United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1977
Administrative Rule Making Reform Act - Requires a Federal agency preparing to hold a rule making session to make a reasonable effort to inform those likely to be affected by the proposed rule making. Requires that if the affected group is large, representatives of such group must be notified. Requires, in addition to present requirements, that the notice of rule making include the projected effective date of the rules, the purpose of the rule making, the text of the proposed rules, and the technical or other studies on which the agency intends to rely in the rule making proceedings. Applies the requirements of this Act to all rule making sessions except (1) those specifically authorized to be kept secret in the interest of national security, and (2) those relating to agency management. Requires public notice and public opportunity for comment of all rule making proceedings under this Act unless the agency finds that the rules to be proposed are emergency rules or are of routine or insignificant impact in which case the rule must be published with reasons for its adoption. Requires Federal agencies to give interested persons at least 45 days to participate in the rule making. Requires the agency to maintain a file of each proceeding to be made available to the courts, Congress, and to the public in connection with review of the rule. Limits the period for public comment to a maximum of 90 days. Requires a copy of all proposed rules to be sent to Congress. States that such rule, other than an emergency rule, shall not become effective if it is disapproved within 90 days by both Houses of Congress, or it is disapproved within 60 days by one House and no action is taken on the disapproval resolution by the other House. Provides that either House of Congress may, by resolution, require any agency to reconsider and resubmit any rule to which this Act applies. Requires that such proposed rule be repromulgated anew in accordance with all the provisions of this Act unless it is reconsidered and resubmitted to Congress within 180 days after the adoption of the resolution requiring such reconsideration. Requires the Administrative Conference of the United States to study Congressional review of agency rule making under this Act and report the effect of such review on such rule making before July 1, 1982. Authorizes to be appropriated $200,000 to finance such study. Makes this Act effective on the first day of the first session of the Ninety-fifth Congress. Terminates the Congressional review required by this Act at the adjournment of the Ninety-seventh Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1977
Administrative Rule Making Reform Act - Requires a Federal agency preparing to hold a rule making session to make a reasonable effort to inform those likely to be affected by the proposed rule making. Requires that if the affected group is large, representatives of such group must be notified. Requires, in addition to present requirements, that the notice of rule making include the projected effective date of the rules, the purpose of the rule making, the text of the proposed rules, and the technical or other studies on which the agency intends to rely in the rule making proceedings. Applies the requirements of this Act to all rule making sessions except (1) those specifically authorized to be kept secret in the interest of national security, and (2) those relating to agency management. Requires public notice and public opportunity for comment of all rule making proceedings under this Act unless the agency finds that the rules to be proposed are emergency rules or are of routine or insignificant impact in which case the rule must be published with reasons for its adoption. Requires Federal agencies to give interested persons at least 45 days to participate in the rule making. Requires the agency to maintain a file of each proceeding to be made available to the courts, Congress, and to the public in connection with review of the rule. Limits the period for public comment to a maximum of 90 days. Requires a copy of all proposed rules to be sent to Congress. States that such rule, other than an emergency rule, shall not become effective if it is disapproved within 90 days by both Houses of Congress, or it is disapproved within 60 days by one House and no action is taken on the disapproval resolution by the other House. Sets forth procedures for adoption of resolutions to approve or disapprove any such rule for both Houses. Requires the Administrative Conference of the United States to study Congressional review of agency rule making under this Act and report the effect of such review on such rule making before July 1, 1982. Authorizes to be appropriated $200,000 to finance such study. Makes this Act effective on the first day of the first session of the Ninety-fifth Congress. Terminates the Congressional review required by this Act at the adjournment of the Ninety-seventh Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1977
Requires that whoever uses or carries a firearm during the commission of a Federal felony, or whoever is convicted by a State court of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year and used or carried a firearm transported in, or affecting, interstate or foreign commerce during the commission of such crime shall, in addition to the punishment provided for the commission of such crime, be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of not less than five nor more than ten years. Requires in the case of a second or subsequent conviction the imposition of a term of imprisonment of not less than ten years, or to life imprisonment. Stipulates that the execution or imposition of any term of imprisonment under this Act (1) may not be suspended, (2) may not run concurrently; and (3) may not include probation.
United States · United States Congress · 17 January 1977
Directs the Joint Committee on the Library to procure a bronze bust or statue of Martin Luther King, Jr. and to place it in a suitable location in the Capitol.
