bushel for a 20 percent set-aside up to $5.04 per bushel for a 50 percent set-aside. Title II: Feed Grains - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to provide for the 1978 crop of feed grains a sliding-scale of established prices, keyed to voluntary five percent increments above the required acreage set-aside level, ranging from $2.10 for a ten percent set-aside up to $3.45 for a 50 percent set-aside. Title III: Upland Cotton - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to provide for the 1978 crop of upland cotton a sliding-scale of established prices, keyed to voluntary five percent increments above the required acreage set-aside level, ranging from 54 cents per pound for a 20 percent set-aside up to 84 cents per pound for a 50 percent set-aside. Title IV: Grain Release Prices - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949: (1) to prohibit the Secretary of Agriculture from providing for the redemption of stored wheat and feed grains loans unless the market price for such commodities is not less than parity; (2) to prohibit the Secretary from calling such loans until the market price for wheat and feed grains is at least 105 percent of parity; and (3) to prohibit the Commodity Credit Corporation from selling its stocks of wheat and feed grains for less than the parity price of such commodities.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1978
Legislative Oversight Act - Title I: Requirements for Authorization Bills - Requires all legislation considered by either House of Congress which authorizes new budget authority or increased tax expenditures to include a statement of objectives of the program to be authorized or established and a requirement that the agencies administering the program report annually to Congress to assist it in determining whether such program should be amended. Requires such agency reports to list the costs and accomplishments of each program. Title II: Requirements for Reports Accompanying Authorization Bills - Requires committee reports accompanying such legislation to identify expected economic and social costs and benefits of new programs authorized or established by such legislation, potentially duplicative programs, and previous efforts to accomplish the objectives of the program being considered. Requires reports to contain, if the legislation continues an existing program, authorization, or tax expenditure, an assessment of the degree to which such program or tax expenditure has met previously stated objectives. Requires the Comptroller General to publish and periodically update a descriptive catalog of interrelated Federal activities which compares program costs and accomplishments and describes program interrelationships, including the extent to which programs are duplicative. Title III: Presidential Budget Recommendations - Requires the President's budget to describe the relationship between the President's recommended program budgets and the program accomplishments reported by Federal agencies under this Act. Title IV: Authorization Time Limit; Certain Obligations not Impaired - Prohibits congressional consideration of any legislation which authorizes new budget authority or provides new or increased tax expenditures, or new spending authority for a period exceeding five years. Exempts from this prohibition national debt service and payments to individuals from Federal trust funds to which such individuals have contributed. Title V: Miscellaneous Provisions; Effective Date - Recognizes the authority of either House to amend this Act. Sets the effective date of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1978
Veterans' and Survivors' Pension Improvement Act - Title I: Amendments to Pension Program for Non-service-connected Disability or Death - Revises the list of specified catagories of payments excluded from the determination of annual income for benefit payment purposes. Requires persons applying for a non-service-connected disability pension to report the income and estate of each spouse and child on account of whom added pension is applied for or received. Sets increased flat pension and aid-and-attendance allowance rates, reduced by the amount of a veteran's annual income, and in specified instances, by the amount of a spouse's or child's income which is reasonably available to or for such veteran. Sets increased flat benefit rates, with similar reductions, for the surviving spouses and children of such veterans. Requires annual adjustments in such pension and benefit rates in conjunction with cost-of-living increases in Social Security benefits. Title II: Miscellaneous Provisions and Effective Dates - Sets the effective dates for provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 December 1977
Directs the Secretary of Agriculture: (1) to use specified funds to maintain adequate supplies and prices for perishable agricultural commodities; and (2) to increase periodically the loan rates and target prices for 1977 through 1981 for wheat, feed grains, upland cotton, rice, peanuts, soybeans, and sugar, to reflect cost-of-living increases granted to individuals in the public and private sector or to reflect increases in the minimum wage.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 1977
Declares that the President should establish a Commission on Domestic and International Hunger and Malnutrition which should: (1) collect and generate information and resources on food, hunger, malnutrition and related concerns; (2) assess current programs affecting domestic and international hunger and malnutrition; (3) analyze and report its findings and recommendations to the President, the Congress, and the public; and (4) assist the President and the Congress in implementing its recommendations.
