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
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
Provides that specified lands of the United States shall be held in trust for specified communities of the Mdewakanton Sioux of Minnesota and shall be included in and considered a part of the reservation lands of such communities. States that no provision of this Act shall be construed to affect any contract, lease, or assignment in existence on the date of enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1976
Jobs Creation and Economic Growth Act - Title I: Job Creation Through Government Reform - Provides for the expiration of all provisions of law which authorize new budget authority for programs other than trust funds in the Treasury, on October 1, 1980. Prohibits the authorization of budget authority for new programs for a term greater than four years. Prohibits the authorization of new budget authority for existing programs which exceeds any previous extension of authority by more than one year, or which exceeds one fiscal year in the case of programs not previously extended. Prohibits, after October 1, 1980, any extension of budget authority, or any changes in programs funded from Treasury trust funds or having permanent budget authority unless the concerned program has undergone a program control review. Provides that such reviews shall be undertaken for every government program by the appropriate Congressional committee at least once every four fiscal years to evaluate specified factors pertaining to the future need and efficiency of the concerned program. Directs the Comptroller General to make annual reports through 1979 identifying all Government programs funded from permanent budget authority and the Congressional committees having jurisdiction over them. Requires the Comptroller to identify all programs which have not been funded for two years or which are duplicative. Directs the Comptroller to complete studies of the efficiency and effects which 16 specified areas of tax and labor law, and educational, employment and welfare programs have on productivity in the private sector and unemployment. States that the relevant Congressional committees shall take action on these studies by March 15, 1978, where possible, to eliminate waste and duplication. Requires each head of an Executive department or agency and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to prepare independent evaluations of the effectiveness of any of the department or agency programs undergoing a program control review. Provides for periodic audits and reports by the General Accounting Office of any program the Office determines is substantially deficient in carrying out its objectives. Requires Budget transmittals after October 1, 1978 to include a detailed comparison of past and future objectives for each Government program. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to prepare an annual financial statement, based on accrual accounting procedures, for each Government program or activity. Requires all bills and joint resolutions to contain a fiscal note containing a five year projection of the proposal's estimated costs or savings before they may be introduced or reported from committee. Provides that such fiscal notes shall be prepared by the Governmental instrumentality which would carry out the provisions of the proposal. Title II: General Job Creation and Economic Growth - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the standard personal exemptions, over a transitional period, to $1,000. Increases, over a transitional period, the standard deduction for joint returns and surviving spouses to $2,500, for unmarried individuals to $1,800, and for married individuals filing seperately to $1,250. Reduces personal income tax rates. Provides transitional taxable income and earned income credits. Requires the new tax rates to be applied to all wages withheld after June 30, 1976 for taxable years ending after December 31, 1976. Increases, over a transitional period, the investment tax credit. Increases the corporate surtax exemption. Allows taxpayers to take an amortization deduction for new facilities and equipment in high unemployment areas in lieu of a depreciation deduction. Allows alternative amortization periods for all new pollution control facilities placed in service before January 1, 1981. Provides a five percent income tax credit for five percent of new savings and investments held by the taxpayer at the end of the taxable year. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to prepare a legislative proposal integrating corporate and individual income taxes by providing proportionate tax deductions for dividends paid and tax credits for dividends received. Increases estate taxes by raising rates, lowering limitations on the credit for State taxes, and reducing the progressive scale for such rates and limitations. Increases the estate tax exemption to $150,000. Allows an unlimited deduction from the taxable estate for all bequests and gifts to a surviving spouse. Exempts taxpayers from mandatory filing of gift tax returns during any of the first three quarters of the taxable year where the aggregate value of non-charitable gifts made during the quarter does not exceed $100,000. Extends the number of installments in which estate taxes on an estate consisting largely of an interest in a closely held business may be paid. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to prepare a report by July 1, 1978 evaluating the continued need for the Internal Revenue Code provisions regarding amortization of property in high unemployment areas and whether the investment tax credit should be raised. Amends the Small Business Act to increase the funding available for loans and guarantees to businesses under such Act. Title III: Structural and Long-term Job Creation - Amends the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act to establish an incentive program for providing part-time employment during the school year, and full-time employment during summer months, to disadvantaged youths. Amends the Act establishing the Youth Conservation Corps to increase the employment of disadvantaged youths in reducing the inventory of conservation work undertaken by the National Park Service and the United States Fish and Wildlife and Forest Service. Amends the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act to focus the Act's priorities and assistance upon aiding the chronically unemployed. Provides new programs under the Act, including the development of relocation assistance, to confront chronic unemployment. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a limited tax credit for wages to new employees.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1976