United States · United States Congress · 13 January 1977
National Aquaculture Organic Act - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish a National Aquaculture Development Plan. Requires that such plan (1) identify each aquatic species which can be cultured on a commercial basis (priority aquatic species), and (2) contain a program of aquaculture development for such priority aquatic species. Directs the Secretary of Commerce or the Secretary of the Interior, whichever is appropriate, to review annually each aquatic species not identified as a priority species and the program established for each priority species. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to (1) establish and maintain an aquaculture information center, (2) maintain an inventory of public and private aquaculture being carried out in the United States, (3) arrange for the mutual exchange of information relating to aquaculture with foreign nations, and (4) submit an annual report to Congress on the implementation of the provisions of this Act. Establishes the Interagency Committee on Aquaculture comprised of the heads of various Federal agencies to insure that there is a continuing exchange of information relating to the aquacultural programs and projects of the various agencies and to review on a continuing basis the relevant programs and projects of all Federal agencies. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce or the Secretary of the Interior to carry out any function under this Act through grants or contracts. Limits the amount of any grant made available under this Act to one-half of the estimated cost of the project for which the grant was made. Authorizes either Secretary to guarantee obligations issued for the financing of any aquaculture facility within the United States. Stipulates that the aggregate unpaid principal amount of all such guaranteed obligations shall not exceed $100,000,000. Authorizes the Secretary to collect a fee for guaranteed obligations not to exceed one-half of one percent per annum of the outstanding principal balance of the obligation. Sets forth the allowable interest rate, maturity date, and default procedures relating to such loans. Authorizes the appropriate Secretary to issue notes or obligations to the Secretary of the Treasury if the monies in the loan fund are insufficient to pay such a loan in the event of default. Authorizes the Secretary to make disaster loans available to individuals who have guaranteed loans under this Act. Establishes within the Treasury a Federal Aquaculture Assistance Fund for the purpose of guaranteeing loans or making disaster loans available under this Act. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish an insurance program for persons with guaranteed loans under this Act. Authorizes appropriations to the Secretaries of Commerce and the Interior to carry out the various provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 1977
Bill of Rights Procedures Act - Title I: Confidentiality of Financial, Toll, and Credit Records - Prohibits any United States entity or representative from obtaining copies of, or access to, information contained in the financial records, toll records, or credit records of any customer of a financial institution, communication common carrier, credit card issuer, or consumer reporting agency. Lifts such prohibition if: (1) the records are described with sufficient particularity; and (2) the customer has authorized disclosure, the disclosure is obtained in response to an administrative subpoena, search warrant, or judicial subpoena, or disclosure is in compliance with specified provisions of the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Sets forth procedures for obtaining customer authorization, administrative subpoenas and summons, search warrants, and judicial subpoenas. Requires financial institutions, communication common carriers, credit card issuers, and consumer reporting agencies to keep records of all examinations of customer records, including the identity of the person examining such records, the governmental agency or department such person represents, and a copy of the authorization. Directs that copies of, or the information contained in, financial, toll, or credit records obtained pursuant to this Act not be used for other than the specific statutory purpose for which the information was originally obtained and that such information or records not be provided to any other Government department or agency or other person except where the transfer of such information is specifically authorized by statute. Stipulates that any action under this title may be brought in any appropriate U.S. district court without regard to the amount in controversy, or in any other court of competent jurisdiction, within three years from the date on which the violation occurs or the date of discovery of such violation, whichever is later. Imposes liability on any person or entity who knowingly obtains or discloses information in violation of this title, making such person or entity liable to the customer to whom the disclosed information relates for actual damages, such punitive damages as the court may allow if the violation was willful, and the costs of litigation. Makes injunctive relief available to any person aggrieved by a violation or threatened violation of this Act. Title II: Mail Covers - Defines "mail cover" as the procedures by which a systematic record or inspection is made of any data appearing on the outside cover of any mail matter. Prohibits the initiation of any mail cover without the written authorization of specified postal officials and good cause to believe, on the basis of an affidavit setting forth the specific reasons for the proposed mail cover, that such procedure is necessary to the investigation of the commission or the attempted commission of a felony or is necessary to aid in locating a fugitive. Permits a mail cover to be conducted for 30 days, with extensions to be granted as specified. Requires any mail cover conducted for more than one year to be judicially authorized. Allows the chief postal inspector or a regional chief postal inspector to issue an emergency authorization for a mail cover on the basis of an oral request from specified law enforcement officials, if such request is supported by an affidavit within 45 days and on condition that no data from such mail cover be made available to the requesting authority until authorization according to regular procedures has been granted. Stipulates that the subjects of mail covers shall be given notice of such cover within 90 days of its termination, unless notice is judicially waived due to possible jeopardizing of continuing investigations. Requires that the chief postal inspector submit to Congress an annual report including the number of requests for mail covers, the identity of the law enforcement agencies making such requests, and a list of the offenses for which mail cover requests were received. Specifies civil remedies for violation of this title. Title III: Amendments to Chapter 119, Title 18, United States Code - Sets forth procedures and restrictions governing the interception of wire or oral communications for purposes of supervisory observing or service by communication common carriers and others. Requires each communication common carrier to submit an annual report to the Federal Communications Commission detailing the interceptions made by it for the protection of its service against theft of service, the nature and frequency of communications intercepted, the number of persons whose communications were intercepted, the length of such interceptions, and the number of hours of recording of intercepted communications. Prohibits the manufacture, distribution, possession, and advertising of devices for theft of communication common carrier services. Stipulates that any such device may be seized and forfeited to the United States. Title IV: Penalties - Subjects officers, agents, or employees of the United States who violate any provision of title I or title II of this Act to a fine of not more than $1,000, imprisonment for not more than one year, or both. Title V: Congressional Subpoenas - Stipulates that nothing in this Act shall apply to Congressional subpoenas.