United States · United States Congress · 8 September 1977
District of Columbia Appropriation Act - Title I: Temporary Commission on Financial Oversight of the District of Columbia - Appropriates to the District of Columbia for fiscal year 1978, $3,000,000 for salaries and expenses for the Temporary Commission on Financial Oversight of the District of Columbia. Title II: District of Columbia - Appropriates to the District of Columbia for fiscal year 1978: (1) $295,350,000 as the Federal payment for the District and $28,116,000 in lieu of reimbursement for water and sewer services furnished to the United States Government facilities, (2) $110,000,000 for capital outlay loans; (3) $90,783,000 for general operating expenses of which $799,300 shall be payable from the revenue sharing trust fund; (4) $648,000 for an additional amount for general operating expenses; (5) $264,069,000 for public safety; (6) $150,000 for an additional amount for public safety; (7) $264,876,600 for education of which $7,722,800 shall be payable from the revenue sharing trust fund, and $4,000,000 from funds received under the Public Works Employment Act; (8) $2,800,000 for an additional amount for education; (9) $17,639,100 for recreation, of which $208,200 shall be payable from the revenue sharing trust fund; (10)$285,865,500 for human resources, of which $6,520,000 shall be payable from the revenue sharing trust fund; (11) $1,486,500 for an additional amount for human resources; (12) $59,834,500 for transportation, of which $6,262,300 shall be payable from the revenue sharing trust fund; (13) $704,300 of the amount for interest payments on Memorial revenue bonds appropriated for fiscal year 1977 which shall be available for the District's share of the Memorial operating subsidy for fiscal year 1978; (14) $1,309,100 for an additional amount for transportation; (15) $908,900 of the amount appropriated for fiscal year 1976 and $3,034,200 of the amount appropriated for the period July 1, 1976 through September 30, 1976, for the Metrobus operating subsidy which shall be available for the District's share of the Metrobus revenues bonds which shall be available for the District's share of the Metrorail operating subsidy; (17) $68,519,100 for environmental services, of which $1,500,000 shall be payable from the revenue sharing trust fund; (18) $65,549,400 for personal services (pay increases and related costs); (19) $435,300 for an additional amount for personal services; (20) $12,000 for an additional amount for settlement of claims and suits; (20) $115,768,500 for repayment of Federal loans; and (21) $168,757,900 for reimbursement to the United States of funds loaned for capital outlay (construction projects). Authorizes (1) obligational authority of $1,279,070 for expenditures in the fiscal year ending June 30, 1976, and the period July 1, 1976 through September 30, 1976, for Federal disability payments; (2) obligational authority of $449,500 for such period for the District's unemployment compensation; and (3) obligational authority of $700,000 for expenses under the Criminal Justice Act of 1974 incurred in fiscal years 1975,1976, and 1977. Requires vouchers for expenditures under this Title to be audited before payment by the designated certifying official, and such vouchers to be paid by checks issued by the designated disbursing official. Stipulates that when an amount is specified within an appropriation for a particular purpose under this Title it shall be considered as the maximum available for such purpose rather than an amount set apart exclusively therefor. Appropriates from the District's applicable funds sums necessary for the payment of judgments against the District. Prohibits the use of any funds for certain purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat as a scholarship and to exclude from gross income any amount received by a member of a uniformed service under the Armed Forces health professions scholarship program.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1977
Authorizes the President of the United States to designate the week beginning on the Sunday preceding the fourth Thursday in November of each year as "National Family Week".
