United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1976
Revises the Internal Revenue Code to provide that the allowable dollar amount of the tax deduction taken for a charitable contribution which is of a musical, artistic, or similar nature shall be the fair market value of such property at the time of contribution.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1976
Prohibits the filing of joint returns, under the Internal Revenue Code, unless each spouse verifies, by oath or affirmation, that such spouse has equal ownership, management, and control of the income, assets, and liabilities of the marriage partnership.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1976
National Forest Timber Management Reform Act - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish standards for future timber sales from national forests consistent with the criteria set forth in this Act. Requires that timber sales be made only from stable lands which are capable of regenerating a commercial stand of timber. Requires that minimum reforestation requirements be included in such standards. Imposes quantity sales limitations on timber sales in order to prevent the quantity and quality of timber from declining. Directs the Secretary to establish standards for maximum utilization of all trees sold from the national forests. Requires a complete interdisciplinary review from an environmental, biological, engineering, and economic standpoint of all proposed timber sales of $5,000 or more in national forests. Directs the Secretary to make public at least 60 days prior to each sale a brief statement as to the consistency of such proposed cut with principles of multiple use. Requires that the Secretary impose limitations on clearcutting practices in national forests. Prohibits the Secretary from allowing the cutting of immature trees except where the cutting of such trees: (1) conforms to specified forest management purposes; (2) achieves an even age distribution in southern pine forests; and (3) in connection with clearcuts where the stand of trees is predominantly of mature trees. Prohibits the cutting and removal of any tree from national forests unless such tree has been properly marked. Authorizes clearcuts without marking of individual trees in accordance with standards to be promulgated by the Secretary. Requires that the Secretary evaluate and limit the effects of proposed conversions of plant communities within natural forests. Prohibits contracts for the cutting of timber in national forests for more than a three-year period. Prohibits the use of DDT and other chlorinated hydrocarbons by the Secretary in the national forests for pest control purposes. Requires that the Secretary and the Forest Service take steps to preserve the natural ecosystems, soil resources, and fish and wildlife resources in national forests. Requires the preparation of a multiple use-sustained yield management plan for each national forest. Requires the establishment of a cost accounting system for future timber sales, to include indirect and direct administrative costs with respect to growth and reforestation of timber as well as sales. Allows States and localities to elect to receive payments from the Secretary of Agriculture based on the amount of specified public lands within the boundaries of such governmental units in lieu of the sum of amounts made available to States and localities under other provisions of Federal law.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1976
Establishes in the House of Representatives the Select Committee on Nuclear Proliferation and Nuclear Export Policy. Directs the Committee to conduct a full and complete study of: (1) the threat of nuclear proliferation; (2) the present policies of the United States concerning nuclear proliferation; (3) the decisionmaking process within the executive branch on nuclear export policies; and (4) any related areas which the committee deems necessary to investigate and study to discharge its responsibilities. Directs the committee to report to the House as soon as practicable the results of its investigation and study, together with such recommendations as it deems advisable.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1976
Removes the limitation on annual dues for United States membership in the International Criminal Police Organization and authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to pay the unpaid balance of the dues for calendar year 1975.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1976
Authorizes payment under the supplementary medical insurance program of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act for hearing aids and dentures.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1976
National Mental Health and Disability Advocacy Services Act - Declares it the policy of Congress that persons facing involuntary commitment to a mental or geriatric care facility be given the benefit of due process of law, including but not limited to the right of counsel, in all court and administrative proceedings. Entitles persons so committed seeking release or those alleging deprivation of any constitutional or statutory right to the same safeguards. Requires that an ombudsperson system, to help solve patients' problems which do not involve litigation but necessitate aid, advice, or counseling, be provided and be accessible to all clients of any mental or geriatric care system. Establishes, under the Community Mental Health Centers Act, an Office of Mental Health and Disability Advocacy Services, directing that such Office and the National Institute of Mental Health shall actively seek areas for cooperation in education, training, program, policy and service development, and other related matters. Instructs the Office to enter into contracts with States to assist them in meeting the costs of establishing and maintaining a program of mental health advocacy services, each such program to be under the supervision of a State coordinator. Restricts the amount of any contract entered into to 75 percent of the costs of the program involved. Forbids entering into a contract until it has been submitted to and approved by the Director of the Office. Instructs the State coordinator to set up an office to administer the State program, and directs such office to attempt to establish internship programs with local law schools, graduate schools of social work or psychology, and undergraduate departments of social work or psychology. Grants such office the authority to bring and defend against civil actions for and on behalf of individuals (and classes of individuals) receiving services within the mental health or geriatric care system of the State. Requires that the State program include a mental health, retardation, and geriatric system ombudsperson and that each applicable State facility have its own ombudsperson who reports to the State ombudsperson. Imposes duties and grants specified powers to ombudspersons. Prohibits any State from receiving assistance under the Community Mental Health Centers Act unless such State has established and maintains a mental health advocacy services program. Defines terms used in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1976
