United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1976
Directs the Secretary of the Treasury and other Federal officials to initiate negotiations within the framework of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development and the International Monetary Fund with the intent of developing an appropriate code of conduct and specific trading obligations among governments, together with suitable procedures for the settlement of disputes.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1976
Stipulates that no rule or regulation which is issued pursuant to the Food Stamp Act of 1964 and which is to become effective after February 13, 1976, shall become effective until the enactment of legislation after the date of enactment of this Act with respect to the eligibility and purchase requirements of persons receiving benefits under the Food Stamp Act of 1964.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1976
Extends from one to three years the period that a member of the uniformed services has following his retirement to select his home for purposes of travel and transportation allowances. (Amends 37 U.S.C. 404(c) and 406(g)).
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1976
Amends the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to require Federal reimbursement of owners of animals for injuries caused such animals by an endangered or threatened species inhabiting an endangered species conservation area.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1976
Reduces the rate of tax imposed under the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 on employees, employers, and the self-employed for the payment of the cost of the old-age, survivors, and disability insurance and the hospital insurance programs of the Social Security Act. Increases by 50 percent the annual Federal contribution to the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund in order to provide that one-third of the costs of the old-age, survivors, and disability insurance program shall be borne by the Federal Government. Increases the amount of an employee's wages or of the income of a self-employed person which will be subject to the social security withholding tax.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1976
Special Prosecutor Act - Directs the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, to appoint a Special Prosecutor to head an Office of Special Prosecution. Grants the Special Prosecutor exclusive jurisdiction to investigate and prosecute in the name of the United States all offenses against the United States committed by any Federal officer, employee, and agent in connection with or arising out of intelligence or counter-intelligence activities or operations. Authorizes the Special Prosecutor to take any action necessary and proper to perform the purposes of this Act. Permits the Special Prosecutor to institute, in the name of the United States, any civil action for any claim arising out of or in connection with an offense or course of conduct which such individual is authorized to investigate or prosecute. Authorizes compensation and staffing for the Office of Special Prosecution. Authorizes the Special Prosecutor to delegate any authorized functions to personnel of the Office. Transfers all files, records, documents, and other materials in the possession or control of the Department of Justice, any previous special prosecutor, or any other Federal department or agency, which relate to matters within the exclusive jurisdiction of the Special Prosecutor, to such Prosecutor. Requires each Federal department or agency to expeditiously furnish any materials requested by the Special Prosecutor unless a court of competent jurisdiction orders otherwise. Instructs the Special Prosecutor to keep inviolate and safeguard from unwarranted disclosure all materials obtained or prepared by the Office of Special Prosecution. Terminates such Office three years after the date the President first appoints a Special Prosecutor. Directs the Special Prosecutor to make a report of his activities to the President and to Congress on the first and second anniversaries of taking office and not later than 30 days after termination of the Office. Requires the Special Prosecutor to make immediate and full report to the Congress at any time a Federal agency, officer, employee, or agent fails or refuses to comply with a request or demand for information, if such failure or refusal jeopardizes an investigation or prosecution conducted under this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as are necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1976
Adoption Opportunities Act - Title I: National Registry of Adoptable Children - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish and maintain a National Registry of Adoptable Children. Requires that the Registry contain statistics on the numbers of adoptable children in the United States. Directs the Secretary to conduct a continuing national survey to develop and keep current such statistics, and to publish the Registry or make it as widely available as possible. Title II: National Data Bank of Adoption Information and Resources - Provides that the Secretary shall establish and maintain a National Data Bank of Adoption Information and Resources to assist individuals desiring to adopt children. States that the Bank will provide prospective parents with current information on pre-adoption, adoption, and post-adoption costs, and with information on adoption agencies and their services. Requires the Secretary to conduct a continuing national survey to keep the Bank's information current. Title III: Requirements Applicable to Certain Child Related Programs - Subjects specified Social Security programs or projects to whatever requirements the State, in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary, establishes for the purpose of: (1) insuring that adoption agencies which indirectly or directly federally funded are associated with an adoption service, are conducting an annual review of the status of each child under its care, and are having their expenditures periodically evaluated; (2) licensing all foster care homes in which agencies place children; and (3) promoting and administering State and local programs designed to make children under agency care legally free for adoption by qualified parents. Directs the Secretary to provide for periodic evaluation of State and local programs to insure compliance with this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 1976
