United States · United States Congress · 30 September 1976
Bridge Safety Act - Title I: Bridge Program - Declares it to be the finding of Congress that a bridge repair and replacement program to enable a State to repair or replace highway bridges which are unsafe is in the vital interest of the Nation. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to approve Federal participation in a State project to repair or replace a bridge under a needs formula as established in this Act. Stipulates that the Federal share of any such project shall not exceed 90 percent of its cost. Authorizes appropriations out of the Highway Trust Fund of $180,000,000 for the period beginning July 1, 1976, and ending September 30, 1976, and $720,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 1977 through 1990 for such purpose. Title II: Extension of Highway Trust Fund and Certain Related Provisions - Extends appropriations under the Highway Revenue Act of 1956 for the Highway Trust Fund through fiscal year 1990. Extends the Land and Water Conservation Fund through fiscal year 1990. Postpones specified excise tax reductions under the Internal Revenue Code of 1954.
United States · United States Congress · 31 August 1976
Truth in Government Accounting Act - Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to prepare and make public annual consolidated financial statements for all expenditures of the United States utilizing the accrual method of accounting.
United States · United States Congress · 10 August 1976
Amends the Appalachian Regional Development Act of 1965 to increase the amount of available Federal assistance as a percentage of the total costs of Appalachian development highway projects.
United States · United States Congress · 9 August 1976
Bridge Safety Act - Title I: Bridge Program - Declares it to be the finding of Congress that a bridge repair and replacement program to enable a State to repair or replace highway bridges which are unsafe is in the vital interest of the Nation. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to approve Federal participation in a State project to repair or replace a bridge under a needs formula as established in this Act. Stipulates that the Federal share of any such project shall not exceed 90 percent of its cost. Authorizes appropriations out of the Highway Trust Fund of $180,000,000 for the period beginning July 1, 1976, and ending September 30, 1976, and $720,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 1977 through 1990 for such purpose. Title II: Extension of Highway Trust Fund and Certain Related Provisions - Extends appropriations under the Highway Revenue Act of 1956 for the Highway Trust Fund through fiscal year 1990. Extends the Land and Water Conservation Fund through fiscal year 1990. Postpones specified excise tax reductions under the Internal Revenue Code of 1954.
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 · 27 July 1976
Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 and Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to include within the meaning of the term "fee" for the purpose of determining an individual's self-employment income, any commissions received by an individual for collecting taxes for the State or a political subdivision thereof. Sets forth a provision under which any individual who would be affected by this Act in 1977 may make an irrevocable election not to have this Act apply in 1977 and every year thereafter.
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 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 · 1 July 1976
Amends rule XXII of the Rules of the House of Representatives to remove the limitation on the number of Members who may introduce jointly any bill, memorial, or resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1976
Amends Rule X of the House of Representatives to provide that any Member of the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct may, at his own discretion, disqualify himself from participating in any investigation of the conduct of any Member, officer, or employee of the House. Provides that when such action is taken the Speaker of the House shall designate a Member of the House from the same political party as the disqualifying member of the committee to act as a Member of the committee.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1976
Creates a House select committee which shall conduct an investigation of all records, memorandums, papers, documents, books, and other information of any standing or select committee of the House or officer of the House respecting expenses incurred by or on behalf of any such committee or its members or employees.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 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 · 17 June 1976
International Social Security Agreements Act - Authorizes the President, under Title II (Old-Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act, to enter into agreements establishing arrangements between the social security system of the United States and the social security system of any foreign country, for the purpose of establishing entitlement to and the amount of old-age, survivors, disability, or derivative benefits based on a combination of an individual's periods of coverage under the social security system established by this title and the social security system of such foreign country. Sets forth regulations governing the apportionment of benefits and the crediting of coverage based on periods of coverage in this country and a foreign country. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to prevent the withholding of social security taxes from an individual during any period when such individual's income is subject to the social security taxes of another country.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1976
Agenda for Government Reform Act - Directs the President to report to Congress concerning the effects of Federal agency activity upon: (1) the transportation and agriculture industries by January 31, 1978; (2) the mining, heavy manufacturing, and public utilities industries by January 31, 1979; (3) the light manufacturing and construction industries by January 31, 1980; and (4) the communications, finance, insurance, real estate, trade, and service industries by January 31, 1981. Requires that such report include a determination of whether any such agency activity has fulfilled its purposes, whether it is duplicative or conflicts with other agency activity, and whether the benefits of such activity exceed its costs. Directs the President to present in such report his recommendation for reform. States that the Congressional committee to which a proposal made by the President is referred must report to its respective House a bill approving or disapproving, in whole or in part, such proposal. Provides that if such a bill has not been reported by November 15 next following the submission of such report, the President's proposal shall become the pending order of business in both Houses and remain so until acted upon.
