United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1976
Radiation Health and Safety Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to develop and issue to the States criteria and minimum standards for the accreditation of educational institutions conducting programs for the training of radiologic technologists and minimum criteria for educational institutions conducting programs for the training of medical and dental practitioners. Directs the Secretary to develop and issue to the States criteria and minimum standards for licensure of radiologic technologists. Directs that State and local governments be encouraged to minimize exposure of the public to ionizing from all sources, and establishes procedures for the adoption of appropriate standards. Allows the Secretary to make grants to States in an amount up to two-thirds of the first year and one-third of the second year costs of planning, developing, or establishing programs to carry out the provisions of this Act. Prohibits conducting activities contrary to this Act and subjects violators to a civil penalty of not more than $1,000. Requires the Secretary to submit to Congress an annual report evaluating the implementation of this Act and making recommendations for legislation.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1976
Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to provide acceptable uses of excess campaign contribution funds including: (1) use in connection with another specified general election which is held no later than two years after the election during which the contribution was made; (2) in the case of a candidate who is elected, such candidate may use excess contributions to defray any ordinary and necessary expenses incurred by such person in connection with the duties of the Federal office; and (3) such excess funds may be contributed by the candidate to any charitable organization as described in the Internal Revenue Code. Requires a candidate who does not put excess contributions to any of the specified uses to return such contributions to the persons making contributions to such candidate, and deposit the balance of such contributions which are not so returned in the Presidential Election Campaign Fund or to deposit the entire amount of such contributions in the Presidential Election Campaign Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1976
Declares that the heating and cooling of buildings accounts for a significant portion of the consumption of oil, natural gas, coal, and electric power in interstate commerce, and that the use of solar heating and cooling equipment reduces reliance on natural resources. Prohibits State and local laws which permit the construction of buildings or other obstructions which would interfere with the amount of sunlight necessary for the operation of solar heating and cooling equipment in buildings. Declares that State and local laws which are not inconsistent with the purposes of this Act are not preempted by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1976
Establishes the Frederick Law Olmsted Home and Office in Brookline, Massachusetts, as a national historic site. Authorizes to be appropriated sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1976
Electric Utility Rate Reform and Regulatory Improvement Act - Title I: General Provisions -- Declares it the purpose of this Act to reform inequities in the structure of electric utility rates. Title II: Utility Rate Reform - Defines terms as used in this title. Limits applicability of this title to sales of electric energy for purposes other than resale by an electric utility, where sales by such utility for purposes other than resale exceed 200 million kilowatt-hours during the second preceding calendar year. Imposes national minimum standards on utility rate structures, to be enforced by State regulatory authorities. Prohibits rate structures which allow lower rates for increased consumption without a showing that such lower rates actually reflect decreased costs. Eliminates price differentials for residential users of subsistence quantities of electricity, unless the Governor of the State has determined that an adequate alternative means to alleviate the burden to low-income residential consumers has been implemented. Stipulates that promotional and advertising costs may not be treated by a utility as an operating expense for purposes of rate determination. Requires evidentiary hearings by regulatory authorities on proposed rate increases. Limits the amount of actual increases pursuant to an automatic adjustment clause which may become effective without such a hearing. Requires that regulatory authorities annually review existing utility rate schedules. Authorizes State regulatory authorities to prescribe variances upon application by individual electric consumers unduly hardshipped by rate schedules. Directs State authorities to prescribe load management techniques to reduce maximum kilowatt demand on electric utilities. Establishes procedures to be followed in determining marginal costs of service to electric consumers. Establishes an Electric Utility Rate-making Assistance Office in the Federal Energy Administration to provide information and assistance with respect to ratemaking policies and procedures established by this Act. Title III: Economic Regulation of Bulk Power Supply - Amends the Federal Power Act to require that public utilities make new, increased, or retired capacity in bulk power facilities available to others engaged in the sale or transmission of electric energy in the same geographical area. Establishes additional requirements and procedures to insure continuation of service in cases of anticipated deficiencies in the available supplies of electric power. Requires that the Federal Power Commission hold evidentiary hearings on proposed rate increases. Limits the amount of actual increases pursuant to an automatic adjustment clause which may becomes effective without such a hearing. Requires the establishment of an Office of Public Counsel in the Federal Power Commission for the purpose of adequate representation of consumer interests before the Commission. Authorizes the appropriation of $500,000 for fiscal year 1978 and $2,000,000 for fiscal year 1979 to such Office. Authorizes the Commission to pay reasonable fees to certain participants in evidentiary hearings, not to exceed $1,000,000 for all such persons in any fiscal year. Directs