Creates a seven member select committee in the House to conduct a full and complete investigation and study of the circumstances surrounding the deaths of John and Robert Kennedy, Martin Luther King, and the attempted assassination of George Wallace. Grants specified powers to the committee. Requires the committee to report to the House as soon as practicable during the present Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1976
Expresses the solidarity of the American people in efforts to enlarge human freedom by the participants in the second Brussels conference, February 17 to 19, 1976.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1976
Administrative Rulemaking Control Act - Expresses the findings of Congress that executive agencies have promulgated rules containing criminal sanctions which have often exceeded the intent of Congress. States that it is the purpose of this Act to establish a procedure whereby Congress may review specified rulemaking activities of executive agencies, thereby exercising greater control and oversight over the operations of such agencies. Requires public notice of proposed rulemaking, allowance of public participation in such rulemaking, and a public statement of the basis and purpose of any adopted rule. Provides that an administrative rule, the violation of which subjects an individual to a criminal penalty, shall take effect only: (1) if published in the Federal Register; (2) after the expiration of 30 days of continuous session of Congress after the date on which the rule was published; and (3) if neither House of Congress passes a resolution disfavoring such a rule. Sets forth procedures governing the consideration of such resolution by the Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1976
Administrative Rulemaking Control Act - Expresses the findings of Congress that executive agencies have promulgated rules containing criminal sanctions which have often exceeded the intent of Congress. States that it is the purpose of this Act to establish a procedure whereby Congress may review specified rulemaking activities of executive agencies, thereby exercising greater control and oversight over the operations of such agencies. Requires public notice of proposed rulemaking, allowance of public participation in such rulemaking, and a public statement of the basis and purpose of any adopted rule. Provides that an administrative rule, the violation of which subjects an individual to a criminal penalty, shall take effect only: (1) if published in the Federal Register; (2) after the expiration of 30 days of continuous session of Congress after the date on which the rule was published; and (3) if neither House of Congress passes a resolution disfavoring such a rule. Sets forth procedures governing the consideration of such resolution by the Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1976
Requires that regulations proposed by a Federal executive agency or independent regulatory body be submitted to Congress. Makes such rule effective 60 legislative days after submission to Congress unless either House adopts a resolution disapproving such regulation. Sets forth procedures for considering a disapproval resolution by either House. Makes this Act effective with respect to all regulations promulgated on or after the first day of the first month which begins after the date of enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1976
Title I: Land and Water Conservation Fund - Amends the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 to increase the appropriations authorized for the preservation of outdoor recreation resources. Sets such an increased sum at not less than $300,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 1971 through 1974, and not less than $1,000,000,000 for each of the fiscal years thereafter through fiscal year 1989. Stipulates that to the extent that any such sums so appropriated are not sufficient to make the total annual income of the fund $300,000,000 or $1,000,000,000 for each of such fiscal years, an amount sufficient to cover the remainder thereof shall be credited to the fund from revenues due and payable to the United States for deposit in the Treasury as miscellaneous receipts under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act. Revises procedures and criteria for the apportionment of sums from the Land and Water Conservation Fund to the States. Increases from 50 percent to 70 percent the maximum amount of Federal assistance which a State may receive for the cost of acquisition projects. Requires that all comprehensive State plans accompanying requests for assistance under the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 be submitted to areawide planning agencies for review and comment. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to consider such comments when evaluating such plan. Title II: National Historic Preservation Fund - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to make grants to States (1) for preparation of statewide historic preservation plans and surveys and project plans; (2) for projects to preserve historic properties of national significance; (3) for projects to demonstrate methods and techniques of historic preservation; and (4) for projects to restore specified historic properties for use as meeting houses in connection with the Nation's bicentennial. Limits the amount of such grants to 70 percent of the total project cost. Establishes a National Historic Preservation Fund in the Treasury of the United States. Authorizes to be paid into such fund the sum of $150,000,000 annually from revenues due and payable to the United States from mining leases under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act. Title III : Stipulates that appointments to the following Federal offices shall be made by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate: (1) Director of the Bureau of Land Management; (2) Director of the Naitonal Park Service; (3) Director of the Bureau of Outdoor Recreation; (4)Commissioner of the Bureau of Reclamation; and (5) Governor of American (Eastern) Samoa. Title IV: States Oil Shale Funds - Stipulates that all moneys paid to any State from sales, bonuses, royalties, and rentals of oil shale in public lands may be used by such State and its subdividions for planning, construction, and maintenance of public facilities, and provision of public services, as the legislature of the State may direct, giving priority to those State subdivisions socially or economically impacted by the development of the resource.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1976
Constitutional Amendment - Provides that with respect to the right to life, the word "person" as used in the fifth and fourteenth Articles of Amendment to the Constitution of the United States applies to all human beings including unborn offspring at every stage of their biological development. Provides that nothing in such article shall prohibit a law permitting only those medical procedures required to prevent the death of the mother.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1976
Amends the Environmental Quality Improvement Act of 1970 to authorize appropriations of $2,000,000 for fiscal year 1977 and for each succeeding fiscal year for the operations of the Office of Environmental Quality and the Council on Environmental Quality.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1976
Includes as a home health service under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, nutritional counseling provided by or under the supervision of a registered dietitian.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1976
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the people of Angola should be allowed to determine their own political future without foreign interference. Expresses support for efforts by the Organization of African Unity to achieve a settlement of the conflict in Angola. Calls upon all countries to terminate military assistance to any group in Angola. States that the President should do his utmost to seek an agreement among the various parties involved in hostilities or in the support of such hostilities in Angola to terminate such hostilities. Directs the President to refrain from providing assistance of any kind, for military activities in Angola, until specifically approved by Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1976
Constitutional Amendment - Provides that with respect to the right to life, the word "person" as used in the fifth and fourteenth Articles of Amendment to the Constitution of the United States applies to all human beings including unborn offspring at every stage of their biological development. Provides that nothing in such article shall prohibit a law permitting only those medical procedures required to prevent the death of the mother.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1976
Recognizes the right to a nutritionally adequate diet as a cornerstone of United States policy in areas such as trade, assistance, monetary reform and military spending. Seeks to improve food assistance programs in the United States. Calls for an increase in this nation's assistance for self-help development among the world's poorest people. Sets a target of one percent of our total national production to be spent for such assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1976
Title I: Foreign Boycotts - Foreign Boycotts Act - Makes it the policy of the United States to oppose, under the provisions of the Export Administration Act, restrictive trade practices or boycotts imposed by foreign countries against any domestic concern of the United States. Provides for the promulgation of rules by the Secretary of Commerce to require that any domestic concern which receives a request for the furnishing of information on the signing of agreements which have the effect of furthering or supporting restrictive trade practices or boycotts by foreign countries to transmit to the Secretary a report stating specified information. Authorizes the Secretary to impose a civil penalty of up to $10,000 for violations of the requirements of this Act. Title II: Disclosure - Domestic and Foreign Investment Improved Disclosure Act - Requires notification, under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, by any investor of a proposed acquisition of more than five percent of the equity securities of any United States companys, within ten days after such acquisition, to the issuer of the security, the exchange where it is traded, and the Securities and Exchange Commission. Sets forth requirements for the statement to be filed with the Commission including: (1) the background, identity, residence, and nationality of such owner and any other person on whose behalf the purchases are to be effected; (2) the source and amount of the funds or other consideration used in making the purchase; (3) the purpose of the acquisition; and (4) the number of shares which are beneficially owned. Grants the Commission authority to seek injunctive relief as it deems necessary and appropriate to secure compliance with this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 1975
Establishes a select committee in the House of Representatives to conduct an investigation of the circumstances surrounding the death of John F. Kennedy. Directs the committee to report to the House as soon as practicable during the present Congress the results of its investigation, together with such recommendation as it deems advisable.