Elementary and Secondary Education Optional Consolidation and Reorganization Act - Declares it the purpose of this Act to afford States the option of consolidating and reorganizing specified programs of assistance to State and local educational agencies for elementary, secondary, vocational, and adult education into three broad categories: (1) special educational needs programs; (2) vocational education programs; and (3) special emphasis projects. Title I: Special Needs Program - Requires each State which desires to consolidate Federal educational aid programs under this Act to include the following in its comprehensive consolidation plan: (1) a program designed to address the special educational needs of educationally deprived children in local education agencies having high concentrations of children from low-income families, of neglected and delinquent children in State-operated programs, and of children in adult correctional institutions; (2) a program designed to provide comprehensive health, educational, nutritional, social, and other similar services primarily for children from low-income families; (3) a program designed to address the special educational needs of children of migratory agricultural workers and of migratory fishermen; (4) a program designed to provide and establish standards for specified educational programs for handicapped children; (5) a program of instruction designed for children of limited English-speaking ability; and (6) a program of bilingual vocational training. Requires every agency operating educational programs for the handicapped which is to receive assistance under this Act to establish and maintain procedures to assure safeguards to handicapped children and their parents with respect to the provision of appropriate free public education. Sets forth guidelines for the distribution of the funds received by the States for each program required under this title. Title II: Vocational, Adult and Continuing Education and Employment Training - Requires each State which does not have a separate State agency for vocational education and desires to participate in the consolidation program authorized by this Act to include specified programs in its comprehensive consolidation plan, including: (1) a program designed to improve existing and develop new programs of vocational education; (2) a program to provide part-time employment for youths who need the earnings from such employment to continue their vocational training on a full-time basis; (3) a program to provide vocational education to persons who are handicapped and persons who have limited English-speaking ability; and (4) a program to meet the needs for adult basic education and to plan and operate community education projects. Authorizes each State to include in its comprehensive plan a program to provide the education program portion of the manpower services program under the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act. Sets forth guidelines to the distribution of the funds received by States for programs under this title. Title III: Special Emphasis Projects - Requires each State desiring to participate in the consolidation program authorized by this Act to include in its comprehensive plan a program to provide services and make grants to local educational agencies for the acquisition of printed materials and instructional equipment and for the development of specified guidance, innovation, curricula improvement, health services, and support project programs. Sets forth guidelines for the distribution of funds received by States under this title. Title IV: General Provisions - Directs the Commissioner of Education to reserve from amounts appropriated for fiscal years 1978-82 to carry out programs which may be consolidated under this Act such sums as are necessary to make allotments to States which choose to consolidate such plans for programs under their respective comprehensive plans. Sets forth formulae to determine the amount of such allotments. Extends planning grants to States desiring to participate in the consolidation program authorized by this Act to assist such States in the preparation of consolidated plans. Details administrative prerequisites for receiving such grants. Directs the Commissioner to make payments for administration of State consolidation programs. Requires each State to establish procedures in developing its comprehensive State plan which are designed to assure specified administrative safeguards and flexibility. Lists additional requirements relative to such plans. Directs the Commissioner to make supplemental grants to States participating in the consolidation program the proceeds of which are to flow through to local educational agencies or be used in programs administered by the State which provide direct services to students. Requires (1) each State participating in the consolidation program to adopt an evaluation model by which to assess the effectiveness of such consolidation and (2) each local education agency to prepare and submit annual evaluation reports in accordance with the State model. Directs the Commissioner to conduct a monitoring program in each State participating in the consolidation program and to carry out a program of making grants to such States for the purpose of interstate cooperation. Requires the consolidation program authorized by this Act to be administered by a separate identifiable unit to be established by the Commissioner in the Office of Education. Directs the Commissioner to reduce or stop payments to States which fail to comply with specified requirements of this Act. Permits States which are not satisfied with the Commissioner's actions to have such action reviewed in a United States court of appeals. Permits funds paid to a State under this Act to be made available for construction of facilities for which funds would have been available under any program consolidated in this Act. Subjects funds made available under this Act to specified provisions prohibiting discrimination in the administration of federally-assisted programs. Requires that certain children enrolled in private nonprofit or in Indian tribal elementary or secondary schools be given an opportunity to participate on an equitable basis in activities assisted under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 1976
Expresses the sense of Congress that the Consumer Product Safety Commission should promptly undertake a study of the sealing capabilities of container lids used in the canning of food in homes to determine: (1) if any defect in such capabilites constitutes a substantial product hazard; and (2) if a consumer product safety standard should be promulgated.
