United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1976
Directs the President to express the request of the United States Government that the Government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics provide Valentyn Moroz with the opportunity to accept the invitation of Harvard University to join the Harvard Ukrainian Research Institute for the 1976-77 academic year.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1976
Energy Conservation Implementation Act - Title I: State Energy Conservation Implementation Program - Directs the Administrator of the Federal Energy Administration 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 $10,000,000,000 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 each of the fiscal years 1979 and 1980; (3) grants to States-$50,000,000 annually for fiscal years 1977 through 1980. Specifies the following criterial for State programs as a pre-condition to 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. Title II: Energy Conservation Extension Service - Establishes in the Energy Research and Development Administration the Energy Extension Service. Directs the Service to develop and implement a comprehensive program for the identification, development, and demonstration of energy conserving practices, techniques, materials, and equipment for: (1) agricultural, commercial, and small business operations, and (2) new and existing residential, commercial, or agricultural buildings or structures. Requires that such programs include technical assistance, instruction, and practical demonstrations in energy conservation opportunities. Directs the Service to establish energy extension service offices consisting of city offices, county agents, and technical staff assistants in order to accomplish the objectives of this Act. Requires that local extension offices disseminate information, advice, and assistance by means of (1) specific studies and recommendations, (2) demonstration projects, (3) distribution of studies and instructional materials, (4) seminars, and (5) other outreach programs.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1976
National Educational Opportunities Act - Title I: Definition and Guarantee of a Unitary School System and Equal Educational Opportunity - Provides that each State and its local educational agencies shall establish and maintain desegregated, unitary school systems which offer equal educational opportunities to all students, regardless of race, color, or national origin. States that a desegregrated unitary school system shall be presumed to exist unless a State or local educational agency denies equal educational opportunities to an individual on account of race, color, or national origin by specified acts which have the natural, probable, foreseeable, or actual effect of segregating students on the basis of race, color or national origin. Prohibits local educational agencies from denying equal educational opportunity to an individual on account of race, color, or national origin by maintenance of practices or provision of resources in schools in which minority students are concentrated that are less favorable for educational success and advancement than in schools attended primarily by students of any other race, color, or national origin. Gives examples of such denials of equal educational opportunity. Authorizes the Attorney General to bring a civil action in Federal court for equitable relief in any case where he has reasonable cause to believe that the provisions of this Act are being violated. Title II: State Equal Educational Opportunities Plans - Requires each State to prepare and submit to the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare for his approval a plan to carry out the purpose of this Act. Requires that such plan shall provide for the establishment of State and local advisory bodies to advise State and local educational agencies on development and participation in such plans. Requires such plans to provide a viable mechanism for States and local educational systems to implement a policy of equal educational opportunities that delineates the fundamental prerequisites for a desegregated, unitary school system. Provides that such State plans shall include specific means for implementing some or all of the following components: (1) a majority transfer plan on both an intradistrict and interdistrict basis; (2) a school district reorganization plan; and (3) an approved, concentrated compensatory education program for basic instructional programs, supportive services, and vocational guidance and for programs having potential for improving the achievement performance of educationally deprived students. Authorizes to be appropriated for carrying out this title not in excess of $200,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, $500,000,000 for fiscal year 1978, and $500,000,000 for each fiscal year for the next three fiscal years. Provides a formula for allotment of such funds to the States and for allocation among various programs and agencies. States that whenever the Secretary, after reasonable notice and opportunity for a hearing: (1) disapproves such a plan; or (2) finds that no plan has been submitted by a State, that a State plan approved under this Act has been so changed that it no longer complies with the requirements of this Act, that plan administration fails to comply substantially with any such provisions, or that a grantee is in violation of title II of this Act, the Secretary shall notify the grantee that further payments will not be made to the grantee under this title or any other educational assistance program until he is satisfied that there will no longer be any failure to comply. Provides that, until he is so satisfied, the Secretary shall make no further payments under such titles. Provides for review of the Secretary's action in such cases by the United States Court of Appeals for the circuit in which the claimant State is located. Title III: General Provisions and Definitions - Defines the terms used in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1976
Federal Criminal Law Revision and Constitutional Rights Preservation Act - Title I: Codification, Revision, and Reform of Title 18 Part I; General Provisions and Principles - Chapter I: General Provisions - Defines conditions of criminal liability. Defines terms used in this Act. Chapter 2: Jurisdiction - Defines the general, special, and extraterritorial jurisdiction of the United States in criminal matters, and declares that Federal jurisdiction does not in itself preclude State or local jurisdiction. Chapter 3: Culpable States of Mind - Defines "state of mind," as used in this title, including the terms "intentional," "knowing," "reckless," and "negligent." Sets forth the required proof of a state of mind. Chapter 4: Complicity - Lists conditions of criminal liability for the offense of another person, including liability as an agent for an organization, as an organization for an agent, and for criminal facilitation. Chapter 5: Bars and Defenses - Stipulates that the bars and defenses to prosecution set forth in this chapter are not exclusive except as specified. Allows additional bars and defenses to be developed by the courts. Bars prosecution, when time limitations have run, when the subject is less than 16 years old, and in cases of unlawful entrapment. Sets forth situations in which a single prosecution is required for two or more offenses. Stipulates that former prosecution for the same offense and for a different offense shall be a bar to prosecution in circumstances specified in the Act. States that former prosecution in another jurisdiction may act as a bar to prosecution. Bars subsequent prosecution by a State in specified situations. Defines defenses based on lack of culpability, including mistake of fact or law, insanity, and intoxication. Establishes, regarding the insanity defense, that it is a defense to a prosecution under any Federal statute that the defendant, at the time of such conduct, as a result of a mental disease or defect, lacked substantial capacity to appreciate the criminality of the conduct in question or to conform such conduct to the requirements of law. Specifies that "mental disease or defect" does not include an abnormality manifested only by repeated criminal or otherwise antisocial conduct. Defines additional defenses, including duress, protection of persons, protection of property, use of force to make an arrest, and official misstatement of law. Part II: Offenses - Describes Federal offenses, defenses for them, grading of them, and jurisdiction over them. Chapter 10: Offenses of General Application - Makes a person guilty of criminal attempt if, acting with the state of mind required for the commission of a crime, such person intentionally engages in conduct that, in fact, constitutes a substantial step toward commission of the crime. Makes a person guilty of criminal conspiracy if such person agrees with one or more persons to engage in conduct, the performance of which would constitute a crime or crimes, and one or more of such persons, with intent to effect any objective of the agreement, engages in any conduct which substantially tends to effect such objective. Prohibits any person from being charged both with conspiracy to commit a crime and with the substantive offense itself. Chapter 11: Offenses Involving National Defense - Defines treason and related offenses, including armed rebellion or insurrection, and engaging in para-military activity. Defines sabotage and related offenses, including violating an emergency regulation; evading military or alternative civilian service; obstructing military recruitment of induction; inciting or aiding mutiny, insubordination, or desertion; and aiding escape of a prisoner of war or an enemy alien. Defines espionage and related offenses, including disclosing classified national defense information for use by a foreign nation to injure the national defense, failing to register as a person trained in a foreign espionage system, and failing to register as or acting as a foreign agent. Defines atomic energy offenses. Chapter 12: Offenses Involving International Affairs - Sets forth offenses involving foreign relations, including attacking a foreign power, conspiracy against a foreign armed force, violating neutrality by causing departure of a vessel or aircraft, disclosing a foreign diplomatic code or correspondence, and engaging in an unlawful international transactions. Sets