United States · United States Congress · 17 December 1975
National Consumer Cooperative Bank Act - Title I: National Consumer Cooperative Bank - Sets for the findings of Congress that there is a need for the establishment of a National Consumer Cooperative Bank and a Cooperative Bank and Assistance Administration which will make available necessary financial and technical assistance to cooperative self-help endeavors as a means of strengthening the Nation's economy. Establishes the National Consumer Cooperative Bank. States that the Bank shall (1) encourage the development of new and existing cooperative eligible for its assistance by providing specialized credit and technical assistance; (2) minimum broad-based control of the Bank by its voting stockholders; (3) encourage broad-based ownership control and active participation by members in eligible cooperatives; (4) assure that the net savings from its operations and the operations of borrowers from the Bank are made available or accounted for to the stockholders or members of the cooperative organization ; and (5) assist in improving the quality and availability of goods and services to consumers. Authorizes the creation of no less than four nor more than twelve corporate regional banks. States that the Bank shall have the power to make and service loans, commitments for credit, guarantees, furnish financially related services, technical assistance, and issue obligations. Enumerates additional powers necessary to carry out its powers and duties under this Act. Authorizes appropriations of $250,000,000 per year for the United States to purchase class A preferred stock of the Bank. Requires the Bank to hold an annual meeting of stockholders. Permits the Bank to obtain funds through the public or private sale of its bonds, debentures, notes, and other evidences of indebtedness. Authorizes the Bank to make loans to eligible organizations which shall be repayable in not more than forty years. States that the objective of the Bank shall be to provide the type of credit needed by eligible borrowers, at the lowest reasonable cost on a sound business basis, taking into account the cost of money to the Bank. Defines "eligible cooperatives" for purposes of assistance under this title as an organization chartered or operated on a cooperative, not for profit basis for producing or furnishing goods, services, facilities, or financing primarily for the benefit of its members or voting stockholders who are ultimate consumers, if it meets specified criteria, or any other institution chartered or operated in such a way as to enhance competitive market forces or to reduce the price spread between producers and the ultimate consumers of products or services. Title II: Self-Help Development Fund - Establishes in the Treasury a Consumer Cooperative Self-Help Development Fund. Authorizes appropriations of $250,000,000 to be deposited in the Fund. Permits the Cooperative Bank and Assistance Administration to make a capital investment advance out of the Fund to any eligible cooperative if the Administration determines that the applicants' initial or supplemental capital requirements exceed its ability to obtain a Title I loan from the Bank or other sources, and the membership of the applicant consists substantially of low-income persons. Title III: Cooperative Technical Assistance - Directs the Cooperative Bank and Assistance Administration to make available information and services concerning the organization or reorganization of cooperatives to best achieve the objectives of this Act and to best provide the means through which various types of goods, services, and facilities can be made available to members and patrons. States that such assistance may include investigations, surveys, and director and management training and assistance. Authorizes appropriations to the Administration of sums necessary for the administration of this title. Title IV: The Cooperative Bank and Assistance Administration and General Provisions - Establishes the Cooperative Bank and Assistance Administration. Directs the Administration to assure that the objectives of this Act are carried out. States that until the stock of the Bank held by the United States has been fully retired the Bank shall be exempt from any form of taxation. Requires the Administration and the Board to report annually to the appropriate committees of Congress on the activities of the Administration and on the Bank's capital, operations, financial condition, the self-help development fund, and to make recommendations for legislation to improve its services. Authorizes appropriations of sums necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act, in addition to appropriations specifically authorized.
United States · United States Congress · 17 December 1975
Constitutional Amendment - States that with respect to the right to life, the word 'person' as used in this article and in the fifth and fourteenth amendments to the Constitution of the United States, applies to all human beings, irrespective dependency including their unborn offspring at every stage of their biological development. Provides that no person shall be deprived of life by any person. Provides that this article shall not prohibit a law permitting only those medical procedures required to prevent the death of the mother.