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1977
Amends the Small Business Act to reduce the rate of interest on the Small Business Administration's portion of disaster relief loans with respect to major disaster of specified forms occurring on or after April 1, 1977, and prior to June 6, 1977, to three percent per annum. Applies provisions of this Act pertaining to special hardship cases to such disasters. Authorizes the Administration to make cash grants to an individual on a fixed income whose residence was destroyed in a disaster.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1977
Provides that the lake referred to as "Laurel River Lake" on the Laurel River, Kentucky, shall hereafter be known as the "John Sherman Cooper Lake," and that the dam forming such lake shall hereafter be referred to as the "John Sherman Cooper Dam."
United States · United States Congress · 29 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 · 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 · 23 February 1977
Title I: Organization - Establishes the Defense Civil Preparedness Agency within the Department of Defense to be headed by a civilian Assistant Secretary of Defense for Civil Preparedness. Declares it the sense of Congress that the Federal Disaster Assistance Administration can best accomplish its interagency coordinating functions through the Executive Office of the President and that the Administrator of the Administration should report to the Director of the Officer of Management and Budget. Establishes a National Emergency Service Advisory Committee to consult with the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Civil Preparedness and the Administrator of the Federal Disaster Assistance Administration regarding civil defense policies. Title II: Powers and Duties - Enumerates the powers and duties of the Assistant Secretary including: (1) the preparation of national programs for civil defense; (2) research and development of civil defense measures; (3) conducting civil defense instruction programs including the establishment of a National Civil Defense College; (4) assisting and encouraging States to enter into interstate civil defense compacts; (5) the procurement of civil defense materials and facilities by contract or by condemnation in the event the President declares a state of national emergency; (6) making financial contributions to the States for civil defense programs under specified conditions; (7) assuming responsibility for the coordination of the national defense executive reserve program; and (8) assuming responsibility for United States participation in NATO and other international civil emergency planning activities. Stipulates that the Federal Disaster Assistance Administration shall assume responsibility for all programs relating to peacetime crisis management including postattack rehabilitation. Requires the Assistant Secretary to assist States in arranging mutual civil defense aid between the States and neighboring countries. Authorizes the Assistant Secretary to prescribe insignia to be worn by persons engaged in civil defense activities and establishes penalties for the wearing of such insignia in violation of regulations prescribed by the Assistant Secretary. Authorizes the Assistant Secretary to make financial contributions to the States for State civil defense personnel and administrative expenses pursuant to approved State civil defense plans. Title III: Emergency Authority - Stipulates that the provisions of this title shall only be in effect during the existence of a State of civil defense emergency proclaimed by the President or by concurrent resolution of the Congress. Authorizes the President during such an emergency to direct any Federal department or agency to: (1) provide their personnel and materials to the States; (2) provide emergency shelter; and (3) engage in work to protect life and property on public or private lands. Sets forth the powers of the Assistant Secretary during such an emergency including: (1) the sale or delivery of materials and services for civil defense purposes regardless of existing laws; (2) the exercise of specified authority under this Act regardless of existing law; (3) reimbursing a State for employee expenses and for materials utilized outside that State; (4) providing financial assistance to aid injured civilians; (5) employing additional personnel regardless of civil service laws. Grants the Federal Government immunity from liability for any property damages, personal injury, or death in carrying out the provisions of this title during such emergency. Stipulates that during such an emergency the functions and duties exercised under this Act shall be excluded from the provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act. Sets forth procedures for the determination and payment of compensation for property acquired by the Federal government under this title. Title IV: General Provisions - Sets forth the administrative powers of the Assistant Secretary under this Act. Directs the Assistant Secretary to establish any necessary security requirements and safeguards including restrictions on the access of information. Transfers the functions, personnel, and funds of the Office of Preparedness, General Services Administration to the Defense Civil Preparedness Agency and the Federal Disaster Assistance Administration. Requires the Assistant Secretary to submit annual reports to Congress and the President regarding the Defense Civil Preparedness Agency. Authorizes appropriations in such amounts as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt aircraft used primarily for agricultural operation from the excise tax on civil aircraft. Provides for the refund of the excise tax on gasoline used for farming purposes in an aircraft to the aerial applicator who purchased it.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1977