the Commission to prescribe minimum standards to assure a reliable supply of electric energy. Requires electric utilities to develop a quality control program to assure compliance with such reliability standards. Directs the Commission, upon consultation with the Federal Trade Commission, to study the desirability and means of increasing competition within the electric utility industry. Directs the Administrator of the Energy Research and Development Administration to conduct a study on the feasibility of generating electricity near the place of consumption. Title IV: Financial Assistance to State Regulatory Authorities - Authorizes the Electric Utility Ratemaking Assistance Office (established by title II of this Act) to make grants to State regulatory authorities for the following purposes: (1) to increase the quantity and quality of State regulatory staff; (2) to establish programs to meet Federal consumer representation requirements; and (3) to demonstrate innovative rate structures. Prescribes criteria on the allotment of funds to the States. Authorizes the appropriation of $30,000,000 in any fiscal year for grants to improve staffing. Authorizes the appropriation of $5,000,000 for grants for consumer representation, and $5,000,000 for grants for rate structure innovation. Title V: Coordination of Planning and Siting of Bulk Power Facilities - Requires that electric utilities which control bulk power facilities prepare an annual long-range plan for the use of each such facility. Establishes areawide planning councils to review such plans and submit area plans for bulk power facilities to the Commission. Directs the Chairman of the Federal Power Commission to supervise the overall approval process for the siting of bulk power facilities. Establishes procedures to assist in coordinating the Federal approval process.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1976
National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act - Authorizes the appropriation of designated sums to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration for research and development programs, construction of facilities including land acquisition, and research and program management. Permits utilization of research and development appropriations for: (1) items of a capital nature which may be required at locations other than installations of the Administration for the performance of research and development contracts, and (2) grants to nonprofit institutions of higher education, or to nonprofit organizations whose primary purpose is the conduct of scientific research, for purchase or construction of additional research facilities. Sets forth further guidelines regarding the use and availability of funds appropriated pursuant to this Act. Specifies procedures where amounts designated for specific programs may be varied upward and whereby up to one half of one percent of the funds appropriated for research and development may be combined with $10,000,000 of funds appropriated for facility construction to construct or modify laboratories or other installations deemed by the Administration to be immediatley needed. Prohibits utilization of sums appropriated pursuant to this Act for: (1) any research or management program in excess of the amount specifically authorized for that program, (2) any program deleted by Congress from requests originally made, or (3) any program which has not been presented to either the House Committee on Science and Technology or the Senate Committee on Aeronautical and Space Sciences unless each such Committee has been given notice of any such proposed action and transmits written notice to the Administration that it has no objection. Directs the Administration to consider geographical distribution whenever feasible in allocating its research and development funds. Authorizes the Administration, when so provided in appropriation Acts, to enter into and to maintain a contract for tracking and data relay satellite services. Establishes an additional Associate Administrator for Advanced Research and Technology within the Administration. Revises the compensation of members of the Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel. Expresses the sense of Congress regarding the need for, and the construction, modernization, and availability of aeronautical test facilities. Declares that Congress finds that the general welfare of the United States requires application of the Administration's expertise to ground propulsion systems research and development.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1976
Opportunities Industrialization Centers Job Creation and Training Act - States that the purpose of this Act is to provide special authority for the Opportunities Industrialization Centers in order to create and provide job opportunities for specific unemployed persons who were particularly hard hit by the recent economic recession, and to provide opportunities for industry to create additional jobs for the unemployed in rural and urban communities. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to enter into a contract with Opportunities Industrialization Centers, Incorporated (OIC) in order to provide comprehensive employment services and jobs for unemployed persons. Requires each such contract to contain provisions assuring that specific requirements are complied with, including requirements that (1) special consideration in providing jobs will be given to unemployed persons who are most severely disadvantaged in terms of the length of time they have been unemployed; (2) due consideration will be given to persons who have participated in manpower training programs for whom unemployment opportunities would be otherwise available, and (3) the program will to the maximum extent feasible contribute to the elimination of artificial barriers to employment and occupational advancement. Sets forth special conditions to be met prior to providing financial assistance pursuant to a contract entered into under this Act. Requires the programs to contribute, to the maximum extent feasible, to the occupational development or upward mobility of individual participants. Prohibits the Secretary from providing financial assistance unless he determines that: (1) periodic reports will be submitted to him to measure the effectiveness of the program; (2) there will be no discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, political affiliation, or beliefs within the program; and (3) the participants in the program will not be employed in the construction, operation, or maintenance of sectarian religious facilities. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the provisions of this Act of $150,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, $200,000,000 for fiscal year 1978, $300,000,000 for fiscal year 1979, and $350,000,000 for fiscal year 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1976
