United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1977
Constitutional Amendment - Declares that the term "person", with respect to due process and equal protection shall apply to human beings, including the unborn irrespective of age, health, ability to function or condition of dependency. Prohibits the deprivation of life to an unborn person, except under laws permitting medical procedures which physically verifiable facts establish are required to prevent the death of the mother.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1977
Directs the United States to pay reasonable litigation costs, including attorney fees, to prevailing defendants in civil actions in which the United States is a plaintiff.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1977
Declares it to be the purpose of this Act to authorize grants: (1) to assist the States in developing and implementing comprehensive and continuing plans for services to the blind; (2) for the evaluation of visual loss and of the services needed at the onset of blindness; (3) for provision of services to the blind; and (4) for developing or demonstrating new or improved for the provision of services to the blind. Authorizes the appropriation of specified sums for fiscal years 1977 and 1978 and of such sums as are necessary for making grants for succeeding fiscal years. Sets forth a formula for the apportionment of the sums appropriated among the States. Bases such apportionment on the populations of the States. Declares that, regardless of population, the minimum allotment to any State shall be $50,000. Authorizes States to pool funds in pursuing joint programs to carry out the purposes of this Act. Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to pay up to 90 percent of the cost of projects conducted by private or nonprofit agencies when such project are especially significant in meeting the needs of the blind. Permits the Secretary to use for such projects up to ten percent of the funds appropriated under this Act. Sets forth the requirements for State plans to be eligible for grants under this Act. Directs that such plans provide for such fiscal control and fund accounting procedures as are necessary to assure the proper disbursement of funds received under this Act. States that the term "services to the blind" includes but is not limited to: (1) prevention of blindness services; (2) provision of eyeglasses and other visual and mobility aids; (3) rehabilitation services; (4) supportive services such as guide and reader services, and transportation services necessary to assure delivery of the services, and (5) the establishment and the maintenance of a register of the blind. Directs the Secretary to establish within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, or other agency charged with administration of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act a division for the blind which shall be the principal agency in the Department for administering programs relating to vocational rehabilitation and related services for the blind.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1977
Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to require the Civil Aeronautics Board to rescind the authority of any air carrier to provide non-stop service between two points if such authority is not exercised for any continuous one-year period. Authorizes the Board to grant such authority to another carrier with or without a hearing.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1977
Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to direct the Civil Aeronautics Board to adopt time limitations for decisions regarding applications for certificates of public convenience and necessity to engage in interstate air transportation. Requires the Board, if it does not act within such period, to issue the certificate as requested unless it, by order entered within the specified time period, finds that the public interest or extraordinary circumstances justify delay for a period of time specified in the order. Requires that any proposed rule or regulation establishing such time limits be submitted to each House of Congress and stipulates that it shall become effective 30 legislative days after submission unless either House adopts a resolution disapproving such rule or regulation.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1977
Amends the Merchant Marine Act, 1936, to authorize the appointment of the daughters of Canal Zone residents and the daughters of personnel of the United States Government and the Panama Canal Company residing in the Republic of Panama to the Merchant Marine Academy.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1977
Authorizes the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to construct a replacement lock and dam project on the Mississippi River near Alton, Illinois. Authorizes the Secretary to undertake steps to provide for wildlife protection and recreational activities in conjunction with such project. Withdraws all authority for the Secretary of the Army to construct or study the feasibility of construction or modification of a channel in the Mississippi River north of its juncture with the Illinois River. Withdraws the authority of: (1) any Federal agency to study the feasibility of deepening the navigation channels in the Minnesota River, Minnesota; Black River, Wisconsin; Saint Croix River, Minnesota and Wisconsin; Illinois River, Illinois; and the Mississippi River north of its junction with the Missouri River, Missouri; and (2) the Secretary of the Army to study or construct a specified Mississippi River channel. Authorizes the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to construct a replacement lock and dam project on the Mississippi River near Alton, Illinois. Authorizes the Secretary to undertake steps to provide for wildlife protection and recreational activities in conjunction with such project. Withdraws all authority for the Secretary of the Army to construct or study the feasibility of construction or modification of a channel in the Mississippi River north of its junction with the Illinois River. Withdraws the authority of: (1) any Federal agency to study the feasibility of deepening the navigation channels in the Minnesota River, Minnesota; Black River, Wisconsin; Saint Croix River, Minnesota and Wisconsin; Illinois River, Illinois; and the Mississippi River north of its junction with the Missouri River, Missouri; and (2) the Secretary of the Army to study or construct a specified Mississippi River channel.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1977