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 1976
Small Business Growth and Job Creation Act - Title I: Small Business Independence and Continuation - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish graduated corporate income tax rates. Changes the holding period for capital assets from six months to one year. Establishes a new alternative tax on capital gains. Increases the estate tax exemption from $60,000 to $180,000. Establishes a new rate schedule for the estate tax. Increases the gift tax exclusion from $3,000 to $9,000, and the gift tax exemption from $30,000 to $90,000. Replaces the present gift tax schedule with a flat rate of 75 percent of whatever the estate tax on such a sum would be. Provides that a distribution of property by a corporation in redemption of stock to pay death taxes shall be treated as a distribution in full payment in exchange for the stock if all of the stock of such corporation which is included in determining the value of the decedent's gross estate is either, (1) more than 20 percent (generally, 35 percent), of the value of the gross estate of such decedent, or (2) more than 40 percent (generally, 50 percent) of the taxable estate of such decedent. Provides that if stock in a corporation is sold by a shareholder owning stock representing more than 30 percent of the fair market value of all outstanding stock of the corporation whose stock is being sold, the gain from such sale shall be recognized only to the extent that the taxpayer's sale price exceeds the cost of replacement property purchased by the taxpayer within two years. Defines "replacement property" as property which is held for the production of income or which is held for investment. Allows the executor of an estate involving an interest in a closely held business to elect to include in the value of the gross estate the decedent's basis in such business rather than the fair market value of such interest. States that the basis of property acquired from a decedent as to which such an election was made shall be the decedent's basis in such property rather than the fair market value of such interest. Allows the marital deduction of the estate tax to exceed 50 percent of the value of the adjusted gross estate when an interest in a specially defined small business is included in the estate. Title II: Small Business Growth Incentives - Allows a taxpayer to choose the cash method of accounting in any case where inventory is an income determining factor and the ending inventory for the taxable year does not exceed $200,000. Provides a deferred tax credit against taxable income for unincorporated businesses. Establishes a graduated investment tax credit. Amends the definition of a small business corporation to allow domestic corporations with up to 20 shareholders (presently, ten) to qualify for subchapter S treatment. Allows a small business to make a subchapter S election at any time during the taxable year. Allows to a business a credit equal to 50 percent of the wages paid during the taxable year to new employees, up to two employees and $20,000 for the taxable year. Allows a similar credit for new disadvantaged employees up to a maximum of $60,000 per taxable year. Allows the practical cost recovery method to be used in computing depreciation. Title III: Small Business Tax Simplification - Allows a corporation to file an application for refund of overpayment of estimated income tax at any time during the taxable year. Provides a special rule for treatment of net operating loss adjustments in the case of new corporations. Increases the minimum credit on accumulated earnings from $150,000 to $500,000. Redefines "section 1244 stock" to mean common stock in a corporation if: (1) such corporation during its preceding taxable year derived more than 50 percent of its aggregate gross receipts from sources other than royalties, rents, dividends, interest, annuities, and sales or exchanges of stock or securities; and (2) the equity capital of such corporation does not exceed $1,000,000. Increases the losses on section 1244 stock which may be treated as ordinary losses (rather than capital losses) from $25,000 to $50,000.
United States · United States Congress · 2 September 1976
Authorizes the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to construct a replacement lock and dam project on the Mississippi River near Alton, Illinois. Authorizes the Secretary to undertake steps to provide for wildlife protection and recreational activities in conjunction with such project. Withdraws all authority for the Secretary of the Army to construct or study the feasibility of construction or modification of channels in the Mississippi River north of its juncture with the Illinois River. Directs the Upper Mississippi River Basin Commission to prepare a master plan by 1981 for the management of the Upper Mississippi River. Requires public hearings on a preliminary plan prior to preparation of a final plan. Establishes criteria to be considered in preparing such master plan. Authorizes the appropriation of $20,000,000 to the Commission for such study.