United States · United States Congress · 10 December 1975
Allows, under the Internal Revenue Code, a tax deduction for adoption expenses which are properly attributable to medical expenses incurred for the benefit of the adopted child. Provides that where medical expenses are unascertainable, the taxpayer may deduct 75 percent of the adoption agency charges or $500, whichever amount is lower.
United States · United States Congress · 9 December 1975
Provides that in civil actions where the United States is a plaintiff, a prevailing defendant may recover a reasonable attorney's fee and other reasonable litigation costs, whether or not other costs are awarded or awardable against the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 9 December 1975
Exempts specified State-approved and tax-supported vocational courses from placement record requirements as a prerequisite to approval by the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 673(a)(2), 1723(a)(2))
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1975
Requires that appointments to the service academies be based upon competitive examinations presently appointments are by nominations by members of Congress). Requires the Boards of Visitors of the academies to examine the admission policies and procedures of the respective academies. Restricts the appointment of members of the Navy and Marine Corps, Army, and Air Force reserves by the respective secretaries of those Services to such appointments as are necessary to fill vacancies in the newly formed classes at the academies.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1975
Authorizes the President of the United States to designate the week beginning on the first Saturday after the first Tuesday in January as "National Ski Week".
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1975
Designates the week beginning April 4, 1976, as "National Rural Health Week." Urges that efforts in disseminating health information be intensified. Calls for improved health services for rural America.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 1975
Provides, under the Intercoastal Shipping Act, that commencing in 1976 a carrier may file a general increase in rates without suspension of that portion of such changed rates bringing about an increase of seven percent or less in its gross annual revenues. Requires the United States Maritime Commission to promulgate numerical guidelines as to common carrier rate of return on rate base and common equity which the Commission deems to be prima facie reasonable, as a means of assisting in insuring that the noncontiguous States, territories and possessions of the U.S. have efficient ocean transportation to and from the mainland.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 1975
Peace Act - Title I: Department of Peace - Establishes the Department of Peace within the Executive Department of the Government to promote the advancement of peace in this Nation and throughout the world. Provides for the appointment of a Secretary of Peace, Under Secretary, four Assistant Secretaries, and a General Counsel by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. Requires the Department of Peace to make recommendations to the President for the pacific settlement of current international controversies in which the United States Government has or claims an interest. Provides for the transfer of functions of certain other agencies to the Department of Peace. Gives the Secretary powers to administer and carry out this provisions and objectives of this Act. Requires the Secretary to make an annual written report to the President for submission to the Congress on the activities of the Department for each year. Continues in effect all orders, determinations, rules and proceedings, regulations, permits, contracts, etc., which are in effect at the time of this Act and transferred to the Department of Peace from another agency. Directs the Secretary to submit to the Congress within two years after the enactment of this Act a proposed codification of all laws which contain functions transferred to the Secretary. Title II: National Peace Academy - Establishes within the Department an educational institution which shall be known as the George Washington Peace Academy. Specifies that the Academy shall instruct and train students for service in peaceful resolution, and international development and cooperation. Provides for the appointment of a 34 member board of trustees and Chancellor to administer the Academy. Directs that each Member of the House and Senate shall nominate two candidates to take the competitive examination for admission to the academy from among which the student body shall be chosen. Requires that each nominee have a bacculaureate degree or equivalent. Provides that the courses offered by the Academy shall place emphasis upon the skills necessary to achieve national, regional, and international cooperation. States that upon completion of the coarse of instruction the student shall receive a master of arts degree. Authorizes stipends and travel and transportation allowances for students of the Academy. Requires each student, who is a citizen of the United States to sign an agreement that upon completion of the coarse of instruction at the Academy he will serve in a public or private non-profit agency or international organization to any area approved by the Executive Committee for a period of two years. Title III: Joint Committee on Peace and International Cooperation - Establishes a Joint Committee on Peace composed of 14 members of Congress (7 from each House) to: (1) make a continuing study of matters relating to the Department of Peace, (2) study means of coordinating programs, and (3) file an annual report with Congress containing its findings and recommendations with respect to the Department of Peace. Gives the Joint Committee power to hold hearings. Authorizes an appropriation of $200,000 each fiscal year to carry out this title.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 1975
Directs the Federal Energy Administration not to forgive or defer collection of any accrued fees arising under the oil import fee program. Provides that if the Supreme Court denies the petition of certiorari or otherwise affirms the decision of the United States Court of Appeals that such fees are unlawful; all such fees shall be refunded to consumers, not to the oil importers.