Amends rule XVI of the Rules of the House of Representatives to apply the ten minutes of debate rules to a motion to recommit with instructions on the adoption of a simple resolution or conference report after the previous question has been ordered.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1977
Requires that any plan for reorganization of the Executive Branch submitted by the President to Congress specify the improvements in management, delivery of Federal services, and increases in efficiency in Government operations which are expected to result from such reorganization. Permits the President to amend any such plan at any time during the 30-day period during which such plan is in committee without affecting the time limits otherwise applicable to congressional consideration of such plan. Permits any such plan to deal with more than one logically consistent subject matter and permits submission of such plans under present law until four years after the enactment of this Act. (Amends 5 U.S.C. 903; 905)
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1977
Student Antibusing Act - Removes the authority of any United States court to make any decision, enter any judgment, or issue any order whose effect would be to require pupils to be transported to or from school on the basis of their race, color, religion or national origin. Forbids any Federal department, agency, officer, or employee empowered to extend financial assistance to any program of activity to withhold or threaten to withhold such funds in order to induce implementing or continuing a plan or program whose effect would be to require pupils to be transported to or from school on the basis of their race, color, religion or national origin. Provides for expedited judicial review of challenges to this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1977
Stipulates that no Federal court shall have jurisdiction to hear or decide cases or controversies involving public schools. Vests such jurisdiction in the courts of the several States, with appellate jurisdiction by writ of certiorari in the Supreme Court.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1977
Student Freedom of Choice Act - States that no department, agency, officer, or employee of the United States empowered to extend Federal financial assistance to any program at any public school shall withhold, or threaten to withhold, such financial assistance: (1) on account of the racial composition of the student body at any public school or in any class where the school board maintains, in respect to such public school and class, a freedom of choice system: (2) to coerce or induce the school board to transport students to any other public school for the purpose of altering the racial composition of the student body; (3) to coerce or induce any school board to close any public school, and transfer the students from it to another public school for the purpose of altering the racial composition of the student body; and (4) to coerce or induce the school board to transfer any faculty member from the public school in which the member of the faculty contracts to serve to some other public school for the purpose of altering the racial composition of the faculty. Provides that whenever this Act is violated, the school board aggrieved, or the parent of any student affected, or any student affected, or any member of any faculty affected, may bring a civil action against the United States in a district court of the United States. Provides that no court of the United States shall have jurisdiction to make any decision, enter any judgment, or issue any order: (1) requiring any school board to make any change in the racial composition of the student body at any public school or in any class at any public school to which students are assigned in conformity with a freedom of choice system; or (2) requiring any school board to transport any students in order to effect a change in the racial composition of the student body; or (3) denying to any student the right or privilege of attending any public school or class at any public school chosen by the parent of such student in conformity with a freedom of choice system; or (4) requiring any school board to close any school and transfer the students from the closed school to any other school for the purpose of altering the racial composition of the student body; or (5) precluding any school board from carrying into effect any provision of any contract between it and any member of the faculty of any public school it operates specifying the public school where the member of the faculty is to perform his or her duties under the contract.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1977
Constitutional Amendment - Prohibits a justice of the Supreme Court or a judge of any inferior court established by Congress from holding office for more than six years after (1) taking office, (2) the Senate last consented to his continuance in office, or (3) the ratification of this amendment, whichever last occurs, unless the President nominates and the Senate consents to a continuance in office.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1977
Amends Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) to remove the limitation on the amount of outside income which an individual may earn while receiving benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1977
Constitutional Amendment - Empowers each State to choose electors for President and Vice President equal to the total number of Senators and Representatives the State is entitled to in Congress. Mandates the popular election of electors. Authorizes one elector to be chosen from each electoral district, and two electors to be chosen on a statewide basis. Requires that successor electors are bound to follow the declaration of voting intention that each elector must make. Stipulates that any vote cast by an elector contrary to the declaration made by the elector shall be counted as a vote cast in accordance with his declaration. States that in case of a tie the person having a majority of votes cast by electors from electoral districts shall be President. Directs that in a situation of none receiving such a majority, the members of the Senate and House of Representatives, each having one vote, shall choose the President and Vice President from the top three votegetters. Declares a person constitutionally ineligible to be President ineligible to be Vice President. Directs each State legislature to divide the State into electoral districts equal in size, with the number of districts equaling the State's delegation in the U.S. House of Representatives.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1977