United States · United States Congress · 1 September 1976
Expresses the sense of the Congress that Georgi Vins should be released from imprisonment and that the Government of the Soviet Union should allow him and all other religious believers within its borders to worship God freely, as the Soviet Union is committed to do by the provisions of its constitution and by the provisions of the United Nations Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
United States · United States Congress · 30 August 1976
Authorizes the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to construct a replacement lock and dam project on the Mississippi River near Alton, Illinois. Authorizes the Secretary to undertake steps to provide for wildlife protection and recreational activities in conjunction with such project. Withdraws all authority for the Secretary of the Army to construct or study the feasibility of construction or modification of channels in the Mississippi River north of its juncture with the Illinois River. Directs the Upper Mississippi River Basin Commission to prepare a master plan by 1981 for the management of the Upper Mississippi River. Requires public hearings on a preliminary plan prior to preparation of a final plan. Establishes criteria to be considered in preparing such master plan. Authorizes the appropriation of $20,000,000 to the Commission for such study.
United States · United States Congress · 30 August 1976
Palm Oil and Palm Oil Products Inspection and Identification Act - Prohibits the importation of palm oil and palm oil products unless the Secretary of Agriculture certifies that such products are pure and wholesome and meet sanitation standards. Authorizes the Secretary to establish such standards, and to inspect such imports. Requires that such imports meet the packaging and labeling requirements in effect in the United States and specify the country of origin. Makes all palm oil in the United States subject to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Sets forth labeling requirements for palm oil in the United States Imposes a fine of not more than $1,000, or imprisonment of not more than one year, or both, for violation of this Act. Increases such penalties to a fine of not more than $10,000, or imprisonment for not more than three years, or both, when such violation includes an intent to defraud.
United States · United States Congress · 30 August 1976
Authorizes and requests the President to issue a proclamation designating the week beginning October 3, 1976, and ending October 9, 1976, as "National Gifted Children Week."
United States · United States Congress · 24 August 1976
Directs the House Committee on Armed Services to make a study of the murder by members of the North Korean Armed Forces serving as guards at Panmunjom of two American Army officers attached to the United Nations Command, and other recent North Korean violations of the armistice agreement. Requires the committee to transmit a report to the House containing a statement of the findings of the committee no later than January 3, 1977.
United States · United States Congress · 24 August 1976
Condemns North Korea for its continued acts of treachery culminating in the axe murders of two American officers and the wounding of five others. Directs the Speaker of the House to make known the regrets of the House to the wives and children and other survivors of Major Bonifas and Lieutenant Barrett.
United States · United States Congress · 24 August 1976
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should take such steps as may be necessary to place the threat to the peace created by the murder of two American Army officers attached to the United Nations Command by members of the North Korean Armed Forces serving as guards at Panmunjom, and other recent North Korean violations of the armistice agreement, on the agenda of the United Nations.
United States · United States Congress · 23 August 1976
Authorizes the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to develop a river system management plan for the Upper Mississippi River, in the format of the "Great River Study."
United States · United States Congress · 23 August 1976
Includes within the meaning of the term "hospital" in Titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act, rural health facilities of 50 beds or less.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1976
Authorizes the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs, in providing therapeutic and rehabilitation activities, to provide for the participation of patients and members in Veterans' Administration health facilities in the assemblage of poppies or other similar projects carried out at such facilities, which are sponsored by a national veterans service organization or its auxiliary. Directs that patients and members be compensated by the sponsoring organization for their participation in such programs.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1976
Federal Coal Leasing Amendments Act - Amends the Mineral Lands Leasing Act to remove the 40-acre limitation on tracts of land which may be leased for coal mining by the Secretary of the Interior. Prohibits the lease of Federal lands for coal production where the prospective lessee has not produced coal for 15 or more years from other lands held under such a lease. Stipulates that lands containing coal deposits may only be offered for lease after inclusion in a comprehensive land use plan. Stipulates that each coal lease shall contain provisions requiring compliance with the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and the Clean Air Act. Requires that an exploration license be acquired from the Secretary prior to the conduct of coal exploration for commercial purposes on oil lands subject to the Mineral Lands Leasing Act. Stipulates that licensees may not cause substantial disturbance to the natural land surface. Authorizes the Secretary to consolidate coal leases into logical mining units. Stipulates that development and production of the unit shall be completed within a time period established by the Secretary, which shall not exceed 40 years. Stipulates that coal leases shall be for a period of 20 years and for so long thereafter as coal is produced annually in commercial quantities from that lease. Requires termination of any lease not producing coal in commercial quantities at the end of ten years. Imposes the requirement that mining operations be developed diligently and continuously. Requires that lessees submit for the Secretary's approval an operation and reclamation plan. Requires that the Secretary make annual reports to Congress on coal leasing activities, including recommendations for improved management, efficiency, and environmental safeguards. Authorizes disposition of royalties to the States for additional public purposes. Directs the Director of the Office of Technology Assessment to study all leasing activities pursuant to the Mineral Lands Leasing Act and report his findings and recommendations to Congress. Stipulates that no person or legal entity may control more than 46,080 acres of coal leases in any one State, nor more than 100,000 acres in the entire United States under the Mineral Lands Leasing Act.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1976