Eliminates the provision in the Veterans' Assistance and Employment Act of 1976 which prohibits colleges and universities from receiving Veterans' Administration educational benefits for classes in which more than 85 percent of the enrollment is composed of students having their fees paid either by the Federal Government or the institutions themselves.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1977
Amends Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to reduce the requirements for eligibility for disability benefits for blind persons. Requires that a blind individual have at least six quarters of coverage to be eligible for disability benefits. Sets forth a method of computing the average monthly wage of a blind individual for the purpose of determining such individual's primary insurance amount. Provides that in no case shall such amount be less than the amount which would be determined without regard to an individual's blindness. States that no reductions will be made from the benefits to which a person is entitled because of such person's refusal to accept State-approved rehabilitative services under the Vocational Rehabilitation Act. Continues the payment of such benefits as long as blindness lasts, the amount of an individual's earnings notwithstanding.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 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 · 31 January 1977
Declares the support of the House of Representatives for the President's intentions (1) to proceed with a comprehensive nuclear test ban treaty, (2) to seek ratification of the SALT II agreement, and (3) to seek an agreement with the Soviet Union for major reductions in atomic weapons.
United States · United States Congress · 13 January 1977
World War I Pension Act - Requires the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to pay (in addition to any already paid) a monthly pension of $150 to each veteran of World War I who meets specified service requirements, or to the surviving spouse of each such veteran, or when there is no surviving spouse, to the child or children of each such veteran.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Extends veterans benefits to those persons recognized as members of the United States military forces serving between November 12, 1918, and July 2, 1921.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Increases from three to five years the term for which a license to operate a radio broadcasting station may be issued, and for which such licenses may be renewed under the Communications Act of 1934. Sets standards against which the Federal Communications Commission shall weigh an application for renewal of a license.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Amends the Local Public Works Capital Development and Investment Act of 1976 to increase the amount authorized to be appropriated under such Act to $6,000,000,000.
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 · 10 August 1976
District of Columbia Appropriation Act - Appropriates funds for fiscal year 1977 for the Federal payment to the District of Columbia as authorized by the District of Columbia Self-Government and Governmental Reorganization Act. Appropriates additional funds for loans to the District of Columbia pursuant to such Act. Appropriates designated amounts out of the general fund of the District of Columbia for fiscal year 1976 and the transitional quarter for the following categories of uses: (1) general operating expenses; (2) public safety; (3) education; (4) recreation; (5) human resources; (6) transportation; (7) environmental services; (8) personal services; (9) settlement of claims and suits; (10) repayment of loans and interest; and (11) capital outlay. Sets limits on the amount of funds appropriated by the Act which may be made available for travel expenses. Prohibits the use of appropriated funds in connection with the preparation or enforcement of any regulation or order of the Public Service Commission requiring installation of meters in taxicabs, or in connection with the licensing of any vehicle to be operated as a taxicab except for operation in accordance with a system of uniform zones and rates. Prohibits the use of appropriated funds to pay for electricity for street lighting at a rate exceeding two cents per kilowatt-hour. Makes funds available for public assistance without reference to provisions in the District of Columbia Code requiring that each person receiving such assistance receive an amount not less than that determined by the District of Columbia Council to be necessary to meet such individual's minimum needs. Limits the percentage of funds appropriated for personnel compensation which may be used to pay the cost of overtime or temporary positions. Prohibits the use of funds to compensate any District of Columbia employee (1) who is appointed as a full-time employee to a permanent position when the total number of such employees exceeds 35,250 or (2) who is appointed as a temporary or part-time employee during any month in which the number of such employees exceeds the number of such employees for the same month in the preceding year.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 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 · 23 June 1976