United States · United States Congress · 14 November 1975
Designates 1976 as "National Bicentennial Highway Safety Year." Provides that each month of 1976 shall focus on a specific area of activity which offers the prospect of achieving substantial reductions in accidents on the Nation's highways.
United States · United States Congress · 13 November 1975
Federal Oil Pollution Liability and Compensation Act - Prohibits the discharge of oil in harmful quantities (as determined by the President under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act), and assesses a civil fine of up to $10,000 against the owner, operator, of licensee of the discharging vessel. Prescribes criminal penalties for the failure of any person in charge of a vessel to notify the appropriate agency of the United States Government of such discharge. Directs the President to act to remove discharged oil unless he determines that such removal will be done properly and expeditiously by the owner or operator of the vessel, onshore or offshore facility, or deepwater port, from which the discharge accurs. Provides that all costs, including administrative, incurred by the President, Secretary, or any other Federal, State, or local official or agency, or any other person, of cleanup and other actions to minimize damages resulting from a discharge shall be borne by the owner and operator or licensee of the operation from which from which the discharge occurred (up to $150 per gross ton of the responsible vessel). Limits the liability of owners or operators of onshore and offshore facilitiies and licensees of deepwater ports to the following amounts: (1) $50,000,000, in the case of an onshore facility; (2) $50,000,000, in the case of an offshore facility; and (3) $100,000,000, in the case of a deepwater port. Establishes in the Department of Transportation an agency to be known as the Federal Oil Pollution Liability and Compensation Administration to establish and maintain the Federal Oil Pollution Compensation Fund and to generally act as trustee of the natural resources of the marine environment. Authorizes disbursement of moneys from the Fund for payment of damages not actually compensated under this Act, cleanup costs, and research into methods to prevent, contain, and remove discharges. Provides that the Fund shall be provisioned through the levy and collection by the Administration of a 5-cent-per-barrel fee imposed on the owner of oil when the oil is transferred between: (1) a vessel and an onshore or offshore facility, (2) offshore or onshore facilities, or (3) a vessel and a deepwater port. States that each owner or operator of a vessel or an onshore or offshore facility and each licensee shall establish and maintain under rules and regulations prescribed by the Administrator, evidence of financial responsibility based on the tonnage of the vessel the capacity of the facility or deepwater port, and other relevant factors. Directs the Administrator to prescribe and from time to time to change regulations for the filing, processing, settlement, and adjudication of claims for cleanup costs and damages resulting from the discharge of oil. Provides for public access to information concerning any communication, document, report, or information transmitted between any official of the Federal Government and any person concerning liability and compensation for damage resulting from the discharge of oil. Authorizes appropriations for the administration of their Act for fiscal years 1976,1977, and 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 12 November 1975
Requires, under the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1970, that committee reports on proposed legislation in either House of Congress must contain statements of the reporting and recordkeeping requirements which will be imposed on private business as a result of the enactment of such proposed legislation.
United States · United States Congress · 11 November 1975
Provides that the rates of pay for Members of Congress and the Vice President shall be the rates in effect on September 30, 1975, until such time as they are fixed otherwise by law. Removes from the responsibilities of the Commission on Executive Legislative and Judicial Salaries a review of the rates of pay of Senators, Members of the House of Representatives and the Resident Commissioner from Puerto Rico.
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 1975
Empowers the Small Business Administration, under the provisions of the Small Business Act, to make loans to enable small business concerns to finance residential housing construction or rehabilitation for sale or rental. Requires the Administration to determine the reasonableness of repayment of its loans on a case-by-case basis. Stipulates that the Administration may engage in activities which involve borrowers who may, from time to time, take advantage of other Federal programs in carrying out their business, notwithstanding the restriction which prohibits the Administration from duplicating the work or activities of any other department or agency of the Federal Government.