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 1977
Amends the Rules of the House of Representatives to remove the 25-member limit to the number of sponsors of any House of Representatives bill. Permits the addition or deletion of any Member's name as the sponsor of any legislation by a request made by a Member to the Speaker on behalf of such Member.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Financial Disclosure Act - Requires the President, Vice President, Members of Congress and candidates for those offices, justices and judges of the United States, Presidential nominees, officers and employees of the United States compensated at a rate equal to or in excess of the rate prescribed for the grade of GS-15, and members of the uniformed services compensated at a rate equal to or in excess of the monthly rate prescribed for grade O-6 to file in each calendar year, with the Comptroller General and other specified executive or administrative officers, a financial statement for the preceding calendar year if such individual has occupied or been a candidate for the office or position for more than 90 days in such calendar year. Specifies the content of such financial statements. Makes mandatory the inclusion in such report of all items held not only by the individual, but by the spouse, and dependents of such person, and those acting on the individual's behalf. Permits the President to exempt any individual in the Central Intelligence Agency, the Defense Intelligence Agency, and the National Security Agency, or other person engaged exclusively in intelligence activities from the requirement to file a report with the Comptroller General if such disclosure would reveal the identity of an undercover Federal agent. Makes failure to file and falsifying reports punishable by a fine and/or imprisonment. Requires the head of each agency, the Clerk of the House of Representatives, the Secretary of the Senate, and the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to submit annually to the Comptroller General a complete list of individuals required to file such a report. Requires the Comptroller General to refer to the Attorney General the names of all individuals who the Comptroller General have reasonable cause to believe has failed to file or falsified such report, and that if such an individual is a Member of Congress, that the name be referred to the appropriate Congressional committees. Requires the Comptroller General to make such reports available to the public for all purposes not excluded under this Act. Makes the House of Representatives, the Senate, the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts, the Chairman of the Civil Service Commission and the head of each agency responsible for the review of such reports in accordance with any law or regulation regarding conflicts of interest or confidential financial information. Directs the Comptroller General to conduct audits of each specified group at varying intervals, and gives the Comptroller General subpena power for the purpose of conducting such audits. Requires the Civil Service Commission and the Department of Justice to recommend to Congress such legislation as may be necessary in the area of financial conflicts of interest among Federal employees and officers.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Federal Agency Control and Review Act - Requires the Office of Management and Budget to study the efficiency and effectiveness of each Federal agency every ten years and to recommend to the President and Congress reorganization or abolition of each such agency as may be necessary to improve such efficiency and effectiveness. Abolishes each such agency upon the due date of such report unless during the ten-year period since the last report Congress has passed legislation continuing such agency.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Civilian Conservation Corps Act - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior to establish a Civilian Conservation Corps for the purpose of providing employment for unemployed persons through public projects in connection with the conservation, improvement and utilization of the natural resources of lands and waters under the ownership or control of the United States or its agencies. Permits the Corps to undertake certain cooperative projects on State, local governments, or private lands. Sets forth eligibility requirements to be met by persons employed under this Act as Corps members. Directs that preference for employment be given to persons residing in areas having an employment rate of 6.5 percent or greater for three consecutive months. Limits employment of Corps members under this Act to a period of 24 months total employment. Sets forth the duties of the Secretaries under this Act. Authorizes the Secretaries to make grants to the States to assist them in employing unemployed individuals to carry out on non-Federal lands projects similar to those performed by the Corps.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Amends the Colorado River Basin Project Act to extend for an additional ten years until September 30, 1988, the period during which the Secretary of the Interior shall not undertake studies of water importation plans for the basin.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Government Economy and Spending Reform Act - Title I: Authorization of New Budget Authority - Terminates all budget authority for Federal programs on specified dates according to the functional or subfunctional category of each program as set forth in the fiscal year 1977 budget. Requires the Comptroller General to report to Congress by April 1, 1977, on specified programs with respect to the laws under which such program is carried on, the amount of new budget authority received by such program during the four fiscal years ending before April 1, 1977, and to identify programs for which no outlays have been made during the last two fiscal years ending before April 1, 1977. Prohibits providing new budget authority after the applicable review date set forth in this Act unless the provision of such budget authority is specifically authorized by law or the standing rules of either House of Congress. Title II: Zero-Base Program Review - Sets forth a timetable for Congressional zero-base review of new budget authority. Defines "zero-base review" as an evaluation of a given program to determine the merits of its continuation at a level less than, equal to, or more than its existing level. Requires each congressional committee conducting a zero-based program review to adopt tentative and final review plans, receive reports from the Comptroller General and Federal agencies on the program being reviewed, and report to their respective House the results of such zero-base review of the program. Sets forth minimum objectives of inquiry for such reviews. Requires that any committee reporting pursuant to this Act recommend the extent to which any program reviewed should be continued or eliminated. Title III: Continuing Review - Amends the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1970 to require, whenever the Comptroller General issues a report which discloses any substantial deficiency in the achievement of the objectives of any Federal program, the agency conducting such program to report to specified congressional committees 60 days after such report and every six months thereafter to delineate the actions taken with respect to such deficiency. Requires that such agency continue to issue such reports until such time as the Comptroller General determines that no purpose is served by their submission. Amends the Budget and Accounting Act of 1921, to require the inclusion in the Budget of a statement of the specific objectives