Comprehensive Oil Pollution Liability and Compensation Act - Title I: Domestic Oil Pollution Liability, Compensation, and Fund - Establishes in the Treasury of the United States a fund for the purpose of paying for otherwise uncompensated losses resulting from oil pollution. Enumerates the sources of monies to be deposited in such fund, including a fee, not to exceed three cents per barrel of oil, imposed upon owners of facilities receiving oil. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to issue obligations to the Secretary of the Treasury at times when fund assets are insufficient to meet fund liabilities. Lists the types of injuries which may be compensated under this Act and the potential claimants who have standing to assert claims involving each such type of damage. Imposes joint, several, and strict liability on the owners and operators of each pollution source. Specifies liability limits, except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct, for ships and other vessels. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish limits on the liability of classes of facilities used for transporting, producing, processing, storing, or transferring oil. Requires the owner or operator: (1) of any such facility; or (2) of any ship which uses such facility or navigable waters of the United States, to establish and maintain evidence of financial responsibility in an amount sufficient to satisfy applicable liability limits. Directs the person in charge of a vessel or facility to immediately notify the Secretary of Transportation of any pollution incident in which the vessel or facility is involved. Specifies procedures whereby the Secretary may, in the absence of such an admission, designate and advertise pollution sources. Directs the Secretary, in instances in which: (1) the owner and operator of a vessel or facility designated by the Secretary deny such vessel's or facility's involvement; (2) the source of the discharge is a public vessel; or (3) the Secretary is unable to designate the pollution source, to advertise procedures for presenting claims directly to the fund. Requires all other claims, with limited exceptions, to be initially presented to the owner or operator, or to such persons' guarantor. Permits claimants to either present a claim to the fund or to bring an action in an appropriate United States district court when an owner or operator and a guarantor deny liability or fail to settle the claim within a specified period. Sets forth procedures for the disposition and appeal of claims submitted to the fund. Requires both the plaintiff and the defendant in a court action brought against an owner, operator, or guarantor to forward copies of all pleadings to the fund. Permits the fund to intervene in such actions. Subrogates any person or governmental entity, including the fund, paying compensation to all the claimant's claims and rights under this Act. Specifies procedures for and the measure of recovery in actions brought by the fund against owners, operators, or guarantors of alleged pollution sources. Declares that the rights and remedies under this Act shall be exclusive with respect to economic loss caused by oil pollution. Sets penalties for persons failing to comply with specified provisions in this Act. Title II: Effective Dates; Conforming Amendments; Severability - Specifies the effective date of this Act. Amends specified laws, including the Deepwater Port Act of 1974 and the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, to conform with the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 1977
Government Economy and Spending Reform Act - Title I: Authorization of New Budget Authority - Terminates all budget authority for Federal programs on specified dates according to the functional or subfunctional category of each program as set forth in the fiscal year 1977 budget. Requires the Comptroller General to report to Congress by April 1, 1977, on specified programs with respect to the laws under which such program is carried on, the amount of new budget authority received by such program during the four fiscal years ending before April 1, 1977, and to identify programs for which no outlays have been made during the last two fiscal years ending before April 1, 1977. Prohibits providing new budget authority after the applicable review date set forth in this Act unless the provision of such budget authority is specifically authorized by law or the standing rules of either House of Congress. Title II: Zero-Base Program Review - Sets forth a timetable for Congressional zero-base review of new budget authority. Defines "zero-base review" as an evaluation of a given program to determine the merits of its continuation at a level less than, equal to, or more than its existing level. Requires each congressional committee conducting a zero-based program review to adopt tentative and final review plans, receive reports from the Comptroller General and Federal agencies on the program being reviewed, and report to their respective House the results of such zero-base review of the program. Sets forth minimum objectives of inquiry for such reviews. Requires that any committee reporting pursuant to this Act recommend the extent to which any program reviewed should be continued or eliminated. Title III: Continuing Review - Amends the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1970 to require, whenever the Comptroller General issues a report which discloses any substantial deficiency in the achievement of the objectives of any Federal program, the agency conducting such program to report to specified congressional committees 60 days after such report and every six months thereafter to delineate the actions taken with respect to such deficiency. Requires that such agency continue to issue such reports until such time as the Comptroller General determines that no purpose is served by their submission. Amends the Budget and Accounting Act of 1921, to require the inclusion in the Budget of a statement of the specific objectives of each Government program, and a comparison, in each subsequent Budget, of the achievement of such objectives for the last completed fiscal year with the planned objectives of such year. Title IV: Miscellaneous - Requires the Director of Management and Budget to study the feasibility of zero-base budgeting for Federal agencies. Requires the Director of the Congressional Budget Office to study the feasibility of personnel ceilings on employees of the United States and their relationships to alternative methods of carrying out the activities of such employees. Requires that such reports be submitted to Congress. Requires Federal agency heads to report requests for new budget authority to Congress. Requires specified committees to study the effectiveness of the zero-base review procedures required by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 1977
Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to authorize reduced air fares on a space-available basis for persons 60 years of age or older and retired, or 65 years of age or older, and for handicapped individuals and their attendants. Directs the Civil Aeronautics Board to conduct a study and to report to the Congress on the feasibility and economic impact on air carriers of providing such reduced rate transportation for persons 21 years of age or younger. Authorizes air carriers operating within the State of California pursuant to authority granted by the State public utilities commission and which operate aircraft capable of carrying 30 or more persons to enter into agreements with other air carriers to establish joint fares, rates and services. Specifies various methods for determining the lowest such joint fare or rate which may be established.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1977
Prohibits the inspection or acquisition by an agent of the United States of medical and dental records of patients who are not under a federally- assisted program. Sets forth the procedure by which a patient may authorize the disclosure of such records. Establishes criminal penalties for violations of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1977
Provides that the United States Canal Zone shall be represented by a Delegate to the House of Representatives. Requires that a special election be held no later than 30 days after enactment of this Act to elect a delegate to serve until the next regular Congressional election.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1977
Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments - Extends through Fiscal year 1978 the authorization of appropriations for: (1) water treatment works pilot training programs; (2) the development of a system of forecasting the supply of and demand for water pollution control specialists; (3) grants for State pollution control programs; (4) scholarships, training grants and contracts in the field of water pollution control; (5) grants to designated agencies to assist in the development and operation of continuing areawide waste treatment management planning processes; (6) grants to the States for lake water improvement programs; and (7) the purposes of this Act other than those specified in (1) through (6) above. Authorizes the use of Federal grants for construction of treatment works as grants for the Federal share of construction costs of sewage collection systems which are part of the same total waste treatment system. Stipulates that the total amount of all such grants shall not exceed $2,800,000. Authorizes the use of a single grant for the combined Federal share of planning and design along with building and construction costs in the case of treatment works with an estimated total cost of $1,000,000 or less. Authorizes the use of ad valorem taxes to satisfy the user charge system requirement for applicants for treatment works grants under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. Establishes procedures for allotment of construction grant funds to States in accordance with criteria established by the House Committee on Public Works and Transportation. Stipulates that allotments made subject to a limitation on obligation shall remain available until expended. Extends the provisions for Federal reimbursement of construction costs of publicly owned water treatment works to include reimbursement for works on which construction was started not later than July 1, 1973. Increases the amount of the appropriation authorized to cover such reimbursement to $2,950,000,000. Authorizes additional appropriations for waste treatment construction grants of $5,000,000,000 for fiscal year 1977 and $6,000,000,000 per fiscal year for fiscal years 1978 and 1979. Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to accept certification by State water pollution control agencies as discharging the Administrator's responsibility for treatment projects within such State. Requires a finding by the Administrator that such projects will be carried out in accordance with State laws and standards at least equivalent to those established by Federal law. Stipulates that the determination of priorities with respect to categories of projects for treatment works within each State shall be made solely by the State. Authorizes the Administrator to extend from July 1, 1977, until July 1, 1982, the deadline for the achievement of effluent limitations for public treatment works. Authorizes additional extensions of deadlines until July 1, 1983, in the case of treatment works based on innovative technology. Requires submission of enforceable compliance schedules by applicants for such extension. Extends until April 1, 1975, the deadline for submission of State water quality inventory reports. Requires that such reports be revised by April 1, 1976, and kept current biennially. Directs the Administrator to submit such reports to Congress on or before October 1, 1976, and biennially thereafter. Deletes the 30-day time requirement for public hearings as required by the Act for proposed toxic and pretreatment effluent standards. Authorizes the Administrator to defer the effective date of proposed toxic effluent standards for up to three years following promulgation of such standards if the Administrator determines that compliance within one year is technologically unfeasible for a particular category of sources. Redefines the term "navigable waters" as it applies to permits for dredged or fill material as required by the Act. Allows the discharge of dredged or fill materials without a permit in waters other than navigable waters and adjacent wetlands. Authorizes the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Corps of Engineers, to enter into agreements with States to regulate the discharge of dredged or fill material in waters other than navigable waters and in wetlands other than adjacent wetlands. Exempts farming, silviculture, ranching, forestry and specified construction activities from permit requirements with respect to discharges of dredged or fill material. Stipulates that Federal projects shall be exempt only if the effects of such discharges have been assessed pursuant to the provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Authorizes the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Corps of Engineers, to delegate authority over dredged and fill material in adjacent wetlands to the States. Establishes an emergency contingency fund to provide assistance in cases of imminent and substantial threats to the public health and welfare. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to maintain such fund with a balance of $5,000,000. Authorizes judicial review of administrative acts connected with effluent guidelines or approval of State certification. Establishes procedures for Congressional review and disapproval of rules or regulations issued under authority of the Act. Requires officers and employees of the Environmental Protection Agency to disclose all known financial interests in persons subject to the provisions of the Act. Imposes criminal penalties for knowing violations of such disclosure requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1977
Makes it unlawful for any individual or entity to solicit to enroll or enroll any member of the armed forces in any labor organization, or for any member of the armed forces to join, or encourage other members to join, any labor union. Prescribes a penalty of not more than five years imprisonment for any individual violating this Act, and a fine of not less than $25,000 nor more than $50,000 for any labor organization in violation of this Act. (Adds 10 U.S.C. 975)
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1977
Constitutional Amendment - States that Congress shall make no appropriations for any fiscal year which exceed the total revenues of the United States for such year. Prohibits spending by, or on behalf of, the United States which exceeds the total revenue for that year. Suspends such requirements when Congress declares war or national emergency.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1977
Constitutional Amendment - Prohibits compelling a student to attend a public school other than the one nearest his residence. Grants Congress the power to enforce by appropriate legislation the provisions of this amendment, and to insure equal educational opportunities for all students wherever located.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1977
Establishes a Commission on Legislative-Judicial Relations to conduct a study of article III, section 2, of the Constitution relating to the authority of Congress to limit the appellate jurisdiction of the Supreme Court and inferior courts and other related issues. Requires the Commission to submit a report to the Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1977
Amends the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 to repeal the increase in salaries of Members of Congress authorized by the Act of August 9, 1975 (Public Law 94-82).
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1977
Disapproves the recommendations of the President transmitted to Congress, pursuant to the Federal Salary Act of 1967, recommending rates of pay for: (1) the Vice President, Members of Congress and the Resident Commissioner from Puerto Rico; (2) specified positions in the legislative branch; (3) specified judicial personnel; (4) specified positions under the Executive Schedule; and (5) the Board of Governors of the United States Postal Service.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to make eligible for registration, as being of United States nationality, aircraft owned by a citizen of a foreign country who has been lawfully admitted for permanent residence into the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to direct the Administrator of the Civil Aeronautics Board to issue regulations allowing the operation of aircraft during the period when the emergency locator transmitter has been removed from the aircraft for inspection, repair, modification or replacement.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to require air carriers engaged in the carriage of property to give a 60-day notice to the Civil Aeronautics Board of any proposed rate change. Requires air carriers to give a 45-day notice to the Board for any proposed passenger fare change. (Previously a 30-day notice was required for both passenger and property rate changes.) Requires the Board, when suspending a proposed rate change, to notify the air carrier affected at least 15 days before such tariff changes would otherwise go into effect.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to authorize reduced air fares on a space-available basis for persons 60 years of age or older and for handicapped individuals and their attendants. Directs the Civil Aeronautics Board to conduct a study and to report to the Congress on the feasibility and economic impact on air carriers of providing such reduced rate transportation for persons 21 years of age or younger. Authorizes air carriers operating within the State of California pursuant to authority granted by the State public utilities commission and which operate aircraft capable of carrying 30 or more persons to enter into agreements with other air carriers to establish joint fares, rates and services. Specifies various methods for determining the lowest such joint fare or rate which may be established.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Amends the Local Public Works Capital Development and Investment Act of 1976 to increase the amount authorized to be appropriated under such Act to $6,000,000,000.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Constitutional Amendment - Provides that total appropriations shall not exceed estimated revenues. Authorizes the suspension of such prohibition in time of war or national emergency. Prohibits any increase in the national debt as it exists on the date this article is ratified. Sets forth a schedule for repayment of the national debt.