United States · United States Congress · 4 November 1975
Authorizes the appropriation of $4,500,000 from the Land and Water Conservation Fund for the acquisition of land under such Act and national-forest purposes and for payment of court judgments in condemnation actions without regard to the date such actions were brought.
United States · United States Congress · 4 November 1975
Supplemental Security Income Amendments - Extends to blind persons the provisions for the payment of supplemental security income to a presumptively disabled individual prior to the determination of disability. Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to initiate hearings on the eligibility of individuals for supplemental security income payments. Sets forth qualifications which must be met by persons appointed by the Secretary as hearing examiners in matters concerning the administration of Old Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance Benefits; Supplemental Security Income; and Medicare programs of the Social Security Act. Revises the provisions of the regulations governing supplemental security income earned by certain children. Directs the Secretary to carry out a program designed specifically to assure that all individuals who are or may become eligible for supplemental security income benefits under this Act will be fully informed of the availability and nature of such benefits and of the steps to be taken in obtaining them. Prohibits the States from reducing the supplementary payments under the supplemental security income program as a result of any cost-of-living increase in benefits under such program which become effective in or after 1975. Extends supplemental security income benefits to Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands. Increases the amount of the cash advance against benefits which may be made to a person who is presumptively eligible for such benefits from $100 to an amount not to exceed the aggregate amount of benefits for which such person is eligible. Provides for payment by the States to individuals of emergency supplemental security income benefits either because the regular payment was in an incorrect amount or was not paid at all because of nondeliverance of the check. Establishes a system whereby the Secretary shall reimburse any State for the amount of such emergency payment. Sets forth the dates and conditions under which the supplementary payments of the States to specified individuals will be terminated. Provides for monthly, rather than quarterly, determination of supplemental security income benefits. Revises the rules for determining the eligibility for supplemental security income payments of specified hospitalized individuals. Revises the definition of the term "income" with respect to eligibility to exclude specified assistance payments based on need, and to exclude specified housing assistance payments.
United States · United States Congress · 31 October 1975
Industrial Energy Conservation Act - States that the energy needs of United States industry are increasing consistently, although energy resources are limited, and that the conservation of energy is therefore necessary. Declares that rapid development and cost-effectiveness demonstrations, and widespread application by industry, of energy-efficient technologies can be facilitated by Federal financial assistance in the form of research, development, and demonstration projects and through incentives to companies that invest in such technologies. States that it is the purpose of this Act to stimulate the development of energy-efficient technologies in American industry. Defines terms used in this Act. Directs the Administrator of the Energy Research and Development Administration to establish and maintain a program for research, development and demonstration of energy conserving industrial technologies, including: (1) basic and applied research under the control of the Administrator; (2) the development by the Administrator or private persons of prototypes or demonstration models of energy conserving technologies; and (3) the making of grants to private organizations to facilitate the incorporation of such technologies into commercial operating industrial plants, such projects to be used as demonstrations for other industrial facilities. Sets forth priorities to be observed by the Administrator in determining the recipients of grants under this Act. Authorizes the Administrator to make loans and loan guarantees for the purchase, construction, operation or maintenance of energy-efficient equipment or facilities. Enumerates priorities to be observed in making or guaranteeing such loans, including: (1) the extent to which a loan recipient is located within a depressed industrial area, and will contribute to the economic recovery of such area; (2) the extent to which such loan or guarantee will foster the widespread adoption of energy conservant technology; (3) the extent to which modernization, rather than replacement, of existing equipment will contribute to the purposes of this Act; and (4) the extent to which small businesses will be able to participate in the benefits resulting from this Act. Sets forth regulations governing the administration of loans and guarantees made pursuant to this Act. Requires that at least 60 percent of the funds available for loans and guarantees be allocated to recipients in depressed industrial areas. Sets forth additional regulations pertaining only to loan guarantees made pursuant to this Act. Limits the outstanding indebtedness guaranteed under this Act to $500,000,000 at any one time. States that no guarantee shall be made under this Act after September 30, 1977. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 October 1975
Maritime Education and Training Act - Provides, under the Merchant Marine Act, that the Secretary of Commerce shall meet prior to the beginning of each fiscal year with representatives of maritime training institutions for the purpose of estimating the projected enrollment at all such institutions during such fiscal year, and the next three fiscal years. Requires the submission of a report to the Congress on the estimation of such enrollments. Requires the apportionment of funds among colleges and academies training individuals for licensing in the maritime service. Directs the Secretary to submit to the Congress recommendations on the providing of the students of such institutions with access to the resources and programs of the National Maritime Research Center. Directs the compilation of a national roster of all individuals who have not yet reached the age of sixty-five years and who are or were licensed as officers in the United States Merchant Marine.