Includes the Commodity Futures Trading Commission within the definition of "agency," as such term applies to Federal laws pertaining to witness immunity. (Amends 18 U.S.C. 6001)
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1976
National Climate Program Act - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to coordinate the establishment and operation of a Federal climate program for the collection, analysis, and dissemination of data concerning climatic States and the influence of man's activities on climatic dynamics. Empowers the Secretary to establish advisory committees to be composed of experts in climatology and related fields and of representatives of interested Federal departments to more effectively carry out the purposes of this Act. Directs the Secretary to coordinate the activities of the climate program with related Federal programs and with climate research programs of international organizations. Authorizes the Secretary to transfer funds and make grants to governmental bodies and educational and nonprofit institutions to carry out the purposes of this Act. Requires the Secretary to prepare and submit each year to the Office of Management and Budget an annual plan and request for appropriations for the climate program. Directs the Bureau of the Budget to provide Congress, in connection with its annual budget presentation, a horizontal budget showing; (1) the totality of the activities under the climate program, (2) the specific aspects of such program and funding assigned to each agency, and (3) the estimated goals and financial requirement of the program. Directs the Secretary to annually prepare and submit to the President for transmittal to the Congress a report on the administration of this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of funds to carry out this Act for the transitional quarter and fiscal years 1977-79.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1976
Directs the Secretary of the Interior to make a comprehensive study of the wolf for the purpose of developing adequate conservation measures to conserve such mammals and to insure humane treatment in all cases. Requires that the results of such study be reported to Congress no later than January 1, 1979. Establishes a moratorium on the hunting of wolves from aircraft or other mechanized vehicles. Prohibits all killing of wolves except the killing of individual animals by hunters as game. Stipulates that such moratorium on the large-scale killing of wolves shall remain in effect pending completion of the study and implementation of legislative recommendations by Congress. Authorizes appropriations of $50,000 for fiscal years 1977, 1978, and 1979 to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1976
Defines "institution" for purposes of this Act. Authorizes the Attorney General, whenever there is reasonable cause to believe that a State or its agents are as a matter of practice subjecting persons involuntarily confined in an institution to conditions which deprive them of Constitutional or other federally protected rights, privileges, or immunities, to institute a civil action against such parties to insure the full enjoyment of such rights, privileges, and immunities. Directs the Attorney General to certify, prior to the institution of such suit, that notice was given to appropriate officials of the institution of alleged deprivations. Permits the Attorney General to intervene in any action based upon such deprivations upon certification that the case is of general public importance. Prohibits the granting of relief by district courts to individuals alleging such deprivations unless it appears that the individual has exhausted any plain, speedy, and efficient State administrative remedy as is available. Makes it unlawful to coerce, intimidate, threaten, or interfere with any person seeking any remedy pursuant to this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1976
Directs the President to seek a treaty or other appropriate arrangement with Canada calling for an immediate moratorium on the killing of the eastern timber wolves.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1976
Directs the Secretary of the Treasury and other Federal officials to initiate negotiations within the framework of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development and the International Monetary Fund with the intent of developing an appropriate code of conduct and specific trading obligations among governments, together with suitable procedures for the settlement of disputes.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1976
Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to prohibit the Secretary of Transportation and the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration from authorizing, except for emergency purposes, the entrance into or operation within the United States of any civil supersonic aircraft engaged in commercial service which generates noise in excess of the level prescribed for new subsonic aircraft.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1976
Stipulates that no rule or regulation which is issued pursuant to the Food Stamp Act of 1964 and which is to become effective after February 13, 1976, shall become effective until the enactment of legislation after the date of enactment of this Act with respect to the eligibility and purchase requirements of persons receiving benefits under the Food Stamp Act of 1964.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1976
Extends from one to three years the period that a member of the uniformed services has following his retirement to select his home for purposes of travel and transportation allowances. (Amends 37 U.S.C. 404(c) and 406(g)).