forth offenses involving immigration, naturalization, and passports, including unlawfully entering the United States as an alien, smuggling an alien into the United States, hindering discovery of an alien unlawfully in the United States, unlawfully employing an alien, and fraudulently acquiring or improperly using a passport. Chapter 13: Offenses Involving Government Process - Defines offenses involving general obstructions of government function, including impersonating an official, and misusing governmental authority. Defines offenses involving obstructions of law enforcement, including hindering law enforcement, bail jumping, escape, providing or possessing contraband in prison, and flight to avoid prosecution or appearance as a witness. Defines offenses involving obstruction of justice, including witness bribery, corrupting a witness or an informant, tampering with a witness or an informant, tampering with physical evidence, improperly influencing a juror, monitoring jury deliberations, and demonstrating to influence a judicial proceeding. Makes a person guilty of the offense of tampering with a witness or an informant if such person uses force, threat, intimidation, or deception with intent to: (1) influence the testimony of another person in an official proceeding; or (2) cause or induce another person to: (A) withhold testimony, or withhold a record, document, or other object, from an official proceeding; (B) evade legal process summoning such individual to appear as a witness, or to produce a record, document, or other object in an official proceeding; or (C) be absent from an official proceeding to which such individual has been summoned by legal process; or (3) hinder, delay, or prevent the communication to a law enforcement officer of information relating to an offense or a possible offense. Defines contempt offenses, including criminal contempt, failing to appear as a witness, refusing to testify or to produce information, obstructing a proceeding by disorderly conduct, and disobeying a judicial order. Makes a person guilty of criminal contempt if such individual: (1) misbehaves in the presence of a court or so near to it as to obstruct the administration of justice; (2) disobeys or resists a writ, process, order, rule, decree, or command of a court; or (3) as an officer of a court, misbehaves in an official transaction. Defines perjury, false swearing, making a false statement, and tampering with a government record, information disclosure, and nonelected public servant making a false statement. Defines offenses involving official corruption and intimidation, including briberty, graft, trading in government assistance, trading in special influence, trading in public office, speculating on official action or information, tampering with a public servant, and retaliating against a public servant. Makes a person guilty of the offense of trading in special influence if such individual: (1) offers, gives, or agrees to give to another person; or (2) solicits, demands, accepts, or agrees to accept from another person anything of pecuniary value intended as consideration for exerting, or causing another person to exert, special influence upon a public servant with respect to taking an official action or performing a legal duty as a public servant. Chapter 14: Offenses Involving Taxation - Defines internal revenue offenses, including tax evasion, disregarding a tax obligation, and alcohol and tobacco tax offenses. Stipulates, regarding the offense of tax evasion, that a person is guilty of an offense if he, with intent to evade liability for a tax or the payment of a tax: (1) files a tax return that understates the tax; (2) removes or conceals assets, knowing that the tax is due or may become due; (3) fails to account for, or to pay over when due, taxes previously collected or withheld, or payment received from or on behalf of another person with the understanding that it would be turned over to the United States for tax purposes; (4) alters, destroys, mutilates, conceals, or removes any property under the care, custody, or control of the United States; or (5) otherwise acts in any manner to evade liability for, or payment of, the tax. Defines customs offenses, including smuggling, trafficking in smuggled property, and receiving smuggled property. Chapter 15: Offenses Involving Individual Rights - Sets forth offenses involving civil rights, including interfering with civil rights, interfering with civil rights under color of law, interfering with a Federal benefit, and unlawful discrimination, and interfering with speech or assembly related to civil rights activities. Makes it an offense if a person intentionally: (1) deprives another person of; (2) injures, oppresses, threatens, or intimidates another person: (A) in the free exercise or enjoyment of; or (B) because such person exercised a right, privilege, or immunity in fact secured to such other person by the Constitution or laws of the United States. Makes a person guilty of an offense if, by force or threat of force such person intentionally injures, intimidates, or interferes with another person because of such other person's race, color, sex, religion, or national origin and because such other person is or has been, or in order to intimidate any person from: (1) applying for, participating in, or enjoying, a benefit, privilege, service, program, facility, or activity provided or administered by a State or locality; (2) applying for or enjoying employment, or a perquisite thereof, by a State or local government agency; (3) serving as a grand or petit juror in a State or locality or attending court in connection with possible service as such a grand or petit juror; (4) enrolling in or attending a public school or public college; (5) applying for or enjoying the goods, services, privileges, or facilities of specified public accommodations; (6) applying for or enjoying the services, privileges, facilities, or accommodations of a common carrier utilizing any kind of vehicle; (7) traveling in or using a facility of interstate commerce; (8) applying for or enjoying employment, or a perquisite thereof, by a private employer or joining or using the services or advantages of a labor organization, hiring hall, or employment agency; or (9) selling, purchasing, renting, financing, or occupying a dwelling; contracting or negotiating for the sale, purchase, rental, financing or occupation of a dwelling; or applying for or participating in a service, organization, or facility relating to the business of selling or renting dwellings. Sets forth offenses involving political rights, including obstructing an election, registration, or political campaign; interfering with a Federal benefit for a political purpose; misusing authority over personnel for a political purpose; soliciting a political contribution as a Federal public servant or in a Federal building; making a political contribution as a foreign national; or making an excess campaign expenditure. Stipulates, regarding the offense of obstructing a political campaign, that a person is guilty of an offense if, during a campaign preceding a primary, general, or special election to nominate or elect a candidate for a Federal office, and with intent to influence the outcome of such election, such person: (1) engages in conduct constituting a crime under this title; (2) engages in conduct constituting a felony under the law of the State in which the conduct occurs; or (3) publishes or distributes a statement concerning a candidate for Federal office that does not contain, or that misrepresents the name of the person or organization responsible for the publication or distribution. Defines offenses involving privacy, including eavesdropping, trafficking in an eavesdropping device, intercepting correspondence, and revealing private information submitted for a government purpose. Stipulates, regarding the offense of eavesdropping, that a person is guilty of an offense if such person intentionally: (1) intercepts a private oral communication by means of an eavesdropping device without the prior consent of a party to the communication; or (2) discloses to another person, or uses, the contents of a private oral communication, knowing that such contents were obtained by conduct described in paragraph (1). Chapter 16: Offenses Involving the Person - Sets forth definitions of homicide offenses, including murder, manslaughter, and negligent homicide. Makes a person guilty of murder if such person: (1) engages in conduct that knowingly causes the death of another person; (2) engages in conduct that causes the death of another person under circumstance in fact manifesting extreme indifference to human life; or (3) in fact during the commission of an offense described in this title as treason, armed rebellion or insurrection, sabotage, espionage, escape, murder, maiming, kidnapping, aggravated restraint, aircraft hijacking, rape, arson, burglary, or robbery that is commited either alone or with one or more other participants, such individual or another person engages in conduct that in fact causes the death of a person other than one of the participants in such underlying offense. Makes a person guilty of the offense of manslaughter if such individual: (1) engages in conduct that causes the death of another person; or (2) engages in conduct that knowingly causes the death of another person under circumstances that would constitute murder except for the existence of circumstances in fact constituting an affirmative defense as specified under the provisions of this title regarding murder. Makes a person guilty of negligent homicide if such person engages in conduct that negligently causes the death of another person. Defines assault offenses, including maiming, aggravated battery, battery, menacing, terrorizing, communicating a threat, and reckless endangerment. Defines kidnapping and related offenses, including aggravated criminal restraint, and criminal restraint. Defines the offenses of hijacking and commandeering a vessel. Defines sex offenses, including, rape, sexual assault, sexual abuse of a minor, sexual abuse of a ward, and unlawful sexual contact. Stipulates, regarding the offense of rape, that a person is guilty of an offense if such individual engages in a sexual act with another person who is not his spouse, and (1) compels the other person to participate in such act by force or by threatening or placing the other person in fear that any person will