Prohibits the filing of joint returns, under the Internal Revenue Code, unless each spouse verifies, by oath or affirmation, that such spouse has equal ownership, management, and control of the income, assets, and liabilities of the marriage partnership.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1976
Energy Conservation Act - Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to direct the Federal Energy Administrator to establish a voluntary standards and certification program for products designed to conserve energy in buildings. Authorizes the Administrator to prescribe: (1) test procedures, (2) labeling procedures, (3) energy efficiency standards, or (4) standards of performance for non-energy aspects for such products. Directs the Administrator to prescribe guidelines for the development and preparation of proposed State energy conservation programs. Stipulates that such guidelines be designed to allow States maximum flexibility and discretion in preparing such programs. Requires that States be given an opportunity to participate in the drafting of such guidelines. Authorizes the Administrator to provide Federal financial assistance to States whose proposed energy conservation programs meet specified Federal criteria. Stipulates that such assistance may be in the form of loan guarantees, interest subsidies, or grants. Lists factors to be considered in determining the amount of such assistance. Stipulates that no State shall receive more than 12.5 percent of the national total in each category of financial assistance. Establishes the following limits on financial assistance under this Act: (1) loan guarantees shall not exceed an aggregate of $4,500,000,000 at any one time; (2) interest subsidies to residential and small business consumers authorizes an appropriation of not more than $90,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, $180,000,000 for fiscal year 1978, and $360,000,000 for fiscal years 1979 and 1980, and (3) grants to States $50,000,000 annually for fiscal years 1977 through 1980. Specifies the following criteria for State programs as a pre-condition of receiving Federal financial assistance under this Act: (1) limits the maximum term of loan guarantees or subsidies to 15 years or the anticipated useful life of any permanent facilities, whichever is shorter; (2) requires procedures for energy audits and distribution of resultant information to consumers; (3) requires incentives for the implementation of energy conservation measures by individual owners and tenants; (4) demonstration that such program is designed to achieve maximum energy savings in the shortest possible time, and (5) reasonable assurance that the financial interest of the United States will be protected. Authorizes States to encourage the development of energy conservation cooperatives of residential energy consumers as part of their energy conservation programs.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1976
Includes independent owner-operator truckers as an exempted class to the motor carriers provision under the Interstate Commerce Act. Provides that no such driver shall charge or collect a rate, fare, or charge lower than the lowest rate, fare, or charge specified in tariffs or schedules filed and in effect pursuant to such Act for the same commodities between identical points served. Provides that if no such tariff or schedule is on file, the lowest rate for like commodities between identical or similar points shall determine the lowest rate, fare, or charge.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1976
National Forest Timber Management Reform Act - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish standards for future timber sales from national forests consistent with the criteria set forth in this Act. Requires that timber sales be made only from stable lands which are capable of regenerating a commercial stand of timber. Requires that minimum reforestation requirements be included in such standards. Imposes quantity sales limitations on timber sales in order to prevent the quantity and quality of timber from declining. Directs the Secretary to establish standards for maximum utilization of all trees sold from the national forests. Requires a complete interdisciplinary review from an environmental, biological, engineering, and economic standpoint of all proposed timber sales of $5,000 or more in national forests. Directs the Secretary to make public at least 60 days prior to each sale a brief statement as to the consistency of such proposed cut with principles of multiple use. Requires that the Secretary impose limitations on clearcutting practices in national forests. Prohibits the Secretary from allowing the cutting of immature trees except where the cutting of such trees: (1) conforms to specified forest management purposes; (2) achieves an even age distribution in southern pine forests; and (3) in connection with clearcuts where the stand of trees is predominantly of mature trees. Prohibits the cutting and removal of any tree from national forests unless such tree has been properly marked. Authorizes clearcuts without marking of individual trees in accordance with standards to be promulgated by the Secretary. Requires that the Secretary evaluate and limit the effects of proposed conversions of plant communities within natural forests. Prohibits contracts for the cutting of timber in national forests for more than a three-year period. Prohibits the use of DDT and other chlorinated hydrocarbons by the Secretary in the national forests for pest control purposes. Requires that the Secretary and the Forest Service take steps to preserve the natural ecosystems, soil resources, and fish and wildlife resources in national forests. Requires the preparation of a multiple use-sustained yield management plan for each national forest. Requires the establishment of a cost accounting system for future timber sales, to include indirect and direct administrative costs with respect to growth and reforestation of timber as well as sales. Allows States and localities to elect to receive payments from the Secretary of Agriculture based on the amount of specified public lands within the boundaries of such governmental units in lieu of the sum of amounts made available to States and localities under other provisions of Federal law.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1976