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1976
National Diabetes Advisory Board Act - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish a National Diabetes Advisory Board to insure the implementation of the long-range plan formulated by the National Commission on Diabetes to combat diabetes. Specifies seven Federal health officers as members of the Board, in addition to seven health professionals and five members of the general public to be appointed by the Secretary. Makes provision for staffing and compensation. Authorizes the Board to enter into contracts or other arrangements, or to take such other action as may be necessary to carry out its functions. Authorizes the Board to engage in and sponsor activities, collect data, and provide technical assistance as it deems necessary and advisable in the performance of its functions. Requires the Board to submit simultaneously to the President and Congress an Annual Diabetes Report describing Board activities in the prior year and progress made in diabetes research, treatment, and education with specific reference to the long-range plan to combat diabetes mellitus and suggesting recommended future expenditures and legislation. Authorizes the appropriation of $500,000 for fiscal year 1976 and such sums as are necessary for each of the four fiscal years thereafter. Authorizes the Secretary to make distinguished scientist awards to individual scientists who have shown continuous and outstanding productivity in diabetes research for the purpose of continuing such research. Limits the amount of each grant to no more than $35,000 per year. Authorizes the appropriation of specified amounts for the purpose of making such grants in fiscal years 1976-1980. Authorizes, under the Public Health Service Act, the appropriation of specified sums in fiscal years 1977-1981 for the purpose of making grants to centers for research and training in diabetes mellitus and related endocrine and metabolic disorders.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1976
Amends the Federal Power Act to require that rate increases for the interstate sale of electricity may not be granted until public hearings on such increases have been completed by the Federal Power Commission. Requires 30 days' notice of all rate changes by a public utility to the Federal Power Commission and to the public.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1976
Adds to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 "Title X-Emergency Education Revenue Act". Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to carry out this Act in fiscal years 1976 and 1977. Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to a local education agency which demonstrates that: (1) for bona fide budgetary reasons it has been forced to reduce the expenditure of funds for essential elementary and secondary education services, making it impossible to maintain such services at a quality level; and (2) that it or the local government unit responsible for providing its revenues has made bona fide efforts to raise the revenue necessary to support essential elementary and secondary educational services and maintain quality education. Makes financial assistance under this Act available for essential elementary and secondary educational services, programs, and projects of the local education agency which had been funded by such agency previously and which the Secretary determines are essential for providing quality elementary and secondary educational services. Requires any local education agency desiring to receive assistance under this Act to submit to the Secretary an application in such form and containing such information as the Secretary shall require by regulation. Permits the Secretary to approve such application only if assurances are given that the State shall not reduce the amount of State aid with respect to the provision of free public education in any school district of any local education agency because of assistance given under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1976
Adoption Opportunities Act - Title I: National Registry of Adoptable Children - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish and maintain a National Registry of Adoptable Children. Requires that the Registry contain statistics on the numbers of adoptable children in the United States. Directs the Secretary to conduct a continuing national survey to develop and keep current such statistics, and to publish the Registry or make it as widely available as possible. Title II: National Data Bank of Adoption Information and Resources - Provides that the Secretary shall establish and maintain a National Data Bank of Adoption Information and Resources to assist individuals desiring to adopt children. States that the Bank will provide prospective parents with current information on pre-adoption, adoption, and post-adoption costs, and with information on adoption agencies and their services. Requires the Secretary to conduct a continuing national survey to keep the Bank's information current. Title III: Requirements Applicable to Certain Child Related Programs - Subjects specified Social Security programs or projects to whatever requirements the State, in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary, establishes for the purpose of: (1) insuring that adoption agencies which indirectly or directly federally funded are associated with an adoption service, are conducting an annual review of the status of each child under its care, and are having their expenditures periodically evaluated; (2) licensing all foster care homes in which agencies place children; and (3) promoting and administering State and local programs designed to make children under agency care legally free for adoption by qualified parents. Directs the Secretary to provide for periodic evaluation of State and local programs to insure compliance with this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1976
Establishes a nine-member National Commission on Social Security. Requires the Commission to study and investigate titles II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) and XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act. Requires that annual reports be submitted to Congress and the President. Terminates the existence of the Commission after it files its fourth annual report. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 18 February 1976