United States · United States Congress · 2 June 1976
Amends the Tariff Schedules of the United States to suspend until the close of June 30, 1979, the duty on concentrate of poppy straw used in producing codeine or morphine.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1976
Amends the Second Liberty Bond Act to increase the temporary debt limit as follows: (1) for the period beginning on July 1, 1976, ending September 30, 1976, by $236,000,000,000; (2) for the period beginning on October 1, 1976, ending March 31, 1977, by $282,000,000,000; and (3) for the period beginning on April 1, 1977, ending September 30, 1977, by $300,000,000,000.
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 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 to 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 compensatory. Grants the Commission jurisdiction to approve the acquisition of control by a domestic common carrier of any other domestic common carrier or to approve the acquisition by a person which is not a common carrier of control of any domestic common carrier or the acquisition of the whole or any part of the property of a domestic common carrier after determining that the acquisition is in the public interest. 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 · 24 May 1976
Narcotic Sentencing and Seizure Act - Title I: Mandatory Minimum Sentences - Amends the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970 to impose specified minimum penalties on individuals convicted of enumerated offenses related to the distribution, transportation, and manufacture of opiates. Permits the court to sentence the defendant to a shorter term of parole ineligibility or imprisonment if, at the time of the offense, the offender was: (1) less than 18 years old; (2) mentally impaired; (3) under unusual and substantial duress; or (4) an accomplice whose participation in the offense was minor. Amends the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure to require a hearing to determine whether a term of imprisonment and parole ineligibility is mandatory in the case of an individual convicted of an opiate-related offense under this Act. Title II: Conditions of Release - Requires judicial officers setting conditions of release for any person charged with an opiate-related offense under this Act to consider which conditions will assure the safety of the community and of witnesses to the offense and which conditions will reasonably assure the avoidance of future similar offenses by the person charged. Permits judicial officers to deny the release of any such person if that person: (1) has previously been convicted of an offense related to an opiate; (2) at the time of the offense was on parole, probation, or other conditional release; (3) is a nonresident alien; (4) was arrested while in possession of a passport or other documentation necessary for international travel incorrectly identifying such person or belonging to someone else; or (5) has been convicted of having been a fugitive from justice, an escapee, or for willfully failing to appear before a court or judicial officer under Federal or State law. Stipulates that no individual shall be denied release unless the judicial officer holds a hearing and finds that there are no satisfactory conditions of release and that there is a substantial probability that the person committed the charged offense. Title III: Forfeiture of Proceeds of Illegal Drug Transactions - Makes all proceeds of an offense described in this Act subject to forfeiture to the United States. Title IV: Illegal Export of Cash - Requires that anyone who intends to transport, or have transported, monetary instruments in an amount exceeding $5,000 from any place within the U.S. to or through any place outside the U.S., or from any place outside the U.S. to or through any place within the U.S. file a report containing specified information. Requires that such reports also be filed by anyone who receives monetary instruments in an amount exceeding $5,000 at the termination of their transportation by common carrier to the United States from or through any place outside the U.S. Permits any Customs officer to search individuals and objects without a warrant where probable cause exists to believe that the report requirement for transport and receipt of monetary instruments has been violated and where exigent circumstances prevent obtaining a warrant. Title V: Prompt Reporting of Vessels - Requires the master of any vessel from a foreign port or of a foreign vessel from a domestic port, or of a vessel of the U.S. carrying bonded merchandise, or foreign merchandise for which entry has not been made, arriving at any place within the U.S., to immediately report the arrival of the vessel at the nearest custom-house.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1976
Estate Tax Adjustment Act - Establishes new estate tax rates, under the Internal Revenue Code, applicable to deaths occurring on or after October 1, 1980. Provides transition rates of estate taxation. Sets new amounts for the state death taxes credit applicable to deaths occurring on or after October 1, 1980. Provides transitional amounts for such credit. Increases the estate tax exemption from $60,000 to $150,000, effective October 1, 1980. Gradually, increases from $30,000 to $40,000 the estate tax exemption for the estates of nonresidents not citizens. Eliminates the aggregate amount limitation on estate tax deductions for bequests to a surviving spouse. Allows the full amount of gifts to a spouse to be deducted in computing taxable gifts rather than the present one-half. Provides that if the aggregate amount of gifts for one quarter does not exceed $100,000 no gift tax return need be filed in that quarter unless it is the fourth calendar quarter. Provides that if the value of an interest in a closely held business which is included in determining the gross estate of a decedent exceeds either (1) 35 percent of the value of the gross estate of such decedent, or (2) 50 percent of the taxable estate of such decedent, but does not exceed $600,000 the executor may elect to: (1) defer the payment of part or all of the estate tax, and (2) pay part or all of the tax in two or more (but not exceeding 20) equal installments.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1976
