United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1977
Administrative Rule Making Reform Act - Requires a Federal agency preparing to hold a rule making session to make a reasonable effort to inform those likely to be affected by the proposed rule making. Requires that if the affected group is large, representatives of such group must be notified. Requires, in addition to present requirements, that the notice of rule making include the projected effective date of the rules, the purpose of the rule making, the text of the proposed rules, and the technical or other studies on which the agency intends to rely in the rule making proceedings. Applies the requirements of this Act to all rule making sessions except (1) those specifically authorized to be kept secret in the interest of national security, and (2) those relating to agency management. Requires public notice and public opportunity for comment of all rule making proceedings under this Act unless the agency finds that the rules to be proposed are emergency rules or are of routine or insignificant impact in which case the rule must be published with reasons for its adoption. Requires Federal agencies to give interested persons at least 45 days to participate in the rule making. Requires the agency to maintain a file of each proceeding to be made available to the courts, Congress, and to the public in connection with review of the rule. Limits the period for public comment to a maximum of 90 days. Requires a copy of all proposed rules to be sent to Congress. States that such rule, other than an emergency rule, shall not become effective if it is disapproved within 90 days by both Houses of Congress, or it is disapproved within 60 days by one House and no action is taken on the disapproval resolution by the other House. Provides that either House of Congress may, by resolution, require any agency to reconsider and resubmit any rule to which this Act applies. Requires that such proposed rule be repromulgated anew in accordance with all the provisions of this Act unless it is reconsidered and resubmitted to Congress within 180 days after the adoption of the resolution requiring such reconsideration. Requires the Administrative Conference of the United States to study Congressional review of agency rule making under this Act and report the effect of such review on such rule making before July 1, 1982. Authorizes to be appropriated $200,000 to finance such study. Makes this Act effective on the first day of the first session of the Ninety-fifth Congress. Terminates the Congressional review required by this Act at the adjournment of the Ninety-seventh Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 1977
Declares that the Federal Power Commission and other Federal agencies with authority over the allocation of natural gas shall give the highest priority to specified agricultural uses, including irrigation, grain drying, and the production of fertilizer and other agricultural chemicals.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 1977
Amends rules XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives to require that each committee report accompanying a public bill or joint resolution contain an evaluation of the paperwork which would be incurred in carrying out such bill or resolution including estimates of time and cost required of affected parties, a showing of whether the effect of the bill could be substantial, and an estimate of recordkeeping requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1977
Directs the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a one year review of toxic and carcinogenic substances including: (1) current capabilities to predict the effect on humans of substances found to induce cancer in animals; (2) the benefits and risks to the public of such substances; (3) the validity of benefit-risk analysis of such substances; and (4) the relationship of Federal regulatory policies concerning the use of such substances for food and for non-food purposes. Directs the Institute to report its findings and legislative and administrative recommendations to the Congress and the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare within one year. Authorizes the continued use of saccharin for eighteen months. Prohibits the Secretary from taking any action under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to prohibit or restrict the sale or distribution (other than requiring labeling) of saccharin.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1977
Federal Grant and Cooperative Agreement Act - Requires each executive agency to use a procurement contract as the legal instrument reflecting a relationship between the Federal Government and a State or local government or other recipient whenever the principal purpose of the agreement is the acquisition, by purchase, lease, or barter, of property or services for the direct benefit or use of the Federal Government. Requires each executive agency, when no substantial involvement is anticipated between the executive agency, acting for the Federal Government, and the State or local government or other recipient during performance of the contemplated activity, to use a grant agreement as the legal instrument reflecting a relationship between the Federal Government and a State or local government or other recipient whenever the principal purpose of the relationship is the transfer of money, property services or anything of value to the State or local government. Requires each executive agency to use a cooperative agreement as the legal instrument reflecting a relationship between the Federal Government and a State or local government or other recipient whenever the principal purpose of the relationship is the transfer of money, property, services, or anything of value to the State or local government, and substantial involvement is anticipated between the executive agency, acting for the Federal Government, and the State or local government or other recipient during performance of the contemplated activity. Directs the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, in cooperation with the executive agencies, to undertake a study to develop a better understanding of alternative means of implementing Federal assistance programs, and to determine the feasibility of developing a comprehensive system of guidance for Federal assistance programs.