Government Economy and Spending Reform Act - Title I: Authorizations of New Budget Authority - Terminates on specified dates budget authority for all Government programs except health care services, general retirement and disability insurance, and Federal employee retirement and disability programs which are funded by trust funds. Declares out of order in either the Senate or the House of Representatives any legislation which authorizes new budget authority not in compliance with this Act. Requires the Committees on Appropriations and the Committees on the Budget of both Houses of Congress to identify each program's functional and subfunctional category (as so characterized in the Budget of the United States, Fiscal Year 1977, transmitted to Congress by the President on January 21, 1976), the committees having legislative jurisdiction over such program, and whether such program operates under permanent authorizations and budget authority. Makes the budget termination provisions of this Act effective on the first day of the Ninety-fifth Congress. Title II: Early Elimination of Inactive and Duplicate Programs - Requires the Comptroller General of the United States to identify for Congress any programs which have duplicate objectives or for which no outlays have been made for the last two fiscal years. Directs the standing committees of both Houses to consider such programs and report recommendations on such programs before March 15, 1978, if possible. Title III: Quadrennial Program Review and Evaluation - Sets forth a timetable for reviewing the budget of a Government program. Requires review by standing committees of the Congress every four years of each program's cost, effectiveness, and the extent to which such program duplicates or is similar to any other program. States that such review shall include a comprehensive evaluation of the merits of such program to determine if it warrants continuation. Requires justification of any recommendation to fund any program which has objectives similar to or the same as another program's objectives. Directs the Comptroller General and the Congressional Budget Office to provide Congress with information and analysis of programs being reviewed under this Act. Requires the President to similarly review the merits of continuing programs contained in the annual Budget and to report the finding of such review prior to transmitting the Budget to Congress. Title IV: Continuing Review and Evaluation - Directs the Comptroller General to report to Congress the result of any audit which shows a substantial deficiency in achievement of the objectives of any Government program. Requires subsequent audits, a report of which must be submitted to Congress, to determine if such deficiency has been eliminated. Title V: Miscellaneous - States that those provisions of this Act which direct the operation of either House are enacted as an exercise of the rulemaking power of such House and recognizes the right of either House to change such rules.
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 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 · 10 February 1976
Amends the District of Columbia Medical and Dental Manpower Act to extend through fiscal year 1977 the authority of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to nonprofit medical and dental schools.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1976
Expresses the solidarity of the American people in efforts to enlarge human freedom by the participants in the second Brussels conference, February 17 to 19, 1976.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1976
Teritary Eye Center Act - Sets forth the Congressional finding that there is a national need for refurbishing, centralizing, and upgrading tertiary eye care centers. Defines "tertiary eye care center" and other terms for purposes of this Act. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to identify tertiary eye care centers that need upgrading and to make grants to accomplish such purpose. Directs the Secretary to create a Tertiary Eye Commission to assess the present state of eye care facilities in the United States, to develop plans for improving and expanding such facilities, and to make grants to public and nonprofit private teritary eye care centers to implement such upgrading. Requires the commission, within two years of enactment of this Act, to submit to the Secretary and the President a final report, and to submit such interim reports as are necessary, with respect to its activities. Authorizes the appropriation of $21,000,000 to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1976
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a deduction for donations of blood to charitable organizations in an amount equal to $25 for each pint donated. Limits the aggregate amount of donations which shall be deductible to $125 in any taxable year.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1976
Directs the Federal courts to consider, in their determinations of the imposition of terms of imprisonment for criminal offenses, the following factors: (1) the nature and circumstances of the offense and the history and characteristics of the defendant; (2) the need for the sentence imposed to reflect the seriousness of the offense and the providing of adequate deterrence to criminal conduct; (3) whether other less restrictive sanctions have been applied to the defendant frequently or recently; and (4) any sentencing guidelines established by the Commission under this Act. Establishes a United States Commission on Sentencing as an independent commission within the judicial branch of the United States Government to consist of five members appointed by the United States Judicial Conference. Directs such Commission to promulgate and distribute to all Federal courts guidelines for sentencing consistent with this Act. Empowers the Commission to establish general policies and rules necessary to carry out this Act. Empowers the Commission to utilize the services and information of other Federal, State, local and private agencies with or without reimbursement therefor. Empowers the Commission to establish a research and development program for the purpose of: (1) serving as a clearinghouse and information center for the collection, preparation, and dissemination of information on Federal sentencing practices; and (2) assisting and serving in a consulting capacity to Federal courts, departments, and agencies in the development, maintenance, and coordination of sound sentencing practices. Empowers the Commission to devise and conduct a training program of short-term instruction in sentencing techniques for judicial and probation personnel and other persons connected with the sentencing process. Requires the Commission to report annually to the Congress, the Judicial Conference, and the President on its activities. (Adds 18 U.S.C. 3579, 3621, 3657, 3742, 3801-5)