Establishes a Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe. Authorizes and directs the Commission to monitor the acts of the signatories to the Final Act of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (Helsinki Agreement) with respect to their compliance with the articles of such Act, particularly with regard to the provisions relating to cooperation in humanitarian fields. Stipulates that the Commission shall be composed of four Members of the House of Representatives, four Senators, and one member each of the Departments of State, Defense, and Commerce, as appointed by the President.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1976
National Food Stamp Reform Act - Amends the Food Stamp Act to prohibit the inclusion within a household, for food stamp purposes, of students enrolled in institutions of higher education, who are 18 years old or older, and who are claimed as dependents by taxpayers who are not members of eligible households. Lowers the work registration age limit from 65 to 60. Revises the provisions related to employer housing, standard deductions, and Government vendor payments. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to formulate and administer the food stamp program so that eligible households are furnished with a coupon allotment sufficient to provide them with a nutritionally adequate diet, with the amount of such allotments adjusted semi-annually to reflect changes in the price of food. Provides that, when the Secretary determines that there has been gross neglience or fraud on the part of the State agency in the certification of an applicant household, the State shall, upon the request of the Secretary, deposit into a separate account of the Federal Treasury a sum equal to the face value of any coupon issued as a result of negligence or fraud, such funds to be available without fiscal year limitation for the redemption of coupons. Directs the Secretary to institute procedures whereby Federal, State, and local officials meet monthly to reconcile all records related to the disbursement of food stamp coupons. Requires the Secretary and State agencies to carry out an effective program of nutrition education, and directs the Secretary to report annually to Congress on progress in this area. Makes provision for retroactive benefits where food coupons are wrongfully denied and for bilingual assistance in areas where there are numberous potentially eligible, non-English speaking persons. Requires the issuance of food stamps at all Postal Service facilities where postage stamps are sold. Expands program notification requirements and authorizes the use of food stamps for "meals on wheels" for elderly or disabled members of eligible households. Grants the Secretary authority to carry out experimental projects designed to increase the program's efficiency. States that the amount of assets households may own and still be eligible for the program shal be adjusted annually to reflect cost changes in the Consumer Price Index. Provides for prompt certification of eligible applicant households.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1976
Establishes in the House of Representatives the Select Committee on Nuclear Proliferation and Nuclear Export Policy. Directs the Committee to conduct a full and complete study of: (1) the threat of nuclear proliferation; (2) the present policies of the United States concerning nuclear proliferation; (3) the decisionmaking process within the executive branch on nuclear export policies; and (4) any related areas which the committee deems necessary to investigate and study to discharge its responsibilities. Directs the committee to report to the House as soon as practicable the results of its investigation and study, together with such recommendations as it deems advisable.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1976
Authorizes payment under the supplementary medical insurance program of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act for hearing aids and dentures.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1976
Terminates the authorization for the Tocks Island Reservoir project in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. Requires that property acquired by the Secretary of the Army pursuant to such authorization be transferred to the Secretary of the Interior for management by the National Park Service.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1976
Authorizes payment under the supplementary medical insurance program of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act for hearing aids and dentures.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1976
Foreign Paramilitary Intervention Act - Declares any person employed by, under contract to, or under the direction of, any United States department or agency who is (1) engaged in hostilities abroad, or (2) advising military forces engaged in hostilities abroad, to be a member of the Armed Forces for purposes of the War Powers Resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1976
Directs the Secretary of the Interior to make a comprehensive study of the wolf for the purpose of developing adequate conservation measures to conserve such mammals and to insure humane treatment in all cases. Requires that the results of such study be reported to Congress no later than January 1, 1979. Establishes a moratorium on the hunting of wolves from aircraft or other mechanized vehicles. Prohibits all killing of wolves except the killing of individual animals by hunters as game. Stipulates that such moratorium on the large-scale killing of wolves shall remain in effect pending completion of the study and implementation of legislative recommendations by Congress. Authorizes appropriations of $50,000 for fiscal years 1977, 1978, and 1979 to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1976
Directs the President to seek a treaty or other appropriate arrangement with Canada calling for an immediate moratorium on the killing of the eastern timber wolves.