imminently be subjected to death, serious bodily injury, or kidnapping; (2) has substantially impaired the ability of the other person to appraise or control conduct by administering or employing a drug or intoxicant, or by other means, without the knowledge or against the will of such other person; or (3) the other person is, in fact, less than twelve years old. Chapter 17: Offenses Involving Property - Defines: (1) arson and other property destruction offenses, including environmental spoilation and failure to prevent catastrophe; (2) burglary and other criminal intrusion offense; (3) robbery, extortion, and blackmail; (4) theft and related offenses including consumer fraud; (5) counterfeiting, forgery, and related offenses; (6) commercial bribery and related offenses; and (7) investment, monetary, and antitrust offenses. Chapter 18: Offenses Involving Public Order, Safety, Health, and Welfare - Defines offenses involving organized crime, drugs, explosives and firearms, riots, gambling, obscenity, prostitution, and public health. Stipulates that the offense of operating a racketeering syndicate consists of organizing, owning, controlling, managing, directing, financing, or otherwise participating in a supervisory capacity in a racketeering syndicate. Defines drug offenses including trafficking in an opiate, trafficking in drugs other than marihuana, trafficking in marihuana, possessing drugs and violating a drug regulation. Makes a person guilty of trafficking in marihuana if such person distributes marihuana to an individual who is less than 18 years old. Makes the possession of marihuana punishable by a fine or $100. Makes a person guilty of an offense if, with intent to alarm, harass, or annoy another person or in reckless disregard of the fact that another person is thereby alarmed, harassed, or annoyed, such person engages in violent, tumultuous, or threatening conduct. Makes it an offense for a Federal public servant acting in official capacity to induce or encourage another person to engage in conduct constituting an offense by either making knowingly false representations designed to induce the belief that such conduct is not prohibited or by employing methods of persuasion which create a substantial risk that an offense will be committed by persons other than those who are ready to commit it. Part III: Sentences - Chapter 20: General Provisions - Requires that an individual found guilty of an offense be sentenced to probation, a fine, a term of imprisonment, or a fine in addition to any other sentence. Requires probation officers to make presentence investigations and report the results to courts before imposition of sentences. Outlines the areas which must be considered in such report. Permits the courts to request additional presentence investigations by the Bureau of Prisons and by psychiatrists. Permits the courts to require those convicted of offenses to notify the class of persons affected by the conviction. Chapter 21: Probation - Sets forth factors of eligibility for probation, possible conditions to be met by the convicted, and revocation considerations. Establishes authorizes terms of probation for each class of offense. Chapter 22: Fines - Prescribes limitations on fine amounts and factors to be considered in imposing fines. Chapter 23: Imprisonment - Sets forth authorized terms of imprisonment for classes of offenses including 15 years for a class A felony, seven years for a class B felony, and four years for a class C felony. Sets forth factors to be considered in imposing terms. Requires that multiple sentences run concurrently unless the court specifies consecutive running, based upon a list of considerations. Part IV: Criminal Justice Administration and Procedure - Chapter 30: Investigative and Law Enforcement Authority - Sets forth the responsibilities among various agencies for detecting and investigating the commission of offenses described in this title. Reposes such responsibility in the Federal Bureau of Investigation if no other agency is specifically assigned such responsibility. Delineates the varying authority of employees and officials of: the FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration, Department of the Treasury, Postal Service, United States Marshals, Federal Probation Service, Bureau of Prisons, Immigration and Naturalization Service, and the Department of the Interior to carry a firearm; execute orders, warrants, subpeonas and other process; make arrests without warrants; and offer and pay reward for services or information. Chapter 31: Ancillary Investigate Authority - Stipulates that, if a person refuses, on the basis of the privilege against self-incrimination, to testify or to produce a record, document, or other object in an official proceeding conducted under the authority of: (1) a court or grand jury of the United States; (2) an agency of the United States; or (3) Congress or either House of Congress and the presiding officer informs the person of an order issued under this title, the person shall not be prosecuted or subjected to any penalty or forfeiture for or on account of any transaction, matter or thing, concerning which such person may testify, or produce evidence, provided however that no person may be compelled to testify or to produce a record, document, or other object if a refusal to do is on the basis of the privilege against self-incrimination. Authorizes the district court upon application of the United States attorney to issue an order of immunity for a person who has been or may be subpoenaed to testify or to produce a record, or document. Permits the Attorney General to provide for the security of government witnesses, potential government witnesses, and their immediate families, in official proceedings instituted against a person alleged to have engaged in racketeering activity or other offenses similar in nature. Permits the Attorney General to offer and pay an amount not to exceed $100,000 as a reward for the capture of, or for information leading to the arrest or conviction of, a person charged with the commission of a Federal or State offense. Chapter 32: Rendition and Extradition - Sets forth the Interstate Agreement on Detainers. Declares that the United States and the District of Columbia are parties to it, as are all jurisdictions joining it in substantially the same form. Reguires that demand of the executive authority of one State to that of another for the return of a fugitive from justice be accompanied by an indictment returned or affidavit made, before a judge of the demanding State, charging such person with the commission of a State or local crime. Allows extradition to be granted only pursuant to the provisions of an applicable treaty or other international agreement and of this title. Prescribes extradition procedures for arrests with and without documentation. Requires an extradition hearing, unless properly waived. Specifies prerequisites, which must be proved, and their method of proof, before an individual is extraditable. Requires a warrant of surrender, issued by the Secretary of State, for agents of the demanding government. Chapter 33: Jurisdiction and Venue - Grants the United States District Courts original jurisdiction, exclusive of the courts of the States overall offenses committed within the general, special or extraterritorial jurisdiction of the United States. Delineates the jurisdiction of magistrates over misdemeanors and infractions. Permits an accused subject to magistrates, to elect trial before a district court judge. Permits arrest anywhere within the United States by order of a Federal judge or State judicial officer of persons accused of an offense. Allows an offense begun in one judicial district and completed in another, or commited in more than one district, to be prosecuted in any district in which the offense was begun, continued, or completed. Chapter 34: Appointment of Counsel for Indigent Defendants - Requires each district court to effectuate a plan for furnishing representation for any person as specified financially unable to obtain adequate representation. Requires such representation to include counsel, investigative, expert, and other services necessary to an adequate defense. Makes rules for appointment of counsel and for their compensation, which is not to exceed $1,000 for each attorney in a felony case. Requires the establishment of Federal Public Defender Organizations in the judicial districts, to consist of salaried attorneys; and the establishment of Community Defender Organizations, to consist of nonprofit defense counsels. Chapter 35: Release and Confinement Pending Judicial Proceeding - Requires release of persons charged with non-capital offenses. Directs that persons charged with non-capital offenses be released on their own recognizance at the time of their appearance before a judge, unless the judge determines that other measures are required to assure their subsequent appearance. Sets forth such other measures to be employed in order of increasing severity, the last of which is execution of a bail bond. Allows appeal from a denial of release. Chapter 36: Disposition of Juvenile or Incompetent Offenders - Directs the Attorney General to forgo prosecution and surrender an arrested juvenile to State jurisdiction unless, after investigation, the Attorney General certifies that the State - (1) will not assure jurisdiction over the person; or (2) does not have available programs and services adequate for the needs of the juvenile. Establishes guidelines for the surrender of a person between the age of 18 and 21 years arrested for acts of juvenile delinquency be immediately advised of their legal rights, and that parents be notified of such arrest. Requires release of juveniles pending trial, unless their safety or that of other persons is in question. Allows a juvenile to be proceeded against only by information, and directs that no criminal prosecution may be instituted for the offense charged. Stipulates that if the court finds a juvenile to be a juvenile delinquent, it may, after a hearing, place the jurvenile on probation as specified or commit the juvenile to official detention. Sets limits on terms of detention. Requires that, if possible, the Bureau of Prisons shall detain a juvenile in a public or private agency or foster home located in or near the individual home community, but that in no case shall a juvenile be detained in adult facilities. Requires the courts to safeguard records of juvenile