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1976
Extends from February 1, 1976, to October 1, 1977, the period during which payment may be made for child day care services under titles IV (Aid to Families With Dependent Children) and XX (Grants to States for Services) of the Social Security Act without regard to new staffing standards imposed by or under title XX.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1976
Authorizes the printing as a House document the Constitution of United States, with analytical index and ancillaries regarding proposed amendments, prepared by Representative Peter W. Rodino, Junior, of New Jersey.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1976
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Congress has not delegated to the Federal Trade Commission any authority to preempt the laws of the States and their political subdivisions.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1976
Amends the Tariff Schedules of the United States to repeal the duty imposed on articles assembled abroad with components produced in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1976
Establishes an 11 member Commission on the Humane Treatment of Animals to study the treatment of animals. Requires that the membership include zoologists, veterinarians, and representatives from humane societies. Requires the Commission to determine if animals are caused needless pain or suffering as a result of their treatment: (1) on farms; (2) in zoos; (3) in laboratory experimentation; and (4) in other situations. Excludes the study or treatment of animals occurring in connection with the exercise of any religion. Directs the Commission to report its findings to the Congress and the President within two years after its last member is appointed. Terminates the Commission 60 days after it submits its final report. Authorizes appropriaions of $750,000 per year to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1976
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the people of Angola should be allowed to determine their own political future without foreign interference. Expresses support for efforts by the Organization of African Unity to achieve a settlement of the conflict in Angola. Calls upon all countries to terminate military assistance to any group in Angola. States that the President should do his utmost to seek an agreement among the various parties involved in hostilities or in the support of such hostilities in Angola to terminate such hostilities. Directs the President to refrain from providing assistance of any kind, for military activities in Angola, until specifically approved by Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 20 January 1976
Senior Citizen Higher Education Opportunity Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require that higher education institutions receiving Federal aid submit to the Commissioner of Education a senior citizen access plan providing for tuition-free registration of qualified senior citizens in scheduled classes and programs on a space available basis. Directs that such plan be implemented to the satisfaction of the Commissioner. Defines "qualified senior citizen" as an individual sixty years of age or older who has completed all course requirements mandated by the institution of higher learning for enrollment in the scheduled class or program. Deems that a class or program has space available if it is not fully subscribed by students other than nonpaying senior citizens. Enjoins the payment of funds or the approval of supplemental or special grants under such Act unless the institution seeking aid has established and fully implemented a senior citizen plan.
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 1975
Foreign Soverign Immunities Act - Grants United States District Courts original jurisdiction without regard to amount in controversy of any nonjury civil action against a foreign state as to any claim for relief in person with respect to which the foreign state is not entitled to immunity. States that, in all such cases, district courts shall have personal jurisdiction over a foreign state where the prescribed service of process is made. Relates the Congressional finding that determination by the United States courts of the claims of foreign states to immunity would serve the interests of justice and would protect the rights of both foreign states and litigants in U.S. courts. Defines "foreign state," "commercial activity," and other terms for purposes of this Act. Provides that, subject to existing and future international agreements to which the U.S. is a party, foreign states are immune from the jurisdiction of U.S. courts except as provided in this Act. Declares that a foreign state is not immune from the jurisdiction of U.S. courts if: (1) the state has waived its immunity either explicitly or by implication; (2) the action is based upon specified commercially related activities; (3) the action is based upon rights in specified property, connected with commercial activity, taken in violation of international law; (4) the issue is rights in U.S. property acquired by succession or gift or rights in immovable U.S. property; or (5) money damages are sought against a foreign state for personal injury or death, or damage to or loss of property, occurring in the U.S. and caused by the tortious