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the term of office of a judge of the Tax Court beyond a 15 year term until whichever of the following occurs first; (1) his successor is qualified, (2) he retires or otherwise relinquishes office, or (3) the expiration of the 60 day period following the end of his normal term. Provides that a judge of the Tax Court with 12 years of service as such and a total of at least 35 years of Federal service shall receive retired pay as if he had served a full 15 year term on the Tax Court. Makes widowers of Tax Court judges eligible for pensions on an equal basis with widows. Excludes a Tax Court judge's service as a member of Congress or in the Armed Forces in calculating the amount of a survivor's annuity. Provides that annuities payable to survivors of Tax Court judges shall be increased when Civil Service annuities are increased due to cost-of-living rises. Allows the Tax Court to waive its filing fee. Authorizes the Court to designate a commissioner to act as chief commissioner. Provides that in Tax Court cases involving $2,500 or less and which are assigned to be heard by a commissioner of the Tax Court, the Tax Court may authorize a commissioner to make the report of the Tax Court and make the decision of the Court with respect to such proceedings. Provides that the Tax Court need not follow civil service laws with regard to the appointment of employees. Authorizes the Tax Court to extend by 30 days the period for filing a petition.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1976
Joint Committee on Intelligence Operations Act - Establishes a Congressional Joint Committee on Intelligence Operations to conduct continuing oversight of, and to exercise exclusive legislative jurisdiction over, the foreign intelligence activities of: (1) the Central Intelligence Agency; (2) the Defense Intelligence Agency; (3) the National Security Agency; (4) the Bureau of Intelligence and Research; (5) Army, Navy, and Air Force Intelligence; and (6) other agencies to the extent that such agencies engage in foreign intelligence activities. Requires that the Director of Central Intelligence must keep the joint committee fully informed with respect to all foreign intelligence activities of the United States. Sets forth the administrative powers of the joint committee. Charges the joint committee with the establishment of guidelines for the classification of information originating with the joint committee. Prescribes penalties for the public release of classified materials by any congressional officer, employee of the joint committee, or former congressional officer or employee of the joint committee. Requires that no nonintelligence gathering operation, under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, may be conducted until 30 days after the President reports such operation to the joint committee, unless it is essential to national security that such operation begin immediately. Ceases all such operations which at any time are disapproved by the joint committee.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1976
Broadened Stock Ownership Act - Provides that for purposes of the Internal Revenue Code the term "broadened stock ownership plan" means a trust created or organized in the United States for the exclusive benefit of an individual or his beneficiaries which meets specified requirements, including: (1) contributions will not be accepted for the taxable year in excess of $1,500 on behalf of any individual; (2) the trust is designed to invest solely in common stock of domestic corporations; (3) contributions received by the trustee during a particular taxable year will be allocated to a separate class year account; and (4) the interest of an individual in each class year account may not be paid or distributed before the end of the seventh taxable year following that year in which such class year account was established, except in the case of death or disability. States that the term "broadened stock ownership annuity" means a contract for a variable annuity, issued by an insurance company which meets specified requirements similar to those of the stock ownership trust above. Provides that a trust created or organized in the United States by an employer for the exclusive benefit of his employees or their beneficiaries, or by an association of employees for the exclusive benefit of its members or their beneficiaries, shall be treated as a broadened stock ownership, but only if the trust meets the requirements of such a plan as stated above and also provides a separate accounting for the interest of each employee or member. Exempts broadened stock ownership plans from taxation. Provides that any amount paid by an employer to a broadened stock, ownership plan or annuity shall be included in an individuals gross income. Allows an individual to deduct from his gross income amounts paid in cash during the taxable year by or on behalf of such individual to a broadened stock