proceedings against disclosure. Allows subsequent to the commencement of a prosecution and prior to the imposition of sentence, a motion to be filed for a hearing to determine mental competency of the defendant. Directs the court to order a hearing on the motion if there is reasonable cause to believe that the defendant may presently be suffering from a mental disease or defect rendering such defendant mentally incompetent to the extent of being unable to understand the nature of the proceedings or to assist properly in the defense. Sets forth procedures and instructions for psychiatric examination, reports and hearings thereon, relating to persons acquitted by reason of insanity and of persons convicted who suffer from mental disease or defect. Disallows admission at trial of defendant's statements at psychiatric examinations, where such statements are offered on the issue of whether the defendant engaged in conduct constituting the offense. Chapter 37: Pretrial and Trial Procedure, Evidence, and Appellate Review - Permits the Supreme Court to prescribe amendments to the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure. Permits it to prescribe amendments to the Federal Rules of Evidence, subject to specified deferral or disapproval by the Congress. Permits the Supreme Court to prescribe amendments to the Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure. Describes decisions, judgments, and orders from which the government may appeal. Sets forth standards and procedures for review of sentences. Chapter 38: Post-Sentence Administration - Sets forth procedures for appointment of probation officers by district courts. Decribes their duties. Allows a probationer who is alleged to have violated a condition of probation to be ordered to appear at a hearing before the court having jurisdiction over him. Permits that persons found guilty of drug offenses, with no prior drug convictions, to be placed on probation for one year without the entering of a judgment of conviction. Directs that fines shall be credited to the Criminal Victim Compensation Fund. States that fines are liens in favor of the United States upon all property belonging to the person fined. Prescribes procedures for the Bureau of Prisons in commiting a person to prison. Lists conditions, including reestablishment of family ties and specified employment situations, under which a prisoner can obtain temporary releases. Lists conditions of eligibility for and criteria for parole. Provides for preparole reports, access thereto by the prisoner, and for a parole interview and a record thereof. Directs the Parole Commission to set the terms and conditions of parole. Requires a preliminary hearing and revocation hearing if revocation of parole is under consideration. Allows counsel to the prisoner at the parole interview and at the revocation hearing. Allows appeal from Parole Commission decisions to the National Appeals Board. Directs that rules and regulations necessary for the administration of the provisions of this chapter be promulgated in accord with the Administrative Procedure Act. Part V: Ancillary Civil Proceedings - Chapter 40: Ancillary Public Civil Proceedings - Allows intiation by the Attorney General of in rem civil proceedings to have seized and forfeited to the United States any property used, intended for use, or possessed in the course of an offense described in designated provisions of this title. Allows for, and defines the procedure for, the civil restraint and prevention of racketeering offenses. Allows for, and defines the procedure for, service of a civil investigative demand requiring production of relevant documentary materials for use in such a civil restraint of racketeering. Chapter 41: Ancillary Private Civil Remedies - Stipulates that a person injured in his business or property by reason of a racketeering offense has a civil cause of action in district court to recover three times the damages sustained and litigation costs. Establishes civil remedies for persons whose oral communications are illegally intercepted. Establishes the Criminal Victim Compensation Fund in the Treasury. Permits victims of offenses involving the person, and surviving dependents of such victims, to file claims with the United States Victim Compensation Board for up to $50,000 in compensation for actual pecuniary loss, loss of anticipated earnings, and loss of anticipated support to the victim's surviving dependent. Sets other conditions for receipt of compensation. Allows the Attorney General to subrogate against the convicted for such compensation. Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure for the United District Courts - I. Scope, Purpose, and Construction - Requires that these rules be construed to secure simplicity in procedure, fairness in administration, and elimination of unjustifiable expense and delay. II. Preliminary Proceedings - Prescribes the conditions of, procedure for, and form of arrest warrants and of summonses. States that probable cause may be based upon hearsay evidence in whole or in part. Allows a magistrate to require the appearance and examination under oath of complainants. Requires that arrested persons be brought without unnecessary delay before the nearest Federal magistrate. Sets forth what shall take place at and of what rights the arrested shall be apprised at this appearance. Enumerates the conditions under which a preliminary examination shall be held for the finding of probable cause. III. Indictment and Information - Requires district courts to order one or more grand juries to be summoned at such times as the public interest requires. Permits disclosure of the matters occurring before the grand jury other than its deliberations and the vote of any juror to be made to the attorneys for the government for use in the performance of their duties. Prohibits other disclosure except by direction of the court. Allows for appointment of special grand juries in qualified circumstances to inquire into offenses to have been committed within the district. Allows submission of reports to the court by such special grand juries, and for temporary sealing of reports concerning noncriminal misconduct by public servants. Permits such public servants to file answers with the clerk of the court. Prescribes the use of indictments and information, including their contents and forms. Describes the conditions under which joinder of offenses and defendants will be permitted. IV. Arraignment and Preparation for Trial - Prescribes that arraignment shall consist of reading the indictment of information to the defendant, or stating the substance of the charge, and asking him to plead thereto. Requires that specified advice be given the defendant before a plea of guilty or nolo contendere is accepted. Allows plea bargaining, if the court does not participate in it, and if any plea agreements are disclosed in court at the time the plea is offered. Permits withdrawal of the plea if the court rejects the plea agreement. States that any defense, objection, or request which is capable of determination without the trial of the general issue may be raised before trial by motion. Sets forth rules and procedures pertaining to the disclosure by the prosecution and the defense as to specified types of evidence, including witnesses, they expect to use. Imposes a continuing duty of disclosure of such. Lists evidence which is not subject to disclosure. Prescribes rules for the taking and use of depositions. Establishes rules for the issuance and service of subpoenas. V. Venue - Stipulates that, in general, the prosecution shall be had in a district in which the offense was committed, and at a place convenient to the defendant and the witnesses. Allows transfer to another district where prejudice prevents a fair trial. VI. Trial - Directs that cases required to be tried by jury shall be so tried unless the defendant waives a jury trial in writing with the approval of the court and the consent of the government. Allows for juries of less than 12 upon stipulation by the parties. Prescribes procedures for jury examination and challenges. Allocates the burdens of proof for offenses, defenses, affirmative defenses, and for jurisdiction. Abolishes motions for directed verdict and places motions for judgment of acquittal in their place. Makes rules for closing arguments, instructions, and verdicts. VII. Judgment - Requires imposition of sentence without unreasonable delay, notice of right to appeal and of petition for review. Requires that a judgment of conviction set forth the pleas, the verdict or findings, and the adjudication and sentence. Sets forth conditions allowing a new trial. VIII. Appeal - Permits a stay of the death sentence, imprisonment, and a fine, where an appeal or petition for review is taken. IX. Supplementary and Special Proceedings - Sets forth conditions and procedures for removal to another district. Details, regarding search and seizure warrants, who may issue them, property which may be seized thereunder, their contents, their execution (including when force is permitted) and the nature of the return. Prescribes rules for disposition of criminal contempt. X. General Provisions - Sets forth general rules relating to presence of the defendant, right to and assignment of counsel, time, release from custody, motions, dismissal, service and filing of papers, calendars, exceptions, harmless error and plain error, regulation of conduct in the courtroom, application and exception, courts and clerks, rules of court, forms, and title. Rules of Procedures for the Trial of Minor Offenses Before United States Magistrates - Declares that these rules govern the procedure and practice for the trial of minor offenses before United States magistrates and for appeals in such cases to judges of the district courts. Stipulates that to the extent that pretrial and trial procedure and practice are not specifically covered by these rules, the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure apply as to minor offenses other than petty offenses. Governs all other proceedings in criminal matters, other than petty offenses, before United States magistrates by the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure. Sets forth such rules covering scope, minor offenses other than petty offenses, warrant or summons, orders subject to rehearing by district judges, transfer of cases, new trial, appeal, payment of fixed sum in lieu of appearance, records, and rules of court.