National Diabetes Advisory Board Act - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish a National Diabetes Advisory Board to insure the implementation of the long-range plan formulated by the National Commission on Diabetes to combat diabetes. Specifies seven Federal health officers as members of the Board, in addition to seven health professionals and five members of the general public to be appointed by the Secretary. Makes provision for staffing and compensation. Authorizes the Board to enter into contracts or other arrangements, or to take such other action as may be necessary to carry out its functions. Authorizes the Board to engage in and sponsor activities, collect data, and provide technical assistance as it deems necessary and advisable in the performance of its functions. Requires the Board to submit simultaneously to the President and Congress an Annual Diabetes Report describing Board activities in the prior year and progress made in diabetes research, treatment, and education with specific reference to the long-range plan to combat diabetes mellitus and suggesting recommended future expenditures and legislation. Authorizes the appropriation of $500,000 for fiscal year 1976 and such sums as are necessary for each of the four fiscal years thereafter. Authorizes the Secretary to make distinguished scientist awards to individual scientists who have shown continuous and outstanding productivity in diabetes research for the purpose of continuing such research. Limits the amount of each grant to no more than $35,000 per year. Authorizes the appropriation of specified amounts for the purpose of making such grants in fiscal years 1976-1980. Authorizes, under the Public Health Service Act, the appropriation of specified sums in fiscal years 1977-1981 for the purpose of making grants to centers for research and training in diabetes mellitus and related endocrine and metabolic disorders.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1976
Establishes in the House of Representatives a select committee to be known as the Select Committee on Narcotics Abuse and Control. Provides that the select committee shall conduct a continuing comprehensive study and review of the problems of narcotics abuse and control and shall review any recommendations made by the President, or by any department or agency of the executive branch of the Federal Government, relating to programs or policies affecting narcotics abuse or control. Authorizes the select committee to conduct field investigations or inspections. Requires the select committee to submit an annual report to the House which shall include a summary of the activities of the select committee during the calendar year to which such report applies.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 1976
Extends the delimiting period in the case of any eligible veteran who is pursuing, during his or her tenth year of eligibility, a program of education. Terminates such extension on whichever of the following dates first occurs: (1) the date on which the veteran completes, or ceases to pursue, the program he was pursuing in his tenth year of eligibility; or (2) the last day of the 11-year period beginning on the date of his discharge from active duty. (Adds 38 U.S.C. 1662(e))
United States · United States Congress · 16 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 · 21 May 1976
District of Columbia Appropriation Act - Appropriates funds for fiscal year 1976 and the transitional quarter for the Federal payment to the District of Columbia as authorized by the District of Columbia Self-Government and Governmental Reorganization Act. Appropriates additional funds for loans to the District of Columbia pursuant to such Act. Appropriates designated amounts out of the general fund of the District of Columbia for fiscal year 1976 and the transitional quarter for the following categories of uses: (1) general operating expenses; (2) public safety; (3) education; (4) recreation; (5) human resources; (6) transportation; (7) environmental services; (8) personal services; (9) settlement of claims and suits; (10) repayment of loans and interest; (11) Bicentennial services; and (12) capital outlay. Sets limits on the amount of funds appropriated by the Act which may be made available for travel expenses. Prohibits the use of appropriated funds in connection with the preparation or enforcement of any regulation or order of the Public Service Commission requiring installation of meters in taxicabs, or in connection with the licensing of any vehicle to be operated as a taxicab except for operation in accordance with a system of uniform zones and rates. Prohibits the use of appropriated funds to pay for electricity for street lighting at a rate exceeding two cents per kilowatt-hour. Makes funds available for public assistance without reference to provisions in the District of Columbia Code requiring that each person receiving such assistance receive an amount not less than that determined by the District of Columbia Council to be necessary to meet such individual's minimum needs. Limits the percentage of funds appropriated for personal compensation which may be used to pay the cost of overtime or temporary positions. Prohibits the use of funds to compensate any District of Columbia employee (1) who is appointed as a full-time employee to a permanent position when the total number of such employees exceeds 39,619 or (2) who is appointed as a temporary or part-time employee during any month in which the number of such employees exceeds the number of such employees for the same month in the preceding year.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1976