ownership plan or annuity. Stipulates that no deduction shall be allowed for the two taxable years succeeding the taxable year in which a payment or distribution from such a plan or annuity which is taxable to the individual under this Act is made. Stipulates that the deduction allowable to an individual under this Act may not exceed an amount equal to 15 percent of the compensation included in his gross income for such taxable year, or $1,500, whichever is less, multiplied by a fraction, the denominator of which is $20,000 and the numerator of which is $20,000 minus the excess of such compensation over $20,000. Provides that any amount received from a class year account established more than seven years before the taxable year in which the amount is received, and any amount paid or distributed on account of the death of the individual for whose benefit the broadened stock ownership plan or annuity was created, shall be included in gross income in the year received and treated as a long term capital gain. Makes technical and conforming amendments to the Internal Revenue Code.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1976
Denies tax exempt status to an organization if a substantial part of the activities of such organization consist of carrying on propaganda, or otherwise attempting to infuluence legislation. Limits the applicability of this section to organizations that normally make expenditures for the purpose of influencing legislation in excess of the lobbying ceiling amount or in excess of the ceiling amount for such organization as determined under the Internal Revenue Code. Imposes a tax of 25 percent of the amount of any excess lobbying expenditures. Defines the lobbying nontaxable amount as the lesser of $1,000,000 or a specified percentage of exempt purpose expenditures. Prohibits any charitable contribution tax deduction for out-of-pocket expenditures made by any person on behalf of a tax-exempt organization if the expenditure is made for the purpose of influencing legislation.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1976
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow specified otherwise tax exempt organizations to operate a public entertainment activity in conjunction with a National, State, local, regional, or international fair or exposition without losing their tax exempt status, by excluding such public entertainment activity from the definition of the term "unrelated trade or business."
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1976
Authorizes the balance to the credit of an employee who is a beneficiary of an exempt trust or annuity, under the Internal Revenue Code, to be paid out within one taxable year of the employee, on account of a termination of the employee benefit plan without inclusion in the gross income of such employee if such benefit payment is transferred to an individual retirement annuity, account, or bond within 60 days. Makes technical and conforming amendments.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1976
Amends the Tariff Schedules of the United States to redefine "mixed animal feeds" and "mixed feed ingredients": (1) to include soybeans and soybeans products as well as grains; and (2) to exclude such grain and soybean products when mixed with milk, milk products, or milk derivatives.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1976
Amends the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 to deny Members of Congress any increase in their rate of pay under any law passed, or plan or recommendation received, during a Congress unless such increase is to take effect not earlier than the first day of the next Congress. Makes such prohibition retroactive to those laws passed after June 30, 1975, and to plans and recommendations regarding pay transmitted by the President after such date.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1976
Authorizes the nonrecognition of gain or loss, under the Internal Revenue Code, on the transfer of rail properties or stock or securities of a transferor railroad corporation to the Consolidated Rail Corporation pursuant to an order under the Regional Rail Reorganization Act to carry out the final system plan, in exchange solely for stock of the Consolidated Rail Corporation and certificates of value of the United States Railway Association. Prohibits the carryover of any net operating loss of a transferor corporation to the Consolidated Rail Corporation. Makes technical and conforming amendments.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1976
Provides that the tax deduction, under the Internal Revenue Code, for charitable contributions of ordinary income property that is used by the donee solely for the care of the ill, the needy, or infants, which use is related to the donee's basis for tax exempt status, shall be reduced by only one-half of the amount of gain which would have been realized if the property contributed had been sold at its fair market value.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1976