United States · United States Congress · 11 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
Increases from 36 to 45 months the period of entitlement for educational assistance for eligible veterans. Eliminates the ten-year time limitation within which such assistance must be used. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 1661; 1662)
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1976
Allows a tax deduction up to $750 for ordinary and necessary expenses incurred by a taxpayer under the Internal Revenue Code in making repairs and improvements to his residence during the taxable year. Allows the owner of rental housing to amortize at an accelerated rate (over a 60-month period) the cost of rehabilitating or restoring such housing. Authorizes the taxpayer to switch from such accelerated amortization to the regular depreciation deduction allowable under the Internal Revenue Code for property used in a trade or business or held for the production of income.
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 · 4 March 1976
Creates a nine member House Select Committee on the Fiscal Problems of Cities. Directs the committee to conduct a study to identify the nature and causes of problems afflicting large cities which face severe fiscal imbalance. Provides that consideration shall be given problems which contribute to the financial plight of cities, including: (1) net outmigration of population; (2) decline in employment opportunities; (3) adverse city/suburban relationships; (4) cost of public services; (5) rising crime rates; (6) lack of new investment in housing; and (7) racial, ethnic, and economic segregation. Calls upon the committee to develop a policy regarding the appropriate role of various levels of government in the solution of such problems. Requires the committee to evaluate the consequences of, and coordination among, existing Federal policies and programs which relate to the major problems identified by the committee. Directs the committee to formulate specific recommendations regarding Federal legislation and executive administrative action for modifications of or alternatives to present Federal programs.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1976
Government Economy and Spending Reform Act - Title I: Authorizations of New Budget Authority - Terminates on specified dates budget authority for all Government programs except health care services, general retirement and disability insurance, and Federal employee retirement and disability programs which are funded by trust funds. Declares out of order in either the Senate or the House of Representatives any legislation which authorizes new budget authority not in compliance with this Act. Requires the Committees on Appropriations and the Committees on the Budget of both Houses of Congress to identify each program's functional and subfunctional category (as so characterized in the Budget of the United States, Fiscal Year 1977, transmitted to Congress by the President on January 21, 1976), the committees having legislative jurisdiction over such program, and whether such program operates under permanent authorizations and budget authority. Makes the budget termination provisions of this Act effective on the first day of the Ninety-fifth Congress. Title II: Early Elimination of Inactive and Duplicate Programs - Requires the Comptroller General of the United States to identify for Congress any programs which have duplicate objectives or for which no outlays have been made for the last two fiscal years. Directs the standing committees of both Houses to consider such programs and report recommendations on such programs before March 15, 1978, if possible. Title III: Quadrennial Program Review and Evaluation - Sets forth a timetable for reviewing the budget of a Government program. Requires review by standing committees of the Congress every four years of each program's cost, effectiveness, and the extent to which such program duplicates or is similar to any other program. States that such review shall include a comprehensive evaluation of the merits of such program to determine if it warrants continuation. Requires justification of any recommendation to fund any program which has objectives similar to or the same as another program's objectives. Directs the Comptroller General and the Congressional Budget Office to provide Congress with information and analysis of programs being reviewed under this Act. Requires the President to similarly review the merits of continuing programs contained in the annual Budget and to report the finding of such review prior to transmitting the Budget to Congress. Title IV: Continuing Review and Evaluation - Directs the Comptroller General to report to Congress the result of any audit which shows a substantial deficiency in achievement of the objectives of any Government program. Requires subsequent audits, a report of which must be submitted to Congress, to determine if such deficiency has been eliminated. Title V: Miscellaneous - States that those provisions of this Act which direct the operation of either House are enacted as an exercise of the rulemaking power of such House and recognizes the right of either House to change such rules.
United States · United States Congress · 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 · 1 March 1976
Allows an eligible veteran who is pursuing a program of education at the close of the ten-year delimiting period to continue to receive educational assistance until he completes such program, or until he ceases to pursue such program, whichever first occurs. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 1662(a))
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1976
Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to give the President the power to appoint six members of the eight-member Federal Election Commission by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Appoints the Secretary of the Senate and the Clerk of the House of Representatives as ex officio members of the Commission without the right to vote. Terminates the terms of the present members once the new members are appointed and confirmed pursuant to this Act. Declares the sense of the Congress that appointments authorized by this Act should be made as soon as possible.