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
Regional Presidential Primaries Act - States that it is necessary to regulate the nomination of candidates for the office of President in order to protect the integrity of the Presidential election process. Eliminates the single State Presidential primary elections. Designates five multistate primary regions in which primary elections will be held on the first Tuesday of April and on the Tuesday of each of the third, sixth, ninth, and twelfth succeeding weeks. Sets forth the method by which the Federal Elections Commission is to determine the order in which regional elections are to be held. States the method by which candidates may obtain listing on a regional ballot. States that a candidate receiving less than the greater of five percent of the votes cast of his political party or a percentage of votes which would entitle such candidate to one delegate, if one delegate constitutes more than five percent of the total number of delegates to be appointed in that region, shall designate delegates from that region to the national convention in the same proportion to the total number of delegates as the number of votes received by the candidate bear to the number of votes cast. Requires delegates to national Presidential conventions to vote for the candidate who appointed them until: (1) after the second ballot; (2) the candidate receives less than 20 percent of the vote; or (3) the candidate releases the delegates. States that the candidate who receives a majority of the votes on a ballot shall be the nominee. Stipulates that the Vice Presidential candidate shall be chosen by the convention according to procedures of the nominating party. Requires the Federal Elections Commission to reimburse each State for the costs of conducting a regional primary. Sets forth the duties of the Commission with respect to regional primaries, including: (1) the publication of definitive lists of candidates; (2) the validation of petitions for candidacy; and (3) the promulgation of guidelines for the conducting of regional primaries. Defines the terms used in this Act and authorizes necessary appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1976
Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to prohibit the Secretary of Transportation and the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration from authorizing, except for emergency purposes, the entrance into or operation within the United States of any civil supersonic aircraft engaged in commercial service which generates noise in excess of the level prescribed for new subsonic aircraft.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1976
Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to reimburse local governments not more than $15,000 per day for the cost of protection and security services to the President or Vice President while the President or Vice President are within the jurisdiction of such local government in an official capacity or attending a national convention of a political party. Requires that such reimbursement be approved by the Attorney General under standards set forth in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1976
Energy Research and Development Free Enterprise Act - Title I: Findings, Definitions, and General Provisions - Declares that it is the policy of the Congress that small business concerns and individual inventors should be provided greater opportunities by the Federal Government in the development of energy resources and technology, with special emphasis on solar energy technology and to expand competition and reduce concentration in the energy industries of the Nation. Amends the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974 and the Federal Nonnuclear Energy Research and Development Act of 1974 to offer increased opportunities in Federal energy development programs to small business concerns and individual inventors. Title II: Energy Program Reorganization - Amends the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974 to establish within the Energy Research and Development Administration five additional Assistant Administrators for: (1) small business concerns and individual inventors; (2) planning and analysis; (3) laboratory and field coordination; (4) administration; and (5) international affairs. Requires that no less than 50 percent of the total amount of funds for solar energy technology programs and no less than 20 percent of the total amount of funds for all areas of energy technology be made available to small business concerns and individual inventors. Limits the awarding of energy program contracts to situations where the financial capabilities of non-Federal entities are inadequate to develop such technology without Federal assistance. Authorizes appropriations of $2,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 and each fiscal year thereafter to the Administrator of the Small Business Administration in order to provide consultation services for the preparation of contract proposals by small businesses and individual inventors. Title III: Encouragement of Competition in Energy Programs - Directs the Administrators of the Energy Research and Development and the Small Business Administrations to provide detailed information to potential participants in energy programs. Directs the Administrator of the Energy Research and Development Administration to refrain from awarding contracts which will have an adverse impact on industry or market competition. Directs the Attorney General and the Federal Trade Commission to recommend criteria to the Administration upon which to make such a determination. Prohibits the entering into of any energy contract to any person who has an interest in delaying completion of the contract or altering any research findings in the performance of such contract. Requires the Administrator to transmit to the Attorney General a copy of the proposed contract if the profitmaking enterprise has gross assets exceeding $250,000,000. Prohibits the Administrator from awarding a contract to such an enterprise until the Attorney General's opinion is received. Establishes procedures and requirements for the disclosure of information relating to the awarding of contracts by the Administrator and by program participants. Imposes a fine of $20,000, or the amount of the contract, whichever is greater; and/or imprisonment of up to two years for participants who transmit false, fictitious, or fradulent information.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1976