of each Government program, and a comparison, in each subsequent Budget, of the achievement of such objectives for the last completed fiscal year with the planned objectives of such year. Title IV: Miscellaneous - Requires the Director of Management and Budget to study the feasibility of zero-base budgeting for Federal agencies. Requires the Director of the Congressional Budget Office to study the feasibility of personnel ceilings on employees of the United States and their relationships to alternative methods of carrying out the activities of such employees. Requires that such reports be submitted to Congress. Requires Federal agency heads to report requests for new budget authority to Congress. Requires specified committees to study the effectiveness of the zero-base review procedures required by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Comprehensive Oil Pollution Liability and Compensation Act - Title I: Domestic Oil Pollution Liability, Compensation, and Fund - Establishes in the Treasury of the United States a fund for the purpose of paying for otherwise uncompensated losses resulting from oil pollution. Enumerates the sources of monies to be deposited in such fund, including a fee, not to exceed three cents per barrel of oil, imposed upon owners of facilities receiving oil. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to issue obligations to the Secretary of the Treasury at times when fund assets are insufficient to meet fund liabilities. Lists the types of injuries which may be compensated under this Act and the potential claimants who have standing to assert claims involving each such type of damage. Imposes joint, several, and strict liability on the owners and operators of each pollution source. Specifies liability limits, except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct, for ships and other vessels. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish limits on the liability of classes of facilities used for transporting, producing, processing, storing, or transferring oil. Requires the owner or operator: (1) of any such facility; or (2) any ship which uses such facility or navigable waters of the United States, to establish and maintain evidence of financial responsibility in an amount sufficient to satisfy applicable liability limits. Directs the person in charge of a vessel or facility to immediately notify the Secretary of Transportation of any pollution incident in which the vessel or facility is involved. Specifies procedures whereby the Secretary may, in the absence of such an admission, designate and advertise pollution sources. Directs the Secretary, in instances in which: (1) the owner and operator of a vessel or facility designated by the Secretary deny such vessel's or facility's involvement; (2) the source of the discharge is a public vessel; or (3) the Secretary is unable to designate the pollution source, to advertise procedures for presenting claims directly to the fund. Requires all other claims, with limited exceptions, to be initially presented to the owner or operator, or to such persons' guarantor. Permits claimants to either present a claim to the fund or to bring an action in an appropriate United States district court when an owner or operator and a guarantor deny liability or fail to settle the claim within a specified period. Sets forth procedures for the disposition and appeal of claims submitted to the fund. Requires both the plaintiff and the defendant in a court action brought against an owner, operator, or guarantor to forward copies of all pleadings to the fund. Permits the fund to intervene in such actions. Subrogates any person or governmental entity, including the fund, paying compensation to all the claimant's claims and rights under this Act. Specifies procedures for and the measure of recovery in actions brought by the fund against owners, operators, or guarantors of alleged pollution sources. Declares that the rights and remedies under this Act shall be exclusive with respect to economic loss caused by oil pollution. Sets penalties for persons failing to comply with specified provisions in this Act. Title II: Effective Dates; Conforming Amendments; Severability - Specifies the effective date of this Act. Amends specified laws, including the Deepwater Port Act of 1974 and the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, to conform with the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Young Adult Conservation Corps Act - Amends the Act which established the Youth Conservation Corps to direct the Secretaries of Agriculture and Interior to jointly extend the Youth Conservation Corps so as to make possible the year-round employment of young adults. States that individuals employed as Corps members under this Act shall be either between the ages of 18 and 24 exclusively or school dropouts who are at least age 16; shall meet applicable physical standards; shall be given preference for employment if they reside in counties in which the unemployment rate was equal to or in excess of six percent for three consecutive months; and may be employed for a total of not more than 12 months. Specifies guidelines to be followed by the Secretaries in administering this Act, including those relative to the types of jobs and projects to be given preference and the wages to be paid Corps members. Extends the program under which grants are made to States and to assist them in meeting the cost of projects for the employment of young people to develop and maintain non-Federal public lands and waters. Designates a time period during which the Secretaries are to develop a plan to carry out the activities authorized by this Act and prepare the site location, facilities, and equipment selected in such plan. Directs the Secretaries, in performing such functions, to plan for a capacity of the extended Corps to employ 100,000 young adults during the first fiscal year of operation, 300,000 during the second, 400,000 during the third, and 500,000 during the fourth.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Establishes a Commission to examine the effect of Northwest Indian Off-Reservation Fishing Rights. Directs the Commission be composed of 11 members, five of whom are from the public sector and six from the private sector. Specifies from which public agencies and which private interest groups the members shall be selected. Sets forth the structure and powers of the Commission, and the procedures which it shall follow. Makes it the Commission's duty to study and assess the impact of the recent United States district court proceedings, U.S. v. Washington (commonly known as the Boldt decision), and other recent holdings which affect the commercial, sports, and recreational fishing industry in the Pacific Northwest and to make appropriate recommendations for remedial legislation. Authorizes funding for the Commission and requests a report of findings and recommendations to the Congress within one year after the date of enactment of this resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Creates a Select House Committee on Population to conduct an investigation and study of: (1) the major adverse effects of current population growth throughout the world; (2) approaches which have been shown to be effective in coping with excessive population growth; and (3) means to encourage countries with excessive population growth rates to adopt methods proven to be successful in reducing population growth rates.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1976
Amends the Colorado River Basin Project Act to extend for an additional ten years until September 30, 1988, the period during which the Secretary of the Interior shall not undertake studies of water importation plans for the basin.