Federal Assistance for Community Services Act - Amends Title XX (Grants to States for Services) of the Social Security Act to increase the Federal share of expenditures for such services to include the entire cost of such services. Increases from 50 percent to 75 percent the portion of the expenditures made to a State for social services which must be spent for families or individuals with incomes below the poverty line as determined for the State or for families or individuals who receive benefits under the programs of aid to families with dependent children supplemental security income, or medicaid. Eliminates requirements for Federal standards for State-operated child day care centers. Requires the States to establish and enforce Statewide standards for day care facilities. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to submit to Congress a model law set of standards recommended for adoption by the States to govern the provision of day care services. Repeals the prohibition against payments to States to cover the cost of educational services provided by the State without regard to cost or to the income of the beneficiaries of such services. Authorizes payments to States for services to individuals in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, intermediate care facilities, or foster homes. Continues the prohibition against payments to States for services to individuals in prison. Repeals the prohibition against payments to States for services to individuals who are eligible to receive payments under the medicare program. Repeals the requirement for approval of all State plans for social services by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. Requires States to conduct an annual audit of any plan of services under this Act. Requires an annual assessment of the implementation of such plan by each State. Directs the annual publication of the reports of such audits and assessments. Extends the prohibition against discrimination based on race, color, or national origin under any program receiving Federal financial assistance to include a prohibition on discrimination based on sex.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1976
Amends the Tariff Schedules of the United States to suspend for three additional years customs duties on manganese ore (including ferruginous ore) and related products.
United States · United States Congress · 18 February 1976
Amends the Second Liberty Bond Act to increase the limit on the amount of Treasury bonds that may be issued at a rate in excess of 4 1/4 percent per annum.
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 1976
Stipulates that gain or loss on transfers to investment companies or partnerships functioning as investment companies shall be considered realized and recognized gain or loss for purposes of taxation under the Internal Revenue Code.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1976
Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1974 to establish as an independent establishment of the Executive Branch the Federal Election Commission, consisting of the Secretary of the Senate (ex officio), the Clerk of the House (ex officio), and six members appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. States that more than three members appointed by the President may be affiliated with the same party. Sets members' terms at six years with one members' term expiring every year. States that members will be chosen from among individuals who are not currently elected or appointed as an officer or employee of any branch of the Government of the United States, except current members of the Federal Election Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1976
Jobs Creation Incentive Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a taxpayer to elect to take a deduction with respect to the amortization of a qualifying facility, which is located in a high unemployment area, based on a period to one-half of the useful life of the facility. Authorizes a taxpayer to elect to take a deduction with respect to the amortization of qualifying equipment placed in a qualifying facility based on a period of 60 months. Defines the term "high unemployment area" to include an area with an average unemployment rate of seven percent or more of the labor force as determined by the Secretary of Labor.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1976
Commission on School Integration Act - Establishes a thirteen-member Commission on School Integration for the purpose of studying specified aspects of school integration, including: (1) the goals of racial integration and the effectiveness of methods used to achieve it; and (2) the impact of compulsory integration through busing. Directs that one member of the Commission be appointed by each chief judge of the eleven United States Court of Appeals circuits, the remaining two members to be appointed by the Chief Justice of the United State Supreme Court. Makes provision for pay, travel expenses, and staffing for the Commission. Details the powers of the Commission, including the power to hold hearings and to issue subpenas. Permits the Commission to secure directly from any Federal department or agency any information necessary to carry out this Act. Requires the Commission to transmit to the President and to each House of Congress a report containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations, not later than one year after the Commission's organization. Terminates the Commission ninety days after submission of such report.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1976
Extends from February 1, 1976, to October 1, 1976, 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 · 21 January 1976
Provides that an amount not to exceed $2,115,000, shall be paid out of the contingent fund of the House on vouchers for expenditure by the Committee on Ways and Means. Prohibits the use of the funds authorized by this resolution for expenditure in connection with the study or investigation of any subject which is being investigated for the same purpose by any other committee of the House. Directs the chairman of the Committee to furnish the Committee on House Administration information with respect to any study or investigation intended to be financed from such funds.