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow taxpayers of any age to exclude from gross income gain from the sale or exchange of property if during the eight year period preceding the sale or exchange, such property has been owned and used as the taxpayer's principal residence for periods aggregating five years or more. Allows a surviving spouse to tack on the holding and use periods of the decedent spouse without regard to whether such decedent spouse had made an election to exclude gain from a prior sale or exchange.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1976
Congressional General Election Campaign Financing Reform Act - Adds a new chapter 97 to the Internal Revenue Code entitled "Congressional General Election Campaign Fund Act". Establishes, within the Internal Revenue Code, procedures by which candidates for nomination for election, or for election to either House of Congress may receive payments of public funds in amounts matching contributions made to the candidates' nomination or election campaign funds. Defines terms used in the Act. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to maintain in the Presidential Election Campaign Fund a separate amount to be known as the Congressional General Election Payment Account. Directs the Secretary to deposit into the Congressional General Election Payment Account that portion of the annual amounts designated by taxpayers on their income tax returns that equals the excess above 30 percent of the total amount made available in the last Presidential election. Limits to $100 the amount of a contribution which an individual may make to one candidate's primary election campaign or to that candidate's general election campaign. Authorizes the Federal Election Commission to examine and audit the qualified campaign expenses of every candidate and to require the candidate to repay to the Secretary the amount of any excess payments made by the Secretary. Requires the Commission to report to Congress at the end of each Federal general election year on the qualified campaign expenses of each candidate, the amount paid to each candidate, and the amount of repayments required from candidates. Authorizes the Commission to bring action in any United States district court to recover any amounts deemed payable to the Secretary as the result of an audit. Establishes a criminal penalty consisting of a fine of up to $25,000, or one year in prison or both for violation of the limitations on expenditures. Increases fines for violations of the limitations set for contributions and expenditures in Presidential and Congressional campaigns.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1976
Directs the House Committee on Public Works and Transportation to convene a full scale investigation into the entire process surrounding Secretary of Transportation William Coleman's decision to grant the Anglo-French Concorde landing rights at John F. Kennedy Airport and at Dulles International Airport.
United States · United States Congress · 25 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
Prohibits the manufacture, sale, distribution in commerce, and importation of specified electric weapons until the Consumer Product Safety Commission: (1) determines that each such weapon does not present an unreasonable risk of injury, or (2) promulgates a consumer product safety standard. Subjects knowing violators of this Act to a civil penalty not to exceed $2,000 for each violation. Declares that a separate offense exists with regard to each weapon involved, restricting the maximum penalty to $500,000 for any series of violations occurring within six months of the first violation.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1976
Provides an additional twenty-six weeks of unemployment benefits (presently limited to twenty-six weeks) under the Emergency Unemployment Compensation Act of 1974.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1976
Amends the Interstate Commerce Act to prohibit a pipeline company engaged in the transportation of oil from transporting any oil through its pipelines if that company has an interest in such oil.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1976
Prohibits the landing or taking off, except in emergencies, of any supersonic aircraft which generates a noise level in excess of the level prescribed for new subsonic aircraft from Dulles International Airport or Washington National Airport.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1976
Provides, under the Legislative Reorganization Act, that pay adjustments for Members of Congress may take effect no earlier than the beginning of the Congress next following the Congress in which they are approved.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1976
Redefines the crime of deprivation of employment or other benefit because of political activity to include within the scope of political activity, an individual's making or failing to make a contribution of a thing of value (including services) for the benefit of any candidate or any political party. Defines "candidate," "election," and "employee" for purposes of this Act. Makes it a Federal crime to deprive or threaten to deprive an individual of any employment or other benefit, provided in whole or in part by any Act of Congress appropriating funds for relief purposes, on account of race, color, sex, religion, or national origin. Subjects an individual guilty of either offense under this Act to a fine of not more than $10,000, imprisonment for one year, or both. (Amends 18 U.S.C. 601; Adds 18 U.S.C. 246)
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1976
Provides for the disposal under the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 of surplus real property at not less than 25 percent of fair market value to States and their political subdivisions, agencies, and instrumentalities for economic development purposes where such areas meet special needs arising from actual or threatened severe unemployment arising from the closing of Federal facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1976