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 1976
Solid Waste Energy and Resource Recovery Act - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency: (1) to assist with research projects for the development of pilot plant facilities for the purpose of investigating new fuels, recovery methods, or technology; (2) to conduct demonstrations of new methods and technology; and (3) to test and evaluate such pilot plants and demonstration projects. Directs the Administrator to establish a program for the collection and dissemination of information to assist Federal, State, interstate, regional, and local agencies in planning and building solid waste collection, recycling and recovery facilities. Sets forth specific areas to be covered by such program. Directs the Administrator to make grants to State, interstate, municipal and intermunicipal agencies for: (1) the implementation of solid waste management plans and planning programs; (2) the development and revision of solid waste disposal plans as part of regional environmental protection systems; (3) the development of interlocal regions and establishment of regional agencies; (4) the development of proposals for various projects; and (5) the planning of programs for the removal and processing of abandoned motor vehicle hulks. Authorizes the Administrator to impose conditions consistent with the purposes of this Act upon such grants. Limits the amount of available Federal assistance to 85 percent of the total cost. Authorizes the Administrator to guarantee loans incurred by State, regional, or local government agencies to finance the construction of large-scale fuel, energy, or resource recovery facilities. Limits the total outstanding indebtedness allowed under this Act to $75,000,000. Sets forth procedures for applying for loan guarantees under this Act. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants to a State, regional authority or local government agency for the construction, operation, or maintenance of fuel, energy, and resource recovery facilities when such facilities cannot be financed by any other means. Limits the amount of each grant to 25 percent of the total cost of the project. Authorizes the appropriation of the following amounts for solid waste research and development and for grants for energy and resource recovery programs: $65,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1977; $17,000,000 for the transitional period ending September 30, 1977; and $70,000,000 for fiscal year 1978. Authorizes the appropriation of the following sums for grants for State, interstate, and local planning: $35,000,000 for fiscal year 1977; $9,000,000 for the transitional period; and $45,000,000 for fiscal year 1978. Authorizes the appropriation of the following sums for grants for construction of facilities: $40,000,000 for fiscal year 1977; 12,000,000 for the transitional period; and $60,000,000 for fiscal year 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 1976
Amends the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 to make the provisions, fomerly applicable to persons between 40 and 60 years of age, applicable to anyone 40 years of age or older.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 1976
Establishes a Commission to examine the effect of Northwest Indian Off-Reservation Fishing Rights. Directs the Commission to be composed of 11 members, five of whom are from the public sector and six from the private sector. Specifies from which public agencies and which private interest groups the members will be selected. Sets forth the structure and powers of the Commission, and the procedures which it shall follow. Makes it the Commission's duty to study and assess the impact of the recent United States district court proceeding, U.S. v. Washington (commonly known as the Boldt decision), and other recent holdings which affect the commercial, sports, and recreational fishing industry in the Pacific Northwest. Authorizes funding for the Commission and requests a report of findings and recommendations to the Congess upon completion of the Commission's work.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 1976
Diplomatic Relations Act - Authorizes the President to regulate the privileges and immunities of foreign diplomatic missions and their personnel in a manner consistent with international agreements. Defines "foreign diplomatic mission and personnel thereof" for purposes of this Act. Requires the President to periodically publish a list of permanent foreign diplomatic missions and the personnel thereof. Declares void any judicial writ or process against a person or the property of any person entitled to immunity from suit or process under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 1976
Condemns the murders of Orlando Letelier and Ronni Karpen Moffitt and the serious injury of Michael Moffitt. Urges a complete and thorough investigation by federal authorities of the circumstances surrounding the bombing.
United States · United States Congress · 8 September 1976
Constitutional Amendment - Limits to six the number of consecutive Congresses in which Senators and Representatives may serve. Limits the application of this amendment to Congresses beginning after its ratification.
United States · United States Congress · 31 August 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 · 10 August 1976
Expresses the general policy of the United States Government to rely upon private commercial sources for the goods and services required to meet Government needs, and that this policy be administered by the Office of Federal Procurement Policy.