Regulatory Reform Act - States that the purpose of this Act is to require that over a period of five years the President annually submit to the Congress for action a plan designed to eliminate unnecessary or harmful regulation by Federal regulatory agencies. Specifies that each such plan shall establish more efficient organizational and administrative forms for the regulation of commerce, and shall attempt to increase regulatory agency accountability and responsiveness to the public interest. Directs the President to submit plans regarding (1) regulation of banking and finance, by the last day of March 1977, for specified agencies; (2) regulation of energy and environmental matters, by the last day of March 1978, for specified agencies; (3) regulation of commerce, transportation, and communications, by the last day of March 1979, for specified agencies; (4) regulation of food, health and safety, and unfair or deceptive trade practices, by the last day of March 1980, for specified agencies; and (5) regulation of labor, housing, Government procurement, and small businesses by the last day of March 1981, for specified agencies. States that each such plan shall include recommendations for the transfer or elimination of functions, for procedural reforms, for the modification or abolition of Federal agencies, and for increasing economic competition. States that if the Congress fails to enact comprehensive regulatory reform legislation, all rules of any agency specified under this Act shall cease to be effective unless Congress has otherwise provided.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 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 · 13 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 · 8 April 1976
Local Public Works Capital Development and Investment Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the Economic Development Administration, to make grants to any State or local government for local public works projects, including but not limited to: (1) those public works projects of State and local governments for which Federal financial assistance is authorized under provisions of law other than this Act; and (2) the architectural design, engineering, and related planning of local public works projects. Stipulates that the Federal share of any project for which a grant is made under this Act shall be 100 percent of the cost of such project. Authorizes the Secretary to make an additional grant for the purpose of increasing to 100 percent the Federal contribution to a public works project for which Federal financial assistance is authorized under provisions of law other than this Act. Stipulates that no such grants shall be made for any project which has as its principal purpose the channelization, damming, dredging, or diversion of a natural watercourse, or the enlargement of any canal other than a canal designated as a historic site. Directs the Secretary to prescribe rules, regulations, and procedures necessary to carry out this Act. Lists factors that the Secretary shall consider in accordance with the relative needs of the various sections of the country, with priority consideration to those areas where unemployment exceeds the national average. Stipulates that not less than one-half of one percent nor more than ten percent of all amounts authorized under this title shall be allocated for local public works projects within any one State. Authorizes the appropriation of $2,500,000,000 through fiscal year 1977 in order to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1976
Declares that large concentrations of starlings, grackles, blackbirds, and other birds in Kentucky and Tennessee pose a hazard to public health and safety. Declares that an emergency exists requiring immediate action with insufficient time for compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior, upon certification by the Governor of either or both States, to treat roosts with greater than 500,000 birds with chemicals approved for bird control purposes. Declares that the provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and the Federal Environmental Pesticide Control Act shall not apply to any such blackbird control activities undertaken by Kentucky or Tennessee on or before April 15, 1976, or by the Federal Government within those States.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1976
Makes retroactive to November 1, 1953, the service time period requirement for eligibility to survivors' annuities paid to family members of armed forces personnel.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 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 · 23 October 1975
Condemns the resolution adopted by the Third Committee of the United Nations General Assembly which equates Zionism with racism, and urges the U.N. General Assembly to disapprove such resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1975
Authorizes the President to issue a proclamation designating the week in November which includes Thanksgiving Day in each year as "National Family Week."
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 1975
Authorizes payment under the supplementary medical insurance program of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act for optometric and medical vision care.
![Official portrait of Rep. Natcher, William H. [D-KY-2]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/n000009_200.jpg)