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Secretary of Agriculture study the impact of the development of the foreign palm oil industry on the domestic vegetable oil industry. Directs the Secretary, if such study justifies, to recommend that the administration negotiate bilateral agreements with the principal palm oil producing countries to provide reasonable restraints against excessive imports of palm oil into the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1976
Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to study the impact of the development of the foreign palm oil industry on the domestic vegetable oil industry and submit his recommendations to the National Advisory Council on International Monetary and Financial Policies. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to instruct the United States Executive Director in each of the international financial institutions to oppose new proposals for palm oil development loans.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1976
Amends the Education Amendments of 1972 to eliminate provisions of such Act relating to apportionment requirements for specified projects. Reduces from 50 percent to 25 percent the proportion of funds under such Act which must be reserved for projects under the Special Projects Act. Eliminates the provisions of the Special Projects Act relating to congressional committee review of the special projects spending plan.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1976
Amends rule XXXII of the Rules of the House of Representatives to allow specified present and former employees and Members of the House to enter the Hall of the House and rooms leading thereto. Provides that such persons shall not be admitted if they have any direct personal or pecuniary interest in any legislative measure coming up for consideration in the House.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 1976
Amends the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act to authorize appropriations of $19,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 1978 through 1980 to carry out the purposes of such Act. Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to enter into contracts with, or award grants to, public agencies or profit or nonprofit organizations for the evaluation of programs and projects assisted with funds provided under such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 1976
Federal Agency Control and Review Act - Requires the Office of Management and Budget to conduct a study lasting one to two years of each Federal agency's efficiency and effectiveness. Requires that such report be submitted to the President and Congress. Authorizes the President to submit to Congress his recommendations with respect to such report. States that a report must have been concluded on all existing agencies within 12 years after the enactment of this Act and on all agencies within ten years after their creation. Requires that such study be repeated every ten years. Terminates such Federal agency ten years after the Office's report is submitted to Congress unless Congress adopts legislation to continue such agency.
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 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 · 24 June 1976
School Desegregation Standards and Assistance Act - Title I: Standards and Procedures in School Desegregation Suits - States that the purpose of this title is: (1) to prevent unlawful discrimination in public schools; and (2) to remedy the effects of past discrimination. States that, upon a finding that a local or State educational agency has engaged or is engaging in an act of unlawful discrimination, a court may: (1) enter an order enjoining the continuation or future commission of such act; and (2) provide other relief necessary to prevent the occurrence of discriminatory acts or to eliminate the effects of such acts except remedies directed at eliminating the effects of such acts on the present degree of concentration by race, color, or national origin. States that where a court finds that discriminatory acts have caused a greater concentration by race, color, or national origin in a student population than would have existed in a normal course, the court may order appropriate relief to adjust the composition to that which would have been in the normal course. Requires courts, before entering such an order, to make specific findings concerning the degree to which such concentration in schools affected by unlawful acts varies from which it would have been in the normal course. Places upon the educational agency involved the burden of going forward with evidence to show that such concentration is attributable to factors other than unlawful discrimination. States that the court's findings required under this Act shall be based on conclusion and reasonable inferences from all of the evidence and shall not be based on the presumption that the concentration by race, color or national origin in a student population is a result of discriminatory acts. Requires all school desegregation orders to rely, to the greatest extent practicable, on the voluntary action of school officials, teachers and students. Prohibits courts from removing the control of the schools from the educational agency involved except to the minimum extent necessary to prevent unlawful discrimination or eliminate its present effects. States that in all cases in which a court-imposed requirement for transportation of students has remained