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 1976
Government Executive Analysis and Reform (GEAR) Commission Act - Establishes the Government Executive Analysis and Reform (GEAR) Commission consisting of 18 members appointed by the President. States that six members are to be appointed by and with the advice and consent of the Senate; four each by the Speaker of the House of Representatives; the President pro tempore of the Senate, and the Chief Justice of the United States. Directs the Commission to study all Executive departments and independent agencies and other authorities of the Federal Government: (1) to determine whether regulatory activities have limited competition within segments of the economy and whether such regulators have contributed to current economic difficulties; and (2) the purposes, structure and jurisdiction, statutory framework, and procedures of such agencies. Directs the Commission to assess the costs and benefits of Federal programs and to make recommendations concerning the restructure of the Government to improve the efficiency of Federal programs. Requires the Commission to submit its recommendations to the President and Congress within 33 months after it first meets. Requires the President to submit to Congress his findings an specific proposals for legislation within 90 days of receipt of the Commission's report. Establishes the Task Force on American Federalism composed of 20 members appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Directs the Task Force to study the appropriate levels of responsibility among units of local, State and the Federal Government, means for each level to finance such responsibilities, and the extent of intergovernmental assistance required to achieve the proper balance and division of respective Federal, State and local roles and authorities. Directs the Task Force to submit its final report to Congress 15 months after it first meets stating its findings and proposals for constitutional amendments, legislation, or administrative action necessary to carry out its recommendations. Terminates the Task Force and the Commission 90 days after submission of their final reports. Authorizes to be appropriated $12,000,000 to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1976
Federal-Aid Highway Act Amendments - Amends the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1976 to increase and extend the appropriations authorized under such Act for the fiscal years 1977 and 1978 for the Federal-aid primary system to $3,350,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 1978 through 1990. Increases the Federal share for projects financed with primary funds on the Federal-aid primary system from 70 percent of its cost to 80 pecent, or to 95 percent under specified circumstances. Prohibits the Secretary of Transportation from approving projects on such system if the portion of the project that is on a new location does not provide for complete control of access. (Amends 23 U.S.C. 109, 120)
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 1976
Small Business Growth and Job Creation Act - Title I: Small Business Independence and Continuation - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish graduated corporate income tax rates. Changes the holding period for capital assets from six months to one year. Establishes a new alternative tax on capital gains. Increases the estate tax exemption from $60,000 to $180,000. Establishes a new rate schedule for the estate tax. Increases the gift tax exclusion from $3,000 to $9,000, and the gift tax exemption from $30,000 to $90,000. Replaces the present gift tax schedule with a flat rate of 75 percent of whatever the estate tax on such a sum would be. Provides that a distribution of property by a corporation in redemption of stock to pay death taxes shall be treated as a distribution in full payment in exchange for the stock if all of the stock of such corporation which is included in determining the value of the decedent's gross estate is either, (1) more than 20 percent (generally, 35 percent), of the value of the gross estate of such decedent, or (2) more than 40 percent (generally, 50 percent) of the taxable estate of such decedent. Provides that if stock in a corporation is sold by a shareholder owning stock representing more than 30 percent of the fair market value of all outstanding stock of the corporation whose stock is being sold, the gain from such sale shall be recognized only to the extent that the taxpayer's sale price exceeds the cost of replacement property purchased by the taxpayer within two years. Defines "replacement property" as property which is held for the production of income or which is held for investment. Allows the executor of an estate involving an interest in a closely held business to elect to include in the value of the gross estate the decedent's basis in such business rather than the fair market value of such interest. States that the basis of property acquired from a decedent as to which such an election was made shall be the decedent's basis in such property rather than the fair market value of such interest. Allows the marital deduction of the estate tax to exceed 50 percent of the value of the adjusted gross estate when an interest in a specially defined small business is included in the estate. Title II: Small Business Growth Incentives - Allows a taxpayer to choose the cash method of accounting in any case where inventory is an income determining factor and the ending inventory for the taxable year does not exceed $200,000. Provides a deferred tax credit against taxable income for unincorporated businesses. Establishes a graduated investment tax credit. Amends the definition of a small business corporation to allow domestic corporations with up to 20 shareholders (presently, ten) to qualify for subchapter S treatment. Allows a small business to make a subchapter S election at any time during the taxable year. Allows to a business a credit equal to 50 percent of the wages paid during the taxable year to new employees, up to two employees and $20,000 for the taxable year. Allows a similar credit for new disadvantaged employees up to a maximum of $60,000 per taxable year. Allows the practical cost recovery method to be used in computing depreciation. Title III: Small Business Tax Simplification - Allows a corporation to file an application for refund of overpayment of estimated income tax at any time during the taxable year. Provides a special rule for treatment of net operating loss adjustments in the case of new corporations. Increases the minimum credit on accumulated earnings from $150,000 to $500,000. Redefines "section 1244 stock" to mean common stock in a corporation if: (1) such corporation during its preceding taxable year derived more than 50 percent of its aggregate gross receipts from sources other than royalties, rents, dividends, interest, annuities, and sales or exchanges of stock or securities; and (2) the equity capital of such corporation does not exceed $1,000,000. Increases the losses on section 1244 stock which may be treated as ordinary losses (rather than capital losses) from $25,000 to $50,000.