act or omission of the foreign state or its official or employee acting within the scope of his office or employment. Exempts from the last category claims based upon discretionary functions and claims arising out of malicious prosecution, abuse of process, libel, slander, misrepresentation, deceit, or interference with contract rights. Declares that foreign states are not immune from the jurisdiction of U.S. courts in the case of admiralty suits brought to enforce a maritime lien against a foreign state's vessel or cargo, which lien is based upon the state's commercial activity. Provides, however, that proper notice must be given to the person, or his agent, having possession of the vessel or cargo against which the lien is asserted and to the foreign state. States that the lien shall thereafter be deemed an in personam claim against the foreign state and that the court may not award judgment greater than the value of the vessel or cargo. Excludes foreign states from the jurisdiction of U.S. and State courts in cases relating to debt obligations incurred for general governmental purposes unless such immunity has been explicitly waived or the case arises under a statute administered by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Denies a foreign state, which brings or intervenes in an action in a U.S. court, immunity with respect to any counterclaim: (1) where it would not otherwise be enttitled to immunity under this Act had such claim been brought in a separate action against the foreign state; (2) arising out of the transaction or occurrence that is the subject matter of the foreign state's claim; or (3) to the extent that the counterclaim does not seek relief exceeding in amount or differing in kind from that sought by the foreign state. Stipulates procedures for service of process, time to answer, and default, subject to existing and future agreements to which the U.S. is a party. Provides that, subject to such agreements, property of a foreign state in the U.S. shall be immune from attachment and execution except as permitted in this Act. Declares that such exceptions include specified U.S. property used by a foreign state for commercial activity and any property in the U.S. of an agency or instrumentality of a foreign state which engages in commercial activity in the U.S., subject to enumerated restrictions and conditions. Excludes from attachment or any other judicial process the property of those organizations designated by the President as entitled to fall within the provisions of the International Organizations Immunities Act. Immunizes also, from attachment and execution, property: (1) of a foreign central bank or monetary authority held for its own account, unless it, or its parent government, has waived such immunity; and (2) used, or intended for use, in connection with a military activity where the property is of a military character and is under the control of a military authority or defense agency. Specifies the proper district for bringing civil actions against a foreign state. Provides for removal of such cases from State to U.S. district courts by the foreign state. Declares that these provisions shall take effect 90 days after enactment. (Adds 28 U.S.C. 1330, 1602-11; Amends 28 U.S.C. 1332, 1391, 1441)
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 1975
Employment Statistics Commission Act - Establishes the Employment Statistics Commission composed of seven members appointed by the President. Requires the Commission to review the present method of collecting and analyzing employment and unemployment information and statistics, to identify weaknesses in such method, and to formulate any necessary or appropriate new methods of collecting and analyzing such information and statistics. Requires the Commission to transmit a report to the President, with copies to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the President pro tempore of the Senate, the Committee on Education and Labor of the House of Representatives, and the Committee on Labor and Public Welfare of the Senate, within one year after the final appointment is made by the President. Terminates the Commission three months after the transmission of such report. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 December 1975
Emergency Tenants' Loan Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to make repayable emergency rent payments on behalf of tenants who are, or will be, subject to eviction proceedings as a result of being unable to make their rental payments by reason of their unemployment or underemployment. States that such payments may not be approved unless: (1) the tenant will be unable to make his rental payments; (2) the tenant has incurred a substantial reduction in income due to adverse economic conditions; (3) there is a reasonable prospect that the tenant will be able to repay the loan made by the Secretary; and (4) the rental property is the tenant's principal place of residence. Allows rental assistance for part or all of the tenant's rent up to $250 per month for a maximum of two years. Provides for interest to be charged according to the tenant's ability to pay but not more than eight percent per annum. Requires that the payments be deferred until the tenant is able to repay the loan. Permits the Secretary to require security for the repayment of the loan, but provides that the Secretary may not refuse a loan for lack of security. Authorizes to be appropriated not more than $500,000,000 to carry out the purposes of this Act. Provides that no payments may be authorized after September 30, 1977. Provides for penalties for any person obtaining any benefits under this Act through the giving of false information. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress every 60 days concerning delinquent repayments and actions taken to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 December 1975
Senior Citizen Higher Education Opportunity Act - Requires recipients of Federal aid to higher education, under the Higher Education Act, to provide senior citizens 60 years of age or older with access, on a space-available basis, to already scheduled courses and programs as a condition of eligibility to continue receiving Federal funds.