in effect for a period of three years, or in the case of final orders entered prior to the enactment of this Act three years after the effective date of this Act, the court shall terminate the requirement unless: (1) the court finds that the local or State education agency has failed to comply with the requirement and other provisions of the court's order substantially and in good faith throughout the three preceding years, in which case the court may extend the requirement until there have been three consecutive years of such compliance; or (2) the court finds, at the expiration of such period that the other provisions of its order and other remedies are not adequate to correct the effects of unlawful discrimination, and that the requirement remains necessary for the purpose, in which case the court may continue the requirement in effect until the local or State education agency has complied with the requirement substantially and in good faith for two consecutive additional years. Authorizes courts to extend such time period under extraordinary circumstances or when there are unusually severe residual effects of discriminatory acts. Authorizes courts to reimpose a requirement for transportation of students if there has been a failure to comply with other provisions of the court's order or if discriminatory acts have occurred since the termination of the order necessitating such action. States that such an order may be imposed if no other remedy is sufficient and shall require the transportation of students only to such extent and for such limited period as may be necessary to remedy the effects of discriminatory actions. Prohibits a court from modifying student assignment plans because of subsequent population shifts unless the court finds such changes resulted from discriminatory acts. Directs courts to notify the Attorney General of proceedings in which the relief sought is a recomposition of a student population or whenever it believes that an order or an extension of an order requiring the transportation of students may be necessary. Authorizes the Attorney General to intervene in such actions, including recommendations for: (1) the appointment of a mediator; and (2) the formation of a committee of community leaders to develop a five-year desegregation program. Title II: National Community and Education Committee - Declares that the purpose of this title is to create a nonpartisan national committee to provide assistance to communities which are engaged in or preparing to engage in the desegregation of their schools. Establishes within the executive branch a National Community and Education Committee for such purpose. Specifies the functions and limitations on the activities of the Committee. Authorizes the Chairman of the Committee to make grants to private nonprofit community organizations to assist them in carrying out activities designed to accomplish the purposes of this title. States that such a grant shall not exceed $30,000. Authorizes appropriations of $2,000,000 for salaries and expenses of the Committee and $2,000,000 for grants for each of the fiscal years 1977 through 1979. Establishes a Federal Community Assistance Coordinating Council to consult with representatives of communities which are seeking Federal support for community relations projects and other community-based efforts to facilitate desegregation. Authorizes appropriations of $250,000 annually for fiscal years 1977 through 1979 for the purpose of carrying out the functions and duties of the Council.
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 · 11 June 1976
Emergency Technical Provisions Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 by extending until September 30, 1976 (presently ends June 30, 1975), programs of low-interest insured loans to students in institutions of higher education. Extends appropriations for the Emergency Insured Student Loan Act of 1969 until October 1, 1976 (presently ends June 30, 1975). Provides that any institution of higher education which distributes funds pursuant to the Higher Education Act of 1965 shall not be deemed a contractor.
United States · United States Congress · 11 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 · 9 June 1976
National Student Loan Bank Act - Establishes a nonprofit corporation to be known as the National Student Loan Bank to extend loans to students at eligible institutions as defined under this Act. Sets forth limitations regarding the amounts which may be borrowed by students at the postsecondary and graduate level. Provides for the repayment of such loans over a maximum 30 year period at an interest rate which the Board of Directors of the Bank deems necessary to cover the cost of borrowing capital and of administration of the program. Authorizes the Bank to issue and have outstanding obligations at an aggregate amount of $3,000,000,000 during fiscal years 1978 and 1979. States that the aggregate outstanding amount for the succeeding fiscal years shall be determined by the bank with the approval of the Secretary of the Treasury. Authorizes the Secretary to guarantee obligations issued by the Bank under this Act. Sets forth the general powers of the bank. Provides for an annual audit of the financial transactions of the bank. Requires that a report of each such audit be made to the President and to the Congress by the Comptroller General no later than six months following the close of the fiscal year. Grants such bank tax-exempt status from Federal, State or local taxation with the exception of the real and tangible personal property of the bank and the obligations issued by it. Requires the bank to transmit to the President and the Congress an annual report of its operations and activities. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to reimburse the bank for nonpayments due to deferments of principal and interest, defaults by the borrower, the death or disablement of the borrower, or insufficiencies of payments at the end of term. Authorizes appropriations in amounts as may be necessary for such purpose.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1976
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States Postal Service shall not close or suspend the operation of any post offices, unless there is a clear and compelling need to do so. Encourages the service to continue cost-cutting programs which do not affect levels of service.