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 · 24 February 1976
Administrative Rule Making Reform Act - Requires a Federal agency preparing to hold a rule making session to make a reasonable effort to inform those likely to be affected by the proposed rule making. Requires that if the affected group is large, representatives of such group must be notified. Requires, in addition to present requirements, that the notice of rule making include the projected effective date of the rules, the purpose of the rule making, the text of the proposed rules, and the technical or other studies on which the agency intends to rely in the rule making proceedings. Applies the requirements of this Act to all rule making sessions except (1) those specifically authorized to be kept secret in the interest of national security, and (2) those relating to agency management. Requires public notice and public opportunity for comment of all rule making proceedings under this Act unless the agency finds that the rules to be proposed are emergency rules or are of routine or insignificant impact in which case the rule must be published with reasons for its adoption. Requires Federal agencies to give interested persons at least 45 days to participate in the rule making. Requires the agency to maintain a file of each proceeding to be made available to the courts, Congress, and to the public in connection with review of the rule. Limits the period for public comment to a maximum of 90 days. Requires a copy of all proposed rules to be sent to Congress. States that such rule, other than an emergency rule, shall not become effective if it is disapproved within 90 days by both Houses of Congress, or it is disapproved within 60 days by one House and no action is taken on the disapproval resolution by the other House. Provides that either House of Congress may, by resolution, require any agency to reconsider and resubmit any rule to which this Act applies. Requires that such proposed rule be repromulgated anew in accordance with all the provisions of this Act unless it is reconsidered and resubmitted to Congress within 180 days after the adoption of the resolution requiring such reconsideration. Sets forth procedures for adoption of resolutions to approve, disapprove, or compel reconsideration for both Houses. Requires the Administrative Conference of the United States to study Congressional review of agency rule making under this Act and report the effect of such review on such rule making before July 1, 1982. Authorizes to be appropriated $200,000 to finance such study. Makes this Act effective on the first day of the first session of the Ninety-fifth Congress. Terminates the Congressional review required by this Act at the adjournment of the Ninety-seventh Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1976
Tax Credits and Allowances Act - Title I: Personal Credits Allowances for Basic Living Expenses, and other Tax Provisions - Repeals the personal exemption and provides, in lieu thereof, a credit against tax equal to the personal credits granted by this title. Provides a $225 credit for the taxpayer, and additional credits of $225 each for the taxpayer's spouse and each dependent. Authorizes prepayment of estimated personal credits to recipients of allowances for basic living expenses. Repeals the low income allowance. Provides for a standard employment expense deduction of: (1) 10 percent (but not to exceed $500) of the earned income received by the lesser compensated spouse; and (2) 10 percent (but not to exceed $1,000) of the earned income of the head of a household. Provides an allowance for basic living expenses. Specifies the requirements to be met for eligibility for receipt of such allowance, and sets forth the maximum amounts of such allowance. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to promulgate regulations for the administration of this Act. Provides special rules with respect to the filing status of individuals under this Act. Provides for the coordination of allowances and credits authorized by this Act with those authorized under the educational opportunity grant program of the Higher Education Act of 1965. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out the provisions of this title. States that gross income does not include, for the purposes of this title, amounts received by recipients as allowances for basic living expenses. Title II: Public Assistance and Welfare Reform - Amends the Social Security Act to require State Supplementation of income to families receiving aid for dependent children in the amount that the income of such families is reduced by the provisions of this Act. Provides that supplementary payments made by States under this title shall be made for a maximum period of 24 months. Changes the eligibility requirements for benefits under the supplemental security income programs of aid to aged, blind, or disabled individuals to prevent reduction of benefits received by such individuals by virtue of the provisions of this Act. States that until such time as a comprehensive program of services for families and children is developed and placed into effect, the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare shall provide a transitional program of specified services to such families. States that the Secretary shall develop a comprehensive program of such services within one year of the effective date of this title. Authorizes optional State supplementation of social security income benefits to ameliorate the effects of the provisions of this Act on families with disabled children. Title III: Miscellaneous and General Provisions - Provides that the total amount of State supplementation payments made under this Act may be used as an allowance offset for purposes of income taxation where the application of the provisions of this Act results in a net reduction of its basic living expense allowance or its supplemental security income benefit. Prohibits Federal assistance to child-care facilities imposing income-related fees. Makes technical and conforming amendments in other specified laws. Repeals the Food Stamp Act of 1964. Provides that obligations of the United States shall be subject to garnishment and similar proceedings to meet court-ordered alimony, child-support, and rent obligations.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1976
Creates a nine member House Select Committee on the Fiscal Problems of Cities. Directs the committee to conduct a study to identify the nature and causes of problems afflicting large cities which face severe fiscal imbalance. Provides that consideration shall be given problems which contribute to the financial plight of cities, including: (1) net outmigration of population; (2) decline in employment opportunities; (3) adverse city/suburban relationships; (4) cost of public services; (5) rising crime rates; (6) lack of new investment in housing; and (7) racial, ethnic, and economic segregation. Calls upon the committee to develop a policy regarding the appropriate role of various levels of government in the solution of such problems. Requires the committee to evaluate the consequences of, and coordination among, existing Federal policies and programs which relate to the major problems identified by the committee. Directs the committee to formulate specific recommendations regarding Federal legislation and executive administrative action for modifications of or alternatives to present Federal programs.
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
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 · 18 February 1976
Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to establish as an independent establishment of the Executive branch the Federal Election Commission whose members are the Secretary of the Senate (ex officio), the Clerk of the House (ex officio), and six members appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. States that no more than three members appointed by the President may be affiliated with the same party.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1976
Increases, under the Social Security Act and the Internal Revenue Code, the ceiling on the amount of earnings which may be counted for social security benefit and tax purposes. Sets forth proposed ceilings of $15,300 for calendar year 1976, $22,200 for calendar year 1977, $26,100 for calendar year 1978, and $28,500 for calendar year 1979.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1976
Commission on School Integration Act - Establishes a thirteen-member Commission on School Integration for the purpose of studying specified aspects of school integration, including: (1) the goals of racial integration and the effectiveness of methods used to achieve it; and (2) the impact of compulsory integration through busing. Directs that one member of the Commission be appointed by each chief judge of the eleven United States Court of Appeals circuits, the remaining two members to be appointed by the Chief Justice of the United State Supreme Court. Makes provision for pay, travel expenses, and staffing for the Commission. Details the powers of the Commission, including the power to hold hearings and to issue subpenas. Permits the Commission to secure directly from any Federal department or agency any information necessary to carry out this Act. Requires the Commission to transmit to the President and to each House of Congress a report containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations, not later than one year after the Commission's organization. Terminates the Commission ninety days after submission of such report.