United States · United States Congress · 9 August 1976
Designates the following trails for study as potential additions to the national trails system: (1) Bartram Trail, extending through Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee; (2) Daniel Boone Trail, extending through North Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, and Kentucky; (3) Desert Trail, extending through Washington, Idaho, Oregon, California, Nevada, and Arizona; (4) Dominguez-Escalante Trail, extending through New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, and Arizona; (5) Florida Trail; (6) Indian Nations Trail, Oklahoma; (7) Nez Perce Trail, extending through Oregon, Idaho, and Montana; and (8) Pacific Northwest Trail, extending through Washington, Idaho, and Montana.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1976
Amends the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to direct the Secretary of the Interior to designate a specified segment of the New River, North Carolina, as a component of the National Wild and Scenic River System upon application of the Governor of North Carolina. Prohibits the Federal Power Commission from issuing any license for any undertaking which would adversely affect such segment.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1976
Title I: Manassas National Battlefield Park, Virginia - Revises the boundaries of Manassas National Battlefield Park, Virginia. Authorizes the appropriation of specified sums to acquire lands within such revised boundaries. Title II: Monocacy National Battlefield, Maryland - Renames Monocacy National Military Park, Maryland, as Monocacy National Battlefield. Revises the boundaries of such park. Amends specified provisions relating to park administration. Authorizes the appropriation of specified sums for land acquisition and facility development. Title III: George Washington Birthplace National Monument, Virginia - Revises the boundaries of George Washington Birthplace National Monument, Virginia. Authorizes the appropriation of specified sums to acquire lands within such revised boundaries. Title IV: Olympic National Park, Washington - Revises the boundaries of Olympic National Park, Washington. Authorizes the appropriation of specified sums to acquire lands within such revised boundaries. Title V: Pecos National Monument, New Mexico - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to accept the donation of lands for addition to Pecos National Monument, New Mexico. Title VI: Bandelier National Monument, New Mexico - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to acquire specified lands for addition to Bandelier National Monument, New Mexico. Authorizes the appropriation of specified sums to purchase such lands.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 1976
Expresses the sense of the Congress that no individual whose social security or railroad retirement benefits are increased should suffer, by reason of such increase, a loss of or reduction in any pension which he or she (or any member of his or her family) is otherwise entitled to receive under laws administered by the Veterans' Administration. Stipulates that the House and Senate Committees on Veterans' Affairs should without delay consider and report legislation eliminating the possibility of any loss of or reduction in pensions payable under laws administered by the Veterans' Administration on account of increases in social security or railroad benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 2 July 1976
Authorizes Federal financial assistance under the Emergency School Aid Act for programs and projects for: (1) construction and operation of "magnet" schools; (2) the pairing of schools and programs with specific colleges and universities and with leading businesses; (3) the development of plans for and construction of "neutral site" schools; (4) the construction and development of education parks; and (5) education programs designed to improve the quality of education in inner city schools and the general use of education magnetism. Authorizes appropriations of $250,000,000 for the period beginning on July 1, 1976 and ending September 30, 1976 and $1,000,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 19777 and 1978 to carry out the provisions of the Emergency School Aid Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 July 1976
National Aquaculture Organic Act - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish a National Aquaculture Development Plan. States that such plan shall: (1) identify each aquatic species which can be cultured on a commercial basis (priority aquatic species); and (2) contain a program of aquaculture development for such priority aquatic species. Directs the Secretary of Commerce or Secretary of the Interior, whichever is appropriate, to review annually each aquatic species not identified as a priority species and the program established for each priority species. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to: (1) establish and maintain an aquaculture information center; (2) maintain an inventory of public and private aquaculture being carried out in the United States; (3) arrange for the mutual exchange of information relating to aquaculture with foreign nations; and (4) submit an annual report to Congress on the implementation of the provisions of this Act. Establishes the Interagency Committee on Aquaculture comprised of the heads of various Federal agencies to insure that there is a continuing exchange of information relating to the aquacultural programs and projects of the various agencies and to review on a continuing basis the relevant programs and projects of all the Federal agencies. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce or the Secretary of the Interior to carry out any function under this Act through grants or contracts. Limits the amount of any grant made available under this Act to one-half of the estimated cost of the project for which the grant was made. Authorizes either Secretary to guarantee obligations issued for the financing of any aquaculture facility within the United States. Stipulates that the aggregate unpaid principal amount of all such guaranteed obligations shall not exceed $100,000,000. Authorizes the Secretary to collect a fee for guaranteed obligations not to exceed one-half of one percent per annum of the outstanding principal balance of the obligation. Sets forth the allowable interest rate, maturity date, and default procedures relating to such loans. Authorizes the appropriate Secretary to issue notes or obligations to the Secretary of the Treasury if the monies in the loan fund are insufficient to pay such a loan in the event of default. Authorizes the Secretary to make disaster loans available to individuals who have guaranteed loans under this Act. Establishes within the Treasury a Federal Aquaculture Assistance Fund for the purpose of guaranteeing loans or making disaster loans available under this Act. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish an insurance program for persons with guaranteed loans under this Act. Authorizes appropriations to the Secretaries of Commerce and the Interior to carry out the various provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1976