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 1976
Extends the delimiting period in the case of any eligible veteran who is pursuing, during his or her tenth year of eligibility, a program of education. Terminates such extension on whichever of the following dates first occurs: (1) the date on which the veteran completes, or ceases to pursue, the program he was pursuing in his tenth year of eligibility; or (2) the last day of the 11-year period beginning on the date of his discharge from active duty. (Adds 38 U.S.C. 1662(e))
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 1976
Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to authorize a loan level of $2,000,000,000 annually for fiscal years 1976 to 1980 for the Federal loan insurance program. Extends the Federal interest subsidy program created under such Act until September 30, 1984.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 1976
Creates the Select Joint Committee on the Congressional Page School to determine whether it is necessary to have the Congressional Page School. Directs the joint committee to conduct a full investigation of the school, including: (1) its method of faculty selection; (2) its method of curriculum choice; (3) the adequacy of the location of the school; and (4) the availability of adequate housing for pages attending the school. Provides that the total expenses of the joint committee shall not exceed $35,000 which shall be paid from the contingent fund of the House.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1976
Amends the Tariff Schedules of the United States to revise the classification of wool for purposes of customs duties and to eliminate all import duties on wool of certain classifications.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1976
Public Service Employees Retirement Income Security Act - Sets forth regulations governing employee welfare or pension benefit plans established or maintained by State or local government entities. Requires that every employee benefit plan be established and maintained pursuant to a written instrument. Requires that such instrument provide for one or more named fiduciaries who jointly or severally shall have authority to control and manage the operation and administration of the plan. Specifies that all such fiduciaries shall discharge their duties with respect to a plan solely in the interest of the participants and beneficiaries. Requires that every benefit plan: (1) provide a procedure for establishing and carrying out a funding policy and method consistent with the objectives of the plan and the requirements of this Act; (2) describe any procedure under the plan for the allocation of responsibilities for the operation and administration of the plan; (3) provide a procedure for amending such plan, and for identifying the persons who have authority to amend the plan; and (4) specify the basis on which payments are to be made to and from the plan. Requires that all assets of an employee benefit plan be held in trust by one or more trustees. Specifies the method of appointment of the trustees and stipulates that the trustees shall have exclusive authority and discretion to manage and control the assets of the plan, subject to limitations. Establishes qualifications for, and limitations on, the acquisition and holding of securities and real property by plans subject to this Act. Prohibits any fiduciary who has the authority or discretion to control or manage the assets of a plan from permitting the plan to hold or acquire any employer security or employer real property if such fiduciary knows or should know that holding such security or real property violates this Act. Directs the Secretary of Labor to establish an exemption procedure under which an exemption of any fiduciary or transaction, or any class of fiduciaries or transactions, from the securities and real property holding restrictions of this Act may be granted. Prohibits the Secretary from granting any such exemption unless the exemption is: (1) administratively feasible; (2) in the interests of the plan and its participants and beneficiaries; and (3) protective of the rights of participants and beneficiaries of such plan. Authorizes the following transactions by fiduciaries and plans, with specified limitations: (1) loans made by the plan to parties in interest who are participants or beneficiaries of the plan; (2) contracts or arrangements with a party in interest for office space, or legal, accounting, or other services necessary for the establishment or operation of the plan; (3) provision of any ancillary service by a bank or similar financial institution supervised by the United States or a State, if such bank or other institution is a fiduciary of such plan; (4) exercise of a privilege to convert securities, to the extent provided in regulations of the Secretary of Labor; and (5) distribution of the assets of the plan by a fiduciary in accordance with the terms of the plan if such assets are distributed in the same manner as assets are allocated under specified provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. Specifies reporting and disclosure requirements to be followed by the administrator of an employee benefit plan with respect to the Secretary of Labor and plan participants. Declares that any person who is a fiduciary with respect to a plan who breaches any of the responsibilities, obligations, or duties imposed upon fiduciaries by this Act shall be personally liable to make good to such plan any losses resulting from such breach. Declares void any agreement or instrument which purports to relieve a fiduciary from such liability. Prohibits persons who have been convicted of specified crimes from serving as fiduciaries of employee benefit plans during, or for five years after, such conviction, or imprisonment for such conviction. Imposes criminal penalties for violation of this Act. Specifies the grounds for civil actions which may be brought by the participant, fiduciary, or beneficiary of an employee benefit plan or the Secretary of Labor, to enforce the provisions of this Act with respect to such plan. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to investigate fully the operation of any employee benefit plan to determine whether such plan is in compliance with this Act. Sets forth a procedure for the denial of benefits to any participant or beneficiary by any employee benefit plan. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to prescribe such regulations as may be necessary or appropriate to carry out the provisions of this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to enable the Secretary to carry out the duties and responsibilities imposed by 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