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
Teritary Eye Center Act - Sets forth the Congressional finding that there is a national need for refurbishing, centralizing, and upgrading tertiary eye care centers. Defines "tertiary eye care center" and other terms for purposes of this Act. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to identify tertiary eye care centers that need upgrading and to make grants to accomplish such purpose. Directs the Secretary to create a Tertiary Eye Commission to assess the present state of eye care facilities in the United States, to develop plans for improving and expanding such facilities, and to make grants to public and nonprofit private teritary eye care centers to implement such upgrading. Requires the commission, within two years of enactment of this Act, to submit to the Secretary and the President a final report, and to submit such interim reports as are necessary, with respect to its activities. Authorizes the appropriation of $21,000,000 to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1976
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a deduction for donations of blood to charitable organizations in an amount equal to $25 for each pint donated. Limits the aggregate amount of donations which shall be deductible to $125 in any taxable year.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1976
Regulatory Reform Act - States Congress' finding that Government economic regulation has become a burden to American business, consumers, and the economy. Requires the President to submit at least once a year for five years a plan to eliminate regulation which has led to inflationary consumer prices or a reduction of competition. Directs that each plan establish more efficient organizational and administrative forms for the regulation of commerce and include provisions necessary to modify or abolish existing agencies and functions so as to eliminate overlapping regulatory jurisdictions and anti-competitive regulations. Requires that such reformation plan be directed toward regulation in the areas of: (1) banking and finance; (2) energy and environment; (3) commerce, and transportation; (4) food, health, safety, and trade practices; and (5) labor, housing, and small business. Defines terms used in this Act. Provides for Congressional review of such plan. Provides that if Congress fails to pass any regulatory reform legislation by a specified date after the President submits his plan to the Congress, such plan shall become effective as of a specified date and all rules of any agency described in such plan shall be of no force or effect.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1976
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Federal Government should accelerate its development of commercial sailing ships. States that the budget of the Maritime Administration, the Department of the Navy, the Energy Research and Development Administration, the National Science Foundation, the Federal Energy Administration, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Transportation, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and the Department of Commerce should include adequate funds to prove the commercial viability of sailing ships.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1976
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Federal Government should accelerate its development of lighter than air systems. Provides that the budgets of specified Federal agencies concerned with research in such area should include adequate funds to prove the commercial viability of lighter than air systems.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1976
Creates a nine member House Select Committee on the Fiscal Problems of Cities. Directs the committee to conduct a study to identify the nature and causes of problems afflicting large cities which face severe fiscal imbalance. Provides that consideration shall be given problems which contribute to the financial plight of cities, including: (1) net outmigration of population; (2) decline in employment opportunities; (3) adverse city/suburban relationships; (4) cost of public services; (5) rising crime rates; (6) lack of new investment in housing; and (7) racial, ethnic, and economic segregation. Calls upon the committee to develop a policy regarding the appropriate role of various levels of government in the solution of such problems. Requires the committee to evaluate the consequences of, and coordination among, existing Federal policies and programs which relate to the major problems identified by the committee. Directs the committee to formulate specific recommendations regarding Federal legislation and executive administrative action for modifications of or alternatives to present Federal programs.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1976
Expands the boundaries of the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. Repeals provisions suspending the Secretary of the Interior's authority to acquire property within the National Lakeshore by condemnation when appropriate zoning agencies have in effect approved valid zoning ordinances applicable to such property. Revises provisions regarding retention of the right of use and occupancy by owners of improved property after such property has been acquired by the Secretary. Increases the membership of the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore Advisory Commission. Authorizes the appropriation of sums for acquisition of lands and interests in land and for development. Requires the Secretary to complete by the end of 1977 a final master plan detailing the development of the lakeshore. Details guidelines regarding rights-of-way and easements added by this Act to the lakeshore and regarding the acquisition, improvement, and use of specified lands and easements not within the expanded boundaries.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1976
Establishes an 11 member Commission on the Humane Treatment of Animals to study the treatment of animals. Requires that the membership include zoologists, veterinarians, and representatives from humane societies. Requires the Commission to determine if animals are caused needless pain or suffering as a result of their treatment: (1) on farms; (2) in zoos; (3) in laboratory experimentation; and (4) in other situations. Excludes the study or treatment of animals occurring in connection with the exercise of any religion. Directs the Commission to report its findings to the Congress and the President within two years after its last member is appointed. Terminates the Commission 60 days after it submits its final report. Authorizes appropriaions of $750,000 per year to carry out the provisions of this Act.
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 · 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 · 21 January 1976
Department of Education Act - Establishes an executive department to be known as the Department of Education, to be headed by a Secretary of Education appointed by the President. States that it shall be the principal function of the Department to improve the quality of education throughout the United States. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) advise the President with respect to the progress of education; (2) develop and recommend to the President appropriate policies and programs to foster the orderly growth and development of the Nation's educational facilities and resources especially in the light of long-range requirements; (3) exercise leadership at the direction of the President in coordinating Federal activities affecting education; (4) conduct continuing comprehensive surveys and collect, analyze, and disseminate relevant information concerning education in the United States; (5) provide information and such other assistance as may be authorized by the Congress to aid in the maintenance of efficient school, college, and university systems; and (6) encourage comprehensive long-range planning by State and local governments, especially with respect to coordinating Federal, State, and community educational activities at the local level. Transfers the education functions of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare to the Department of Education. Transfers various education functions of other executive departments to the Department of Education. Establishes a Federal Interagency Committee on Education to study and recommend such actions as may be necessary to assure effective coordination of Federal programs affecting education. Establishes a National Advisory Commission on Education of specified membership and qualification to review and make recommendations with respect to the administration, regulation, and operation of Federal education programs. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as are necessary to enable the Department to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 January 1976
Regulatory Reform Act - States Congress' finding that Government economic regulation has become a burden to American business, consumers, and the economy. Requires the President to submit at least once a year for five years a plan to eliminate regulation which has led to inflationary consumer prices or a reduction of competition. Directs that each plan establish more efficient organizational and administrative forms for the regulation of commerce and include provisions necessary to modify or abolish existing agencies and functions so as to eliminate overlapping regulatory jurisdictions and anti-competitive regulations. Requires that such reformation plan be directed toward regulation in the areas of: (1) banking and finance; (2) energy and environment; (3) commerce, and transportation; (4) food, health, safety, and trade practices; and (5) labor, housing, and small business. Defines terms used in this Act. Provides for Congressional review of such plan. Provides that if Congress fails to pass any regulatory reform legislation by a specified date after the President submits his plan to the Congress, such plan shall become effective as of a specified date and all rules of any agency described in such plan shall be of no force or effect.
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 1975
Provides, under the Arms Control and Disarmament Act, that no agreement for cooperation which provides for the sale or transfer of any nuclear material or technology to any other nation, group of nations, or regional defense organization, may be entered into under the Atomic Energy Act. Provides that no license may be issued for the sale or other transfer to any nation or any person outside the United States: (1) of any nuclear reactor, (2) of one kilogram or more plutonium or highly enriched uranium, (3) of any nuclear reactor fuel unless such fuel is to be sold or transferred to a nation which is a party to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, or (4) of such other nuclear material or technology as the Director of the Arms Control and Disarmament Agency may designate, until 20 legislative days after the Director has submitted a report analyzing the impact of such sale or other transfer on arms control and disarmament policies and negotiations to the President, specified Federal officers and organizations, and specified Congressional Committees.
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 1975
Establishes, under the Congressional Budget Act, a zero-base budgeting process. States that such process shall consist of requiring each Congressional committee responsible for reporting legislation authorizing appropriations for any Federal program to conduct a comprehensive review and study of such program at least once every six years as though it were being proposed to be enacted for the first time. Provides that such comprehensive reviews shall include consideration of (1) alternative funding levels, (2) probable costs and benefits, (3) whether the original program objectives are still relevant, (4) the impact of the program on the functions and freedom of the private sector of the economy, and (5) the feasibility of alternative programs. Authorizes the Committees on the Budget of the House of Representatives and the Senate to establish guidelines and standards for the conduct by the various committees of the House and Senate of their zero-based budgeting functions. Makes technical and conforming amendments to the Congressional Budgeting Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 1975
National Mental Health and Disability Advocacy Services Act - Sets forth the policy of the Congress that before any person may be involuntarily committed to a mental hospital, all court and administrative proceedings must comport with due process of law, including, but not limited to, the right of counsel. States that to help solve patients' problems which do not require litigation, yet require aid, advice, or counseling, an ombudsperson system must be provided to which all clients of any mental health, mental retardation, or geriatric care system may have access. Establishes an office of Mental Health and Disability Advocacy Services. Directs the Office to enter into contracts with States to assist them in meeting the costs of establishing and maintaining a program of mental health advocacy services. States that such contracts may not exceed 75 percent of the costs incurred in the program. Provides that the program shall include a mental health, retardation, and geriatric system ombudsperson. Prohibits any State from receiving assistance under the Community Mental Health Centers Act unless such State has established and maintains a mental health advocacy services program. Defines terms used in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 1975
National Commission on Victimless Crimes Act - Establishes the National Commission on Victimless Crimes. Sets forth the duties of the Commission. States that the Commission shall make an inquiry into the effect of Federal, State, and local laws with respect to victimless crimes on law enforcement, court and correctional systems, and private citizens. Directs the Commission to conduct a survey of Federal, State, and local laws with respect to victimless crimes and the enforcement of such laws (including the financial cost of enforcement) and to consider the following: (1) whether such laws should be amended or repealed; (2) the manner in which such laws should be enforced; (3) whether some problems covered by such laws may better be dealt with outside of the criminal justice system; and (4) whether some problems covered by such laws may better be dealt with through an administrative regulatory apparatus. States that the Commission shall be composed of 15 members who shall be appointed by the President. States that the membership shall include at least one representative from each of the following categories: law enforcement officials, State judges, State prosecutors, defense attorneys (including public defenders), corrections officials, State legislators, Members of Congress, an official of the United States Department of Justice, and members of relevant citizen groups. Sets forth the powers of the Commission, including the power to conduct hearings and to obtain official data from any United States government department or agency. Directs the Commission to submit a final report to the President and to Congress within 18 months after all members have been appointed. States that the Commission shall cease to exist 15 days after submission of the report.