United States · United States Congress · 8 December 1975
Directs the Postal Service to provide for the collection of mail at permanent residential addresses receiving door deliveries, in those cases in which persons residing at such addresses have made the appropriate indications that mail has been deposited for such purpose. Directs the Postal Service to prescribe regulations to cover criteria under which persons may indicate the deposit of mail for collection under this Act. (Adds 39 U.S.C. 3663)
United States · United States Congress · 2 December 1975
Provides that it shall be unlawful for any business enterprise or person acting on behalf or in the interest of a business enterprise to coerce, or attempt to coerce, by economic means another person, to fail to do business with, or to otherwise discriminate against any U.S. person, or any foreign person with respect to its activities in the United States, by reason of: (1) the religion, race, national origin, or sex of such U.S. or foreign person; or (2) direct or indirect support for any foreign government when such support is not in violation of U.S. laws. Prescribes a penalty of a fine of not more than $100,000, or imprisonment for not more than three years, or for violation of such provision. Prescribes a fine not to exceed $1,000,000 if the violator is any person other than an individual. Allows any person aggrieved by a violation of the prohibition against economic coercion to bring a suit in an appropriate U.S. district court without regard to the amount in controversy. States that such person may recover threefold actual damages, reasonable attorney's fees, and other litigation costs reasonably incurred. Permits the Attorney General to institute an action in an appropriate district court to collect a civil penalty against any person who practices prohibited economic coercion. States that the penalty shall not exceed $50,000 if imposed upon an individual, or not more than $500,000 if imposed upon any person other than an individual. Makes it unlawful for a person to violate this Act by exercising coercion through a foreign government or a business enterprise not subject to U.S. jurisdiction. States that whoever violates such provision shall be subject to a fine not to exceed $50,000 if an individual, or not to exceed $500,000 if any person other than an individual. Defines terms used in this Act, including "persons", and states that such term shall include a corporation, trust, company, association, firm, partnership, society, joint stock company, fund, or any organized group of persons whether incorporated or not.
United States · United States Congress · 1 December 1975
Requires the Secretary of the Interior to make a comprehensive study of the wolf, taking into consideration, among other things, the distribution, migrations, and population of these mammals and the effects of hunting, disease, pesticides and other chemicals, and food shortages on them, for the purpose of developing adequate and effective measures, including appropriate laws and regulations, to conserve such mammals and to insure humane treatment in all cases. Provides that the Secretary of the Interior shall submit, through the President, a report on the study, together with such recommendations, including suggested legislation, that he deems appropriate, to the Congress no later than January 1, 1976. Authorizes to be appropriated the sum of $25,000 for fiscal year 1976, and for each of the three succeeding fiscal years, for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 December 1975
Directs the President to seek a treaty or other appropriate arrangement with Canada calling for an immediate moratorium on the killing of the eastern timber wolf.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1975
National Consumer Cooperative Bank Act - Title I: National Consumer Cooperative Bank - Sets for the findings of Congress that there is a need for the establishment of a National Consumer Cooperative Bank and a Cooperative Bank and Assistance Administration which will make available necessary financial and technical assistance to cooperative self-help endeavors as a means of strengthening the Nation's economy. Establishes the National Consumer Cooperative Bank. States that the Bank shall (1) encourage the development of new and existing cooperative eligible for its assistance by providing specialized credit and technical assistance; (2) minimum broad-based control of the Bank by its voting stockholders; (3) encourage broad-based ownership control and active participation by members in eligible cooperatives; (4) assure that the net savings from its operations and the operations of borrowers from the Bank are made available or accounted for to the stockholders or members of the cooperative organization ; and (5) assist in improving the quality and availability of goods and services to consumers. Authorizes the creation of no less than four nor more than twelve corporate regional banks. States that the Bank shall have the power to make and service loans, commitments for credit, guarantees, furnish financially related services, technical assistance, and issue obligations. Enumerates additional powers necessary to carry out its powers and duties under this Act. Authorizes appropriations of $250,000,000 per year for the United States to purchase class A preferred stock of the Bank. Requires the Bank to hold an annual meeting of stockholders. Permits the Bank to obtain funds through the public or private sale of its bonds, debentures, notes, and other evidences of indebtedness. Authorizes the Bank to make loans to eligible organizations which shall be repayable in not more than forty years. States that the objective of the Bank shall be to provide the type of credit needed by eligible borrowers, at the lowest reasonable cost on a sound business basis, taking into account the cost of money to the Bank. Defines "eligible cooperatives" for purposes of assistance under this title as an organization chartered or operated