Victims of Crime Act - Establishes the Crime Victims Compensation Commission to make annual and supplemental grants to each qualifying State program covering 50 percent or 100 percent of the costs of paying compensation to the victims of specified qualifying crimes. Grants the Commission specified powers, including: (1) the establishment of general policies, guidelines, rules, and regulations which must be followed by State programs; and (2) denial, revision, or agreement to any request for an annual or supplemental grant under this Act. Stipulates that a State program qualifies for grants under this Act if it meets specified criteria, including: (1) compensation for personal injury to individuals who suffer such injuries as the result of qualifying crimes; (2) compensation to the surviving dependents of individuals whose death resulted from qualifying crimes; and (3) the right to a hearing with administrative or judicial review for any aggrieved claimant. Excludes from Federal grants the costs of administrative expenses and the costs of State compensation awards: (1) for pain and suffering; (2) for property loss; (3) to the extent to which the amount of any reward to a victim or a victim's dependents exceeds $50,000; (4) to any claimant who is entitled to receive compensation from any other source up to the amount of such compensation; (5) for lost earnings of more than $200 per week; (6) to a claimant who failed to file a claim within one year of the occurrence of the qualifying crimes; and (7) to any claimant failing to report such crime to law enforcement authorities within 72 hours of its occurrence. Requires the Commission to publish and submit to the House and Senate Judiciary committees an annual report containing specified information on the operation of State victims of crime compensation programs and on the Commission's activities. Authorizes the appropriation of specified sums in fiscal years 1977 through 1979 to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1976
Ocean Shipping Act - Amends the Shipping Act of 1916 to include controlled carriers within the coverage of such Act. Defines "controlled carrier" as one which is directly owned, or whose operating assets are directly owned, by any government other than a government whose vessels by treaty are accorded most-favored-nation treatment or national treatment by the United States. Directs that no controlled carrier shall maintain rates or charges or structures of rates or charges in its tareffs filed with the Commission that are above or below a level which is just and reasonable. Provides that in determining whether rates are reasonable, consideration shall be given to whether the rates or charges are below a level which is fully compensatory or above the level of rates or charges applicable to non-United States ports in countries adjacent to the United States so as to encourage diversion of cargo from United States ports. Requires controlled carriers filing rates or charges or structures of rates or charges to designate and retain a registered agent within the United States. Forbids any controlled carrier to establish rates or charges which have the purpose or the effect of diverting or selectively diverting cargo from a United States port to or through a non-United States port in a country adjacent to the United States in order to avoid the provisions of this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of $1,950,000 to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1976
Establishes in the House of Representatives a select committee to be known as the Select Committee on Narcotics Abuse and Control. Provides that the select committee shall conduct a continuing comprehensive study and review of the problems of narcotics abuse and control and shall review any recommendations made by the President, or by any department or agency of the executive branch of the Federal Government, relating to programs or policies affecting narcotics abuse or control. Authorizes the select committee to conduct field investigations or inspections. Requires the select committee to submit an annual report to the House which shall include a summary of the activities of the select committee during the calendar year to which such report applies.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1976
Amends rule X of the Rules of the House of Representatives to permit a majority of the House to direct the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct to investigate complaints or resolutions involving alleged misconduct if the committee fails to undertake an investigation within 15 legislative days after the receipt of such complaint or referral of such resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1976
Creates a House select committee which shall conduct an investigation of all records, memorandums, papers, documents, books, and other information of any standing or select committee of the House or officer of the House respecting expenses incurred by or on behalf of any such committee or its members or employees.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1976
Amends rule XXII of the Rules of the House of Representatives to remove the limitation on the number of Members who may introduce jointly any bill, memorial, or resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1976
Requires that personnel actions with respect to Federal competitive service employees be taken without regard to any recommendation by any elected official, political official, or other individual or by any organization. Prohibits individuals and organizations from making recommendations with respect to civil service personnel actions and prohibits employees from soliciting any such statements. Excepts from such prohibitions statements requested or required by the agency involved and statements related solely to character.