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 1975
Shelterbelt Act - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to carry out a continuous program to establish and preserve shelterbelts. Defines "shelterbelt" as a vegetative barrier with a linear configuration composed of perennial vegetation. Gives the Secretary authority to enter into agreements with landowners and operators having established shelterbelts whereby the Secretary shall make an annual payment to the landowner for the period of the agreement and shall bear a portion of the cost of establishing the shelterbelts. Provides that the landowners shall agree to place in the shelterbelt program all land subject to wind erosion and to maintain the shelterbelts.
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 1975
Requires the President to transmit to Congress copies of each Presidential proclamation and Executive order no later than two days after the issuance of such proclamation or order.
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 1975
Regulatory Agency Self-Destruct Act - Provides that each Federal regulatory agency is abolished as of noon July 4, 1976, unless, prior to such date: (1) the President conducts an investigation of the agency's overall performance (including, but not limited to a study of the agency's effectiveness in accomplishing its general purposes and promoting the public welfare), makes public a report on the findings of the investigation and recommends to the Congress that such agency or agencies should not be abolished; (2) the relevant committee or committees of the House and Senate conduct an inquiry into the performance and effectiveness of the agency or agencies and make public a report of such findings, conclusions, and recommendations; and (3) the Congress adopts a concurrent resolution disapproving the abolition of the agency or agencies. Defines "Federal regulatory agency" to mean any of the following: (1) the Civil Aeronautics Board; (2) the Federal Communications Commission; (3) the Federal Maritime Commission; (4) the Federal Power Commission; (5) the Federal Trade Commission; (6) the Interstate Commerce Commission; (7) the Securities and Exchange Commission; (8) the Consumer Product Safety Commission; and (9) the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Provides that each Federal regulatory agency not abolished by the above procedure, or any successor agency established pursuant to this Act, shall be abolished on July 4, 1983, except that those agencies which have been in existence for 25 years or less shall be abolished on July 4, 1991, unless the President and the Congress take action as described above to disapprove such abolition. States that each regulatory agency established by the Congress on or after July 1, 1974, shall be abolished fifteen years from the date on which it is first empowered to exercise its functions and duties according to the Act creating such agency unless the President and the Congress take such action as described above to disapprove such abolition. Requires that before January 2, 1976, and on or before a date six months prior to each date of abolition of an agency as specified in this Act, the President shall prepare and submit to the Congress a plan for the orderly transfer of such functions, powers, and duties, if any, as are determined by the President to be essential to the public health, safety, or welfare, from an agency, which is subject to the termination provisions of this Act, to the President or to a successor agency designated by the President. Provides that all orders, determinations, rules, regulations, permits, certificates, licenses, contracts, rates, and privileges which have been issued, made, granted, or allowed to become effective by a Federal regulatory agency abolished by this Act or by any court of competent jurisdiction, under any provision of law affected by this Act, and which are in effect at the time these provisions take effect, shall continue in effect according to their terms until modified, terminated, superseded, set aside, or repealed by the President, the head of a designated successor agency or by any court of competent jurisdiction, or by operation of law.
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 1975
Regulatory Agency Appointment Reform Act - Sets forth the purposes of the Act which include, the establishment of a bipartisan nominating board to submit to the President lists of individuals qualified to be appointed as commissioners of specified regulatory agencies, to provide a selection process which will insure a reduction of political influence in such selections, to provide methods to insure that official actions taken by commissioners shall not be influenced by considerations of reappointment, and to prohibit commissioners of a regulatory agency from accepting employment in an organization regulated by such agency during the 24-month period immediately after the termination of the commissioner's service on such agency. Defines terms used in this Act. Establishes as an independent agency of the Federal Government, the Federal Regulatory Agency Nominating Board to carry out the provisions of this Act. Requires each member of the Board to file an annual financial disclosure report with the Comptroller General. Provides that commissioners of regulatory agencies may only be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, from among the individuals nominated pursuant to this Act. Prohibits an individual who has been appointed as a commissioner of a regulatory agency from being appointed at any time thereafter as commissioner of such regulatory agency and, within one year after the termination of his service as a commissioner of such regulatory agency, from being appointed as commissioner of any other regulatory agency. Provides that an individual who has served as a commissioner of a regulatory agency may not represent any person before such agency in a professional capacity, or accept any employment with or compensation from any industry or for-profit organization directly affected by the activities of such agency. Directs that such prohibitions shall be enforced for the 24-month period beginning on the date on which services as a commissioner were terminated.
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 1975
Employment Statistics Commission Act - Establishes the Employment Statistics Commission composed of seven members appointed by the President. Requires the Commission to review the present method of collecting and analyzing employment and unemployment information and statistics, to identify weaknesses in such method, and to formulate any necessary or appropriate new methods of collecting and analyzing such information and statistics. Requires the Commission to transmit a report to the President, with copies to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the President pro tempore of the Senate, the Committee on Education and Labor of the House of Representatives, and the Committee on Labor and Public Welfare of the Senate, within one year after the final appointment is made by the President. Terminates the Commission three months after the transmission of such report. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 December 1975
Provides that the terms of office of the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency and the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation shall be ten years. Provides that no individual shall hold either such office more than once and that each is subject to removal by the President.
United States · United States Congress · 17 December 1975
Sets forth the finding of the Congress that many member states of the United Nations are now financially capable of contributing a larger share of the total assessment of the United Nations than that which they are presently obligated to pay. Makes it the purpose of this Act to reduce the payments made by the United States to the United Nations. Directs the attention of the United Nations to the recently acquired wealth of the oil-producing nations in its determination of assessment shares. Limits to one-sixth of the total United Nations assessment for each year the amount paid by the United States. Exempts from such limitation the payments made to the International Atomic Energy Agency and the joint financing program of the International Civil Aviation Organization.
United States · United States Congress · 15 December 1975
Truth in Budgeting Act - Provides for full congressional review of all Federal programs every 2 years by the appropriate standing committees of the House and Senate. Provides that each comprehensive review conducted by a committee with respect to a Federal program under this Act shall include a detailed consideration of the past experience under the program and a projection of the expected future experience of the program, a consideration of alternate ways of carrying out the activities involved and alternative funding levels for such activities, an evaluation of each such alternative in terms of its probable costs and benefits, a comparison of each such alternative with other programs and activities in the same or related fields, and an evaluation of the overall success or failure of the program. Details the method to be used to review such programs by the standing committee. Provides that no funds in excess of the appropriations for the previous year may be authorized for a program that has not been subject to review during the calendar year.
![Official portrait of Rep. Pattison, Edward W. [D-NY-29]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/p000134_200.jpg)