United States · United States Congress · 28 October 1975
National Climate Program Act - States that the purpose of this Act is to help the Nation respond more effectively to climate-induced problems by enabling its Government to be aware of and anticipate climate fluctuations and their domestic and international impacts, particularly in the areas of management and planning of domestic and international food supplies, and land, natural resource, and energy allocation and utilization. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to coordinate the establishment and operation of a climate program to collect, analyze and disseminate data concerning past, present and future climatic states, their fluctuations, and the influence of man's activities on the process of climatic dynamics. States that the program shall include, but not be limited to: (1) development of a climate impact warning system to provide both timely warnings and assessments of the risks of future climate impacts; (2) improvement of current monthly and seasonal temperature and precipitation predictions, particularly with respect to their impact on food production, availability of water resources, and energy consumption; and (3) development of mathematical-computer systems for the modeling, simulation, and prediction of climate and man's effects on climate. Directs the Secretary to consult and coordinate with climatic experts and with Federal departments and agencies. Requires the Secretary to establish advisory committees in the field of climatology and related fields. Specifies that the Secretary must prepare and submit an annual report for the President and the Congress on the administration of this Act, including, but not limited to: (1) a summary of the achievements of the climate program during the previous year; (2) a list of publications produced as a result of research sponsored under this Act; and (3) a summary of the outstanding problems encountered in the administration of this Act during the year. Authorizes to be appropriated to the participating Federal departments and agencies such sums to carry out the provisions of this Act as may be necessary, not to exceed $10,000,000 for the fiscal period beginning July 1, 1976, and ending September 30, 1976, not to exceed $42,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, not to exceed $48,000,000 for fiscal year 1978, and not to exceed $56,000,000 for fiscal year 1979.
United States · United States Congress · 22 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 · 20 October 1975
Title I: Boundary Waters National Recreation Area - Establishes the Boundary Waters National Recreation Area comprising approximately 527,457 acres in the State of Minnesota. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to cooperate with State and local governments in the State of Minnesota in the administration of such area. Title II: Boundary Waters Wilderness - Designates as wilderness specified areas in the State of Minnesota. Provides for the Secretary of the Interior to administer such wilderness in accordance with this Act and the provisions of the Wilderness Act. Title III: Effect on Other Laws and Authorities - Sets forth the deliniation of the lands covered by this Act. States that international agreements pertaining to such lands are not compromised by the provisions of this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of necessary sums to carry out this Act. Directs and authorizes the President to establish an airspace reservation over the wilderness designated under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 1975
Exempts from the estate tax imposed under the Internal Revenue Code the lesser of: (1) $200,000 and (2) the value of the decedent's interest in a family farming operation operated continually by the decedent for at least five years prior to his death and which passes to a relative on his death. Provides for revocation of such exemption in the event that the successor transfers his interest or stops residing on the farm within five years of the death of his transferor. Provides, under the Internal Revenue Code, that farmland, woodland, or open land which comprises part of an estate may be valued, for estate tax purposes, as such rather than at its fair market value. Provides that real property which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places may be valued, for estate tax purposes, at its value for its existing use. Provides for the revocation of such lower evaluation and recapture of unpaid taxes with interest upon the conversion, rezoning, or removal of such land from the National Register of Historic Places.
![Official portrait of Rep. Oberstar, James L. [D-MN-8]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/o000006_200.jpg)