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 1975
Title I: Emergency Natural Gas Authority - Natural Gas Emergency Standby Act - Declares the finding of the Congress that the Nation will suffer severe shortages of natural gas during the heating season from November 1975 through March 1976. Grants the Federal Power Commission authority to allow natural gas companies which transport natural gas in interstate commerce with inadequate quantities of natural gas to meet the requirements of their high priority consumers of natural gas, to purchase natural gas from sources not in interstate commerce and from other such companies on an emergency basis free from specified requirements of the Natural Gas Act. Grants the Federal Energy Administration the authority to prohibit the use of natural gas as boiler fuel. Grants the President the standby authority to allocate propane gas during periods of actual or threatened severe shortages of natural gas. Authorizes civil penalties of not more than $2,500 for each violation or violations of orders or regulations issued by the President under such standby authority. Provides that this title shall expire on midnight April 4, 1976. Title II: Natural Gas Act Amendments - Provides for the termination of the regulation by the Federal Power Commission of the sale of new natural gas to natural gas companies for resale in interstate commerce pursuant to the Natural Gas Act. Directs the Commission to conduct studies of the production, gathering, shortage, distribution, and sale of natural, artificial, or synthetic gas throughout the United States and its possessions. Requires the Commission to secure and keep information regarding the ownership, management, and control of all facilities for production and distribution of such gas. Requires a report by the Commission to the President and the Congress. Directs the Commission to establish a national ceiling for rates and charges for the sale or transfer in interstate commerce by any person of new natural gas produced from offshore Federal lands on or after January 1, 1975, through December 31, 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 1975
Revenue Adjustment and Expenditure Ceiling Act - Title I: Revenue Adjustments - Increases, under the Internal Revenue Code, the low income allowance to $2,100 in the case of a joint return or a surviving spouse, $1,700 for a single individual, and $1,050 for a married individual filing a separate return. Changes filing requirements to reflect the increase in the low income allowance. Increases the percentage standard deduction to 16 percent of adjusted gross income, but not to exceed $2,800 in the case of a joint return or surviving spouse, $2,400 for a single individual, and $1,400 for a married individual filing a separate return. Makes technical and conforming amendments relating to withholding allowances based on itemized deductions. Extends for one year, under the Tax Reduction Act, the earned income credit. Allows as a credit against taxable income the greater of: (1) two percent of the taxpayer's income not exceeding $9,000; or (2) $35 multiplied by each exemption for which the taxpayer is entitled to a deduction under exemption provisions for the taxpayer, spouse, and dependents. Prohibits such credit from exceeding the tax imposed. Provides that such credit shall reduce the tax imposed before consideration of other specified credits. Describes special application of the credit determination provisions of this Act to married individuals filing separate returns. Extends the 1975 corporate tax rates and surtax exemption to 1976. Retains, under the Tax Reduction Act, the withholding tables for wages which were in effect on December 10, 1975. Title II: Maximum Budget Outlays for Fiscal 1977 - Restricts to a ceiling of $405,000,000 the maximum budget outlays of the United States during fiscal year 1977.
United States · United States Congress · 11 December 1975
Revises, under the Internal Revenue Code, the self-dealing provisions with regard to the sale, exchange, or other disposition of property (which is owned by a private foundation) to a disqualified person.
United States · United States Congress · 10 December 1975
States that income tax returns and return information shall be confidential. Defines returns and return information for purposes of this Act. Permits the inspection of returns and return information by individuals filing such returns, by State tax officials, corporation officials, trustees, estate administrators, and by the House Ways and Committee, the Senate Finance Committee, and the Joint Committee on Internal Revenue Taxation upon request and in closed session. Permits the inspection by other committees if authorized by resolution. Allows the inspection of returns and return information by the President on his written request personally signed by him, or returns and return information by the President or his designees by name upon his order, and by Justice Department attorneys, without request, for use in relevant proceedings under the tax laws. Allows such inspection, under specified conditions, by the Commerce Department for statistical purposes and by other executive officials for administrative or judicial proceedings other than under the tax laws. Conditions the foregoing inspections upon whether: (1) the taxpayer is a party to the proceedings; (2) the taxpayer consents; or (3) such return information has or may have a bearing on the outcome of such proceedings. Allows limited inspection of return information by authorized executive officials for purposes of assessing persons being considered for appointments to the judicial or executive branch of the Government. Authorizes the disclosure of return information to the Attorney General when such information indicates possible criminal violations. Sets forth procedures for disclosure and inspection of return information, including maintenance of a record of who inspects such return. Establishes penalties for unauthorized disclosure of return information.