on a cooperative, not for profit basis for producing or furnishing goods, services, facilities, or financing primarily for the benefit of its members or voting stockholders who are ultimate consumers, if it meets specified criteria, or any other institution chartered or operated in such a way as to enhance competitive market forces or to reduce the price spread between producers and the ultimate consumers of products or services. Title II: Self-Help Development Fund - Establishes in the Treasury a Consumer Cooperative Self-Help Development Fund. Authorizes appropriations of $250,000,000 to be deposited in the Fund. Permits the Cooperative Bank and Assistance Administration to make a capital investment advance out of the Fund to any eligible cooperative if the Administration determines that the applicants' initial or supplemental capital requirements exceed its ability to obtain a Title I loan from the Bank or other sources, and the membership of the applicant consists substantially of low-income persons. Title III: Cooperative Technical Assistance - Directs the Cooperative Bank and Assistance Administration to make available information and services concerning the organization or reorganization of cooperatives to best achieve the objectives of this Act and to best provide the means through which various types of goods, services, and facilities can be made available to members and patrons. States that such assistance may include investigations, surveys, and director and management training and assistance. Authorizes appropriations to the Administration of sums necessary for the administration of this title. Title IV: The Cooperative Bank and Assistance Administration and General Provisions - Establishes the Cooperative Bank and Assistance Administration. Directs the Administration to assure that the objectives of this Act are carried out. States that until the stock of the Bank held by the United States has been fully retired the Bank shall be exempt from any form of taxation. Requires the Administration and the Board to report annually to the appropriate committees of Congress on the activities of the Administration and on the Bank's capital, operations, financial condition, the self-help development fund, and to make recommendations for legislation to improve its services. Authorizes appropriations of sums necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act, in addition to appropriations specifically authorized.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1975
Food Stamp Reform Act - Eliminates the requirement, under the Food Stamp Act, that individuals receiving supplemental security income benefits under title XVI (grantss to States for the Aged, Blind or Disabled) of the Social Security Act shall not be considered eligible for food stamps if the supplemental income payments include the bonus value of food stamps. States that households in which a member is eligible to participate in the nutrition program for the elderly under the Older Americans Act, or is authorized to use coupons for meals on wheels, shall not be required to have cooking facilities. Modifies the eligibility standards for students. Lowers the work registration age limit for eligibility purposes from 65 to 60. States that the actual value of employer-provided housing (up to $25 per month) shall be taken into account for eligibility purposes. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, in computing eligibility, to allow a standard deduction of $125 plus $25 for each elderly person, after deductions for disaster or casualty losses, taxes, and other mandatory deductions. Eliminates the purchase price requirement and establishes an income formula for determining eligibility. Requires the Secretary to carry out a nutrition education program for recipients, including distribution of printed materials designed to teach recipients how to buy and prepare nutritious and economical meals. States that wrongfully denied food coupons shall be restored through a lump sum cash payment. Requires bilingual assistance to be made available in areas where numerous potentially eligible persons speak a language other than English. Directs the Secretary to conduct a survey and report to Congress on the average and distribution of assets held by participants in the food stamp program. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out pilot experiments for purposes of increasing the program's efficiency and improving the delivery of benefits to eligible households.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 1975
Equal Opportunity for Displaced Homemakers Act - Requires the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish a multipurpose service program for displaced homemakers, including: (1) job counseling and training services; (2) health education and counseling services; (3) financial management services; (4) educational services; and (5) outreach and information services with respect to Federal employment, education, health, and unemployment assistance programs. Defines a "displaced homemaker" as an individual who: (1) has worked in the home, providing unpaid household services for family members; (2) is not gainfully employed; (3) has had, or would have, difficulty in securing employment; and (4) has been dependent on the income of another family member but is no longer supported by such income, or has been dependent on Federal assistance but is no longer eligible for such assistance. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study to determine the feasibility of and appropriate procedures for allowing displaced homemakers to participate in specified Federal programs. Requires the Secretary to submit a final report to each House of the Congress not later than one year after the date of enactment of this Act. Authorizes appropriations of sums necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
![Official portrait of Rep. Rodino, Peter W., Jr. [D-NJ-10]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/r000374_200.jpg)