Small Business Estate and Gift Tax Reform Act - Revises, under the Internal Revenue Code, the rate of tax imposed on transfers of taxable estates. Increases the present $60,000 exemption from such tax to $80,000 in 1976, $100,000 in 1978, and $120,000 in 1980. Alters possible gift tax exemptions of a decedent's estate in 1980. Provides that in the computation of the value of a taxable estate, where a bequest is made to the surviving spouse, the limitation on the aggregate of deductions is revised from 50 percent to $240,000 plus 50 percent of the excess of the adjusted gross estate. Incorporates in the determination of the value of a decedent's property held as farming property or scenic open property, the consideration of any effective restrictions on its use for other purposes. Increases the gift tax exemption from $30,000 to $60,000. Allows a taxpayer to claim, under conditions prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury or his delegate, an additional exemption which would otherwise be allowed his estate upon his death. Revises the gift tax exemption permitted for gifts to spouses from one half of the transferred property's value to so much of its value as does not exceed $240,000, plus one half of the excess. Extends from 10 to 15 the number of equal installments in which estate taxes on an estate consisting largely of an interest in closely held business may be paid. Permits the Secretary or his delegate, with the taxpayer's consent, to impose a lien on the closely held business assets which constitute the basis for the extension. Allows such lien in lieu of requiring a bond, but treats it as a bond for purposes of the discharge of fiduciary liability. Requires the Secretary or his delegate to study: (1) hardship extensions of the time for payment of estate tax and installments thereof; and (2) extensions of time for payment of estate tax where the estate consists largely of an interest in a closely held business as such extensions affect decisions to continue or dispose of a small or closely held business. Orders a report of such study to be submitted to Congress within 12 months of enactment of these provisions, such report to include findings, conclusions, and recommendations for legislation.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1976
Authorizes and requests the President to issue a proclamation designating the week beginning on November 7, 1976, as "National Respiratory Therapy Week".
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 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 February 1976
Amends the Federal Power Act to require that rate increases for the interstate sale of electricity may not be granted until public hearings on such increases have been completed by the Federal Power Commission. Requires 30 days' notice of all rate changes by a public utility to the Federal Power Commission and to the public.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1976
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, or 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 occurs. Stipulates that all costs, including administrative, incurred by the President, Secretary, 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 the discharge occured up to $150 per gross ton of the responsible vessel. Imposes strict liability on owners and operators of vessels at onshore and offshore facilities and deepwater ports, for damages caused by oil spills, unless it can be shown that such discharge was caused by an act of war. Limits the liability of owners or operators of onshore and offshore facilities and licenses 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 national resources of the marine environment. Authorizes disbursement of moneys from the Fund for payment of damage 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. Requires each owner or operator of a vessel or an onshore or offshore facility and each licensee to 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 revise regulations for the filing, processing, settlement, and adjudication of claims for cleanup costs and damages resulting from the discharge of oil. Sets forth procedures 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 this Act for fiscal years 1976, 1977, and 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1976
Amends Title XX (Grants to States for Services) of the Scoial Security Act to authorize the States to provide social services to individuals and families in addition to those services specified in such Title, and to permit each State to individually establish standards of financial eligibility for such services.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1976
Allows an individual given or administered a drug in connection with an experiment conducted by or at the direction of the United States, while such individual was a member of the Armed Forces, to bring an action for damages if such experiment was conducted on or after January 1, 1945, but prior to the date of enactment of this Act. Grants U.S. district courts jurisdiction over such claims. Defines "drug" and "Armed Forces" for purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1976
Adds to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 "Title X-Emergency Education Revenue Act". Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to carry out this Act in fiscal years 1976 and 1977. Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to a local education agency which demonstrates that: (1) for bona fide budgetary reasons it has been forced to reduce the expenditure of funds for essential elementary and secondary education services, making it impossible to maintain such services at a quality level; and (2) that it or the local government unit responsible for providing its revenues has made bona fide efforts to raise the revenue necessary to support essential elementary and secondary educational services and maintain quality education. Makes financial assistance under this Act available for essential elementary and secondary educational services, programs, and projects of the local education agency which had been funded by such agency previously and which the Secretary determines are essential for providing quality elementary and secondary educational services. Requires any local education agency desiring to receive assistance under this Act to submit to the Secretary an application in such form and containing such information as the Secretary shall require by regulation. Permits the Secretary to approve such application only if assurances are given that the State shall not reduce the amount of State aid with respect to the provision of free public education in any school district of any local education agency because of assistance given under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1976