United States · United States Congress · 3 December 1975
Establishes, under the Congressional Budget Act, a zero-base budgeting process. States that such process shall consist of requiring each Congressional committee responsible for reporting legislation authorizing appropriations for any Federal program to conduct a comprehensive review and study of such program at least once every six years as though it were being proposed to be enacted for the first time. Provides that such comprehensive reviews shall include consideration of (1) alternative funding levels, (2) probable costs and benefits, (3) whether the original program objectives are still relevant, (4) the impact of the program on the functions and freedom of the private sector of the economy, and (5) the feasibility of alternative programs. Authorizes the Committees on the Budget of the House of Representatives and the Senate to establish guidelines and standards for the conduct by the various committees of the House and Senate of their zero-based budgeting functions. Makes technical and conforming amendments to the Congressional Budgeting Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 December 1975
Provides that any individual who is eighteen years of age or older and who is receiving half of his income from any member of another household which, because of its income and other financial resources, is not eligible to receive food stamps shall not be considered as a member of household for purposes of the Food Stamp Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 December 1975
Emergency Fossil Fuel Rail Bank Act - Declares the finding of the Congress that railroad rights-of-way existing in areas of the United States in which fossil fuel natural resources are situated are essential to the public interest. Declares the finding that severe energy shortages can be reduced by the preservation of such rights-of-way. Makes it the purpose of this Act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to provide for the creation of a fossil fuel rail bank to assure the preservation of rail trackage and other rail properties for fossil fuel transport. Defines terms used in this Act. Directs the Secretary to establish such a fossil fuel rail bank. Authorizes the Secretary to acquire rail properties or interests in rail properties. Limits the disposition of such rail properties where such would adversely affect continued access to, and egress by rail from, facilities in which fossil fuels are being or can be extracted or processed. Authorizes the appropriation of up to $12,000,000 to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 October 1975
National Food Stamp Reform Act - Defines "household" under the Food Stamp Act as meaning a group of individuals who are sharing common living quarters, but who are not residents of an institution or boarding house, and who have access to cooking facilities and for whom food is customarily purchased in common. Provides that the Secretary of Agriculture may not approve any plan which permits any household to simultaneously participate in both the food stamp program and the distribution of federally donated foods. Requires the Secretary to establish uniform national standards of eligibility for participation by households in the food stamp program. States that the income standards of eligibility shall be the income poverty guidelines prescribed by the Office of Management and Budget adjusted pursuant to the Economic Opportunity Act. Directs the Secretary to prescribe additional standards of eligibility which shall include, but not be limited to, the amounts of liquid and nonliquid assets. Provides that household income for purposes of the food stamp program shall be the gross income of the household less: (1) a standard deduction of $100 a month applicable to all households; (2) an additional deduction of $25 a month for any household in which there at least one member who is age sixty-five or older. Limits eligibility to participate in the food stamp program to citizens and aliens lawfully admitted for permanent residency. States that no individual shall be considered eligible for the food stamp program as a member of a household if he is: (1) over 18; (2) is enrolled at an institution of higher education; and (3) is a dependent child for income tax purposes of a taxpayer who is not a member of an eligible household. Prohibits households which transfer liquid or nonliquid assets for the purpose of qualifying for the food stamp program from becoming eligible for at least a ninety-day period. Requires the Secretary to issue photo identification cards to households certified eligible to participate in the program. States that households shall be charged thirty percent of their income for the coupon allotment issued to them. Provides that if a State agency does not comply with the provisions of the Food Stamp Act, the Secretary may refer the matter to the Attorney General with a request for an injunction, or he may direct that there be no further inssuance of coupons in the political subdivisions where such failure has occurred until such time as satisfactory corrective action has been taken. Directs the Secretary to pay to each State agency out of funds appropriated by Congress an amount equal to 75 percent of all direct costs of State food stamp program investigations, prosecutions, and State activities related to recovering losses sustained in the food stamp program. Provides for a civil money penalty of up to $10,000 for each violation of the Food Stamp Act.
![Official portrait of Rep. Schneebeli, Herman T. [R-PA-17]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/s000135_200.jpg)