United States · United States Congress · 2 September 1976
Authorizes the States to administer permit programs to regulate obstructions on intrastate navigable waters under the Act of 1899, relating to Federal regulation of rivers and harbors. Requires that such State programs meet minimum Federal standards.
United States · United States Congress · 24 August 1976
Condemns North Korea for its continued acts of treachery culminating in the axe murders of two American officers and the wounding of five others. Directs the Speaker of the House to make known the regrets of the House to the wives and children and other survivors of Major Bonifas and Lieutenant Barrett.
United States · United States Congress · 24 August 1976
Directs the House Committee on Armed Services to make a study of the murder by members of the North Korean Armed Forces serving as guards at Panmunjom of two American Army officers attached to the United Nations Command, and other recent North Korean violations of the armistice agreement. Requires the committee to transmit a report to the House containing a statement of the findings of the committee no later than January 3, 1977.
United States · United States Congress · 24 August 1976
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should take such steps as may be necessary to place the threat to the peace created by the murder of two American Army officers attached to the United Nations Command by members of the North Korean Armed Forces serving as guards at Panmunjom, and other recent North Korean violations of the armistice agreement, on the agenda of the United Nations.
United States · United States Congress · 10 August 1976
Supplemental Authorization Act for Military Construction on Guam - Title I: Military Construction - Authorizes appropriations for the establishment and development of military installations and facilities on Guam. Title II: Military Family Housing - Authorizes appropriations for military housing on Guam. Title III: General Provisions - States that authorizations under this Act shall be subject to the same authorizations and limitations of the Military Construction Authorization Act, 1976.
United States · United States Congress · 10 August 1976
Panama Canal Modernization Act - Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to oversee the work necessary to increase the capacity and improve the operations of the Panama Canal through the adaptation of the Third Locks project. States the dimensions of the locks. Authorizes $1,250,000,000 to be appropriated for such project, limiting the initial appropriation for fiscal year 1978 to $50,000,000. States that the Governor of the Canal Zone may act and exercise his authority as President of the Panama Canal Company and may utilize the services and facilities of that company. Establishes the Panama Canal Advisory and Inspection Board, to be composed of five members appointed by the President with the advice of the Senate. Specifies groups, including the Army Corps of Engineers and the United States Navy, from which the members shall be chosen. Authorizes the Board to study and review all plans and designs for the Third Locks project, to make on-site studies and inspections, and to obtain current information on all phases of planning and construction with respect to such project. Requires the Board to report to the Governor of the Canal Zone the results of its studies and reviews of all plans and designs which have been submitted by the Governor with its approval or disapproval, or its recommendations for modifications. Requires the Board to submit to the President and to the Congress an annual report covering its activities and functions under this Act. States that the provisions of this Act shall remain in effect only so long as all the sovereign rights, power, and authority granted in perpetuity to the United States by the Republic of Panama remain unaltered.
United States · United States Congress · 10 August 1976
Eliminates the requirement, under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, that new drugs be regulated according to their effectiveness. States that such drugs be regulated solely to assure their safety.
United States · United States Congress · 9 August 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.
![Official portrait of Rep. Snyder, M. G. (Gene) [R-KY-4]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/s000669_200.jpg)