Independent Federal Aviation Agency Act - Sets forth the findings of Congress that the proper conduct of the responsibilities associated with civil aviation development and safety requires unencumbered action by an independent Federal aviation agency. Establishes the Federal Aviation Agency as an independent agency of the United States. Provides for the appointment of an Administrator and a Deputy Administrator by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Sets forth the powers of such officers. Transfers to the Administration all functions, powers, and duties of the Secretary of Transportation and other officers of the Department of Transportation which are exercised by the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, under the Federal Aviation Act, the Airport and Airway Development Act, and other specified laws. States that all orders, determinations and rulings which have been issued or allowed to become effective shall continue in effect. Provides that no suit or other proceeding shall be abated by reason of the enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1976
Regional Presidential Primaries Act - Declares the finding of the Congress that it is necessary to regulate the process for selecting candidates to the office of President. Prohibits any State from conducting a Presidential primary election except in accordance with the provisions of this Act. Establishes six regional primaries to be held in each Presidential election year. Sets the dates for such primaries. Sets requirements for voter eligibility in the primaries conducted under this Act. Authorizes the Attorney General to bring a civil suit in United States district courts in those instances where he has reason to believe that a State is holding a primary in violation of this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of necessary funds to carry out 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 · 18 February 1976
Redefines "firearm" under the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 and "any other weapon" under the National Firearms Act to include electric weapons for purposes of regulation of the sale, manufacture, importation, transportation and taxation of such weapons.
United States · United States Congress · 18 February 1976
Government Economy and Spending Reform Act - Title I: Authorizations of New Budget Authority - Terminates on specified dates budget authority for all Government programs except health care services, general retirement and disability insurance, and Federal employee retirement and disability programs which are funded by trust funds. Declares out of order in either the Senate or the House of Representatives any legislation which authorizes new budget authority not in compliance with this Act. Requires the Committees on Appropriations and the Committees on the Budget of both Houses of Congress to identify each program's functional and subfunctional category (as so characterized in the Budget of the United States, Fiscal Year 1977, transmitted to Congress by the President on January 21, 1976), the committees having legislative jurisdiction over such program, and whether such program operates under permanent authorizations and budget authority. Makes the budget termination provisions of this Act effective on the first day of the Ninety-fifth Congress. Title II: Early Elimination of Inactive and Duplicate Programs - Requires the Comptroller General of the United States to identify for Congress any programs which have duplicate objectives or for which no outlays have been made for the last two fiscal years. Directs the standing committees of both Houses to consider such programs and report recommendations on such programs before March 15, 1978, if possible. Title III: Quadrennial Program Review and Evaluation - Sets forth a timetable for reviewing the budget of a Government program. Requires review by standing committees of the Congress every four years of each program's cost, effectiveness, and the extent to which such program duplicates or is similar to any other program. States that such review shall include a comprehensive evaluation of the merits of such program to determine if it warrants continuation. Requires justification of any recommendation to fund any program which has objectives similar to or the same as another program's objectives. Directs the Comptroller General and the Congressional Budget Office to provide Congress with information and analysis of programs being reviewed under this Act. Requires the President to similarly review the merits of continuing programs contained in the annual Budget and to report the finding of such review prior to transmitting the Budget to Congress. Title IV: Continuing Review and Evaluation - Directs the Comptroller General to report to Congress the result of any audit which shows a substantial deficiency in achievement of the objectives of any Government program. Requires subsequent audits, a report of which must be submitted to Congress, to determine if such deficiency has been eliminated. Title V: Miscellaneous - States that those provisions of this Act which direct the operation of either House are enacted as an exercise of the rulemaking power of such House and recognizes the right of either House to change such rules.
![Official portrait of Rep. Ottinger, Richard L. [D-NY-20]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/o000134_200.jpg)