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 · 6 May 1976
Human Investment Tax Incentive Act - Allows a tax credit, under the Internal Revenue Code, in an amount equal to 20 percent of employee training expenses. Limits such credit to an amount not to exceed so much of the liability for tax as does not exceed $25,000, plus 50 percent of so much of the liability for tax as exceeds $25,000. Defines "employee training expenses" as the wages and salaries of employees enrolled in an apprenticeship program or a cooperative education program or the tuition and course fees paid by the taxpayer for improving the job-related skills of an employee.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1976
Provides, under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, that whenever an employer's failure to comply with any provision of that Act or any State requirement relating to industrial safety causes or contributes to an accident resulting in bodily injury, no provision of any workers' compensation law or similar statute shall be construed to bar an action at law for contribution, indemnification, or other relief against the employer by a person alleged liable for such injury.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1976
Small Post Office Preservation Act - Prohibits the United States Postal Service from closing any post office which serves a rural area or small town unless: (1) a majority of the persons regularly served by such post office approve the closing; (2) it establishes a rural station or branch which provides the same postal services as the post office and does not result in any change in the mailing address of persons served by such post office; or (3) it establishes a rural route to serve the area involved. Allows the Postal Service to establish a rural route as a substitute for an existing post office only upon making specified determinations.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 1976
Provides, under the Internal Revenue Code, that unemployment insurance funds may be used for payments to employers of otherwise unemployed individuals. Requires that each State establish a plan for such payments, which includes specific requirements that the employer will pay the unemployed individual wages comparable to the amount paid to other individuals doing the same work, and that no payment will be made for any position for a period of longer than one year. Stipulates that the State law establishing an approved plan shall require from prospective employers information for qualification purposes. Defines "otherwise unemployed individual" as meaning an individual who, but for his employment, would be eligible to receive compensation under State law.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 1976
Consumer Communications Reform Act - States that Congress finds that the revenues from integrated interstate and foreign common carrier telecommunications services helped maintain a level of charges for telephone exchange service which is lower than otherwise would be required. Expresses the sense of Congress that the authorization of lines, facilities, or services of specialized carriers which duplicate the lines, facilities, or services of other telecommunications common carriers is contrary to the public interest. Reaffirms the intent of Congress that the complete authority to regulate terminal and station equipment used for telephone exchange service shall rest with the States even though such terminal and station equipment also may be used in connection with interstate services. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to provide that no compensatory charges for or in connection with such communication service may be found to be unjust or unreasonable on the ground that it is too low. Prohibits the Federal Communications Commission from holding the charge of a carrier up to a particular level to protect the traffic or revenues from a communication service offered or provided by another carrier if such charge proposed by the carrier is compensation. Provides that the Commission shall not grant or authorize any construction permit, station license, or certificate, for the construction, acquisition, or operation of any communication or transmission line or facility, or extension thereof, or any modification or renewal thereof, unless the Commission shall find, after full opportunity for evidentiary hearing on the record, that such permit, license, or certificate will not result in increased charges or unnecessary duplication of communication lines.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1976
Defines terms for purposes of this Act. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to make loans available through the Agricultural Credit Insurance Fund to agricultural producers who suffer losses as a result of having their agricultural commodities or livestock quarantined or condemned because such commodities or livestock have been found to contain toxic chemicals dangerous to the public health.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1976
Terminates the duty of the Secretary of Commerce to take agricultural censuses every five years and censuses of irrigation and drainage every ten years. Directs the Secretary to continue the statistical classification of farms which was in effect on January 1, 1975, until June 30, 1976. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to collect information on agriculture, irrigation, and drainage on a sample basis, which is comparable to the information previously collected every five years in the agriculutral census. Allows the Secretary, when sampling methods would be inappropriate, to use other statistical methods to collect information relating to the classification of farms. (Amends 13 U.S.C. 142)
![Official portrait of Rep. Quie, Albert H. [R-MN-1]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/q000010_200.jpg)