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 1976
Provides that funds shall not be expended from the contingent fund of the House of Representatives for allowances to Members, officers, or standing committees of the House except through the adoption of a resolution by the House of Representatives.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1976
Recommends that the Board on Geographic Names approve a proposal to name two mountains in Alaska after the later Congressmen Hale Boggs and Nick Begich.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1976
Amends the Controlled Substances Act to make the theft or attempted theft of a controlled substance a Federal offense punishable by a $5,000 fine and/or imprisonment for not more than 20 years. Stipulates that persons who attempt to steal narcotics from a pharmacy by armed robbery shall be punished by imprisonment for not less than two years or more than 25 years and/or may be fined up to $10,000. Imposes a mandatory sentence of ten years to life for killing a person in an attempt to rob a pharmacy of narcotics.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1976
Sets forth the findings of Congress that marine fires are a major hazard to port populations and property and have resulted in substantial economic harm. States that the purposes of this Act are to: (1) provide for the adequate training of United States merchant seamen in marine fire prevention and onboard firefighting; (2) provide for the establishment of marine firefighting units which utilize the manpower and resources of local fire departments and are specially trained in shipboard firefighting techniques for purposes of training local fire departments and ship crews and providing on-the-scene emergency assistance for fighting marine fires; and (3) utilize the United States Coast Guard to coordinate and control marine firefighting activity by firefighting units established pursuant to this Act. Directs the Secretary of Commerce, under the Merchant Marine Act of 1936, to establish within the United States such number of marine firefighting regions as he deems necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act. Provides for the selection and establishment of regional and satellite firefighting units from each region. States that each unit shall, upon order by the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, provide firefighting services at any marine fire in any region, and provide education and training in marine firefighting techniques to local fire departments and the crews of merchant vessels. Directs the Secretary to establish marine fire protection and firefighting training programs for members of regional and satellite units and for United States marine seamen. Permits the Secretary to enter into cooperative agreements with concerned States and local governmental agencies which set forth the responsibilities and functions which each party agrees to undertake in carrying out the purposes of this Act. Sets forth additional duties of the Secretary, including the responsibility for developing plans for each region relating to the utilization and pooling of marine firefighting resources. Stipulates that all seagoing vessels operating in the foreign or domestic commerce of the United States shall have on board a prefire plan for the vessel. States that such prefire plan must be prepared by, or prepared under the supervision of, a regional or satellite unit, or approved by the Secretary if prepared by an entity other than a regional or satellite unit. Authorizes appropriations of up to $500,000 as a contingency fund to meet the expenses incurred by regional units, satellite units, and other assisting firefighting organizations which have not been reimbursed by vessels owners or operators receiving their services. Authorizes appropriations of sums necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1976
Permits the enlistment of Vietnamese and Cambodian refugees into the U.S. Armed Forces if the Secretary of the military department concerned determines that any such alien intends to make a legal declaration of intention to become a citizen of the United States after his or her status has been adjusted to that of an alien admitted for permanent residence. States that the authority to enlist such aliens into the Armed Forces shall expire 12 months after the enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1976
Authorizes a taxpayer, under the Internal Revenue Code, to elect to treat qualified architectural and transportational barrier removal expenses which are paid or incurred during the taxable year as expenses which are not chargeable to capital account. Deems such expenses so treated as allowable tax deductible expenditures.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1976
Indo-Chinese Refugee Status Adjustment Act - Permits the Attorney General, under the Immigration and Nationality Act, to adjust the status of any alien from Indochina to permanent resident without regard to immigration quotas or lack of possession by such alien of specified required immigration documents. States such alien need only be eligible to receive an immigrant visa to qualify for such change of status.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1976
Amends the Tariff Schedules of the United States to reduce the customs duty for fish netting or fish nets of fabric other than cotton or negitable fibers.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1976
Amends the Internal Revenue Code and the Social Security Act to exclude service performed by an individual on a vessel used in catching fish or other marine animal life wherein such individual receives as compensation a portion of such vessel's catch, from the definitions of "employment" and "self-employment" for the purposes of deductions, contributions, and benefits under such Acts. Requires the operator of a vessel employing such individuals to report to the Secretary of the Treasury with respect to the identity of such individuals and their share of the catch.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1976
Jobs Creation Act - Allows as a tax credit under the Internal Revenue Code an amount equal to ten percent of the increase in the total amount of qualified savings deposits and investments of an individual. Stipulates that such credit shall not exceed $1,000. Increases the maximum tax deduction for retirement savings to $2,000. Excludes from gross income amounts received by an individual as dividends from domestic corporations. Allows a taxpayer to exclude from gross income up to $1,000 of gain from the sale or exchange of securities. Allows the nonrecognition of gain from the sale or exchange of qualified small business property, at the election of the taxpayer, to the extent that the amount realized on such sale or exchange is reinvested in qualified small business property by the taxpayer during the reinvestment period beginning one year before the date of the sale or exchange and ending one year after such date. Allows the executor of an estate which includes an interest in a qualified closely held business which exceeds either 35 percent of the value of the gross estate or 50 percent of the value of the taxable estate, but is less than $300,000 to elect: (1) to pay the estate tax in up to 20 equal annual installments (presently ten); and (2) to defer the payment of the first installment until five years after the filing of the return. Reduces the corporate normal tax rate to 20 percent. Reduces the corporate surtax rate to 22 percent. Increases the corporate surtax exemption to $100,000. Revises the procedure for the determination of the investment credit to provide graduated rates of 25 percent of the qualified investment to the extent that the qualified investment does not exceed $25,000; 20 percent of the qualified investment to the extent that the qualified investment exceeds $25,000 and does not exceed $50,000; plus 15 percent of the qualified investment to the extent that qualified investment exceeds $50,000. Increases the allowable percentage variation from any class life prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury to 40 percent. Allows a taxpayer to elect to take a tax deduction for a capital recovery allowance on qualified tangible property in lieu of the depreciation allowance. Allows a taxpayer to elect a 12-month amortization period for pollution control facilities. Increases the exemption for specified small issues of industrial revenue bonds which allows the exclusion from gross income of investment received on such bonds to the extent that the bond issue does not exceed $10,000,000.
![Official portrait of Rep. Pritchard, Joel [R-WA-1]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/p000546_200.jpg)