United States · United States Congress · 2 June 1977
Treasury, Postal Service, and General Government Appropriation Act - Title I: Department of the Treasury - Treasury Department Appropriations Act - Makes appropriations for fiscal year 1978 within the Department of the Treasury for the following: the Office of the Secretary, the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, the Bureau of Government Financial Operations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, the United States Customs Service, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, the Bureau of the Mint, the Bureau of the Public Debt, the Internal Revenue Service, and the United States Secret Service. Title II: U.S. Postal Service - Postal Service Appropriations Act, 1978 - Makes appropriations for payment to the Postal Service Fund. Title III: Executive Office of the President - Executive Office Appropriations Act - Appropriates funds for fiscal year 1978 for the following: compensation of the President, the White House Office, the Executive Residence (operating expenses), the Official Residence of the Vice President (operating expenses), special assistance to the President, the Council of Economic Advisers, Council on International Economic Policy, the Council on Wage and Price Stability, the Domestic Council, the National Security Council, the Office of Drug Abuse Policy, the Office of Management and Budget, the Office of Federal Procurement Policy, and the Office of Telecommunications Policy. Title IV: Independent Agencies - Independent Agencies Appropriations Act - Makes appropriations to the following for fiscal year 1978: the Administrative Conference of the U.S., the Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations, the Advisory Committee on Federal Pay, the Civil Service Commission, the Committee for Purchase from the Blind and Other Severely Handicapped, the Federal Election Commission, the General Services Administration, the National Center for Productivity and Quality of Working Life, the National Commission on Electronic Fund Transfers, the United States Tax Court, and the Defense Civil Preparedness Agency. Title V: General Provisions - States that where appropriations in this Act expendable for travel expenses of employees and no specific limitation has been placed on them, the expenditures for such travel expenses may not exceed the amount set forth in the budget estimates submitted for the appropriations. Title VI: General Provisions (Departments, Agencies, and Corporations) - Restricts the employment of specified aliens by the Federal Government. Sets forth limitations and legislative provisions with respect to appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1977
Directs the Secretary of Transportation to designate certain highways in Oklahoma and Texas as part of the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1977
Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to pay a specified sum to a certain individual in full settlement of such individual's claims against the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1977
Provides that the income tax treatment of certain transportation expenses between the taxpayer's residence and place of work shall be determined without regard to Revenue Ruling 76-453 or any other ruling, regulation or decision reaching the same result.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1977
Customs Paperwork Simplification Act - Amends the Tariff Schedules of the United States to raise the resident tariff exemption on items imported for personal use or gifts to $500.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1977
Peanut Act -- Amends the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 to establish: (1) the national marketing quota for the 1978 crop of peanuts at a quantity sufficient to provide a national acreage allotment equal to the national acreage allotment for the 1977 crop, reduced by not more than ten percent; and (2) the national marketing quota for the 1979, 1980, and 1981 crops at a quantity sufficient to provide a national acreage allotment equal to the preceding year, reduced in each crop year by not more than five percent of the national acreage allotment for the preceding year. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to allow free transfer of all or any part of any such allotment. Sets the price support of peanuts at 70 percent of parity as of April 1, 1978, for the 1978 crop, and at the same level, adjusted, for the 1979, 1980, and 1981 crops. Directs the Commodity Credit Corporation to make warehouse storage loans available to approved designated area marketing associations of peanut producers.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1977
Federal Grant and Cooperative Agreement Act - Requires each executive agency to use a procurement contract as the legal instrument reflecting a relationship between the Federal Government and a State or local government or other recipient whenever the principal purpose of the agreement is the acquisition, by purchase, lease, or barter, of property or services for the direct benefit or use of the Federal Government. Requires each executive agency, when no substantial involvement is anticipated between the executive agency, acting for the Federal Government, and the State or local government or other recipient during performance of the contemplated activity, to use a grant agreement as the legal instrument reflecting a relationship between the Federal Government and a State or local government or other recipient whenever the principal purpose of the relationship is the transfer of money, property, services, or anything of value to the State or local government. Requires each executive agency to use a cooperative agreement as the legal instrument reflecting a relationship between the Federal Government and a State or local government or other recipient whenever the principal purpose of the relationship is the transfer of money, property, services, or anything of value to the State or local government, and substantial involvement is anticipated between the executive agency, acting for the Federal Government, and the State or local government or other recipient during performance of the contemplated activity. Directs the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, in cooperation with the executive agencies, to undertake a study to develop a better understanding of alternative means of implementing Federal assistance programs, and to determine the feasibility of developing a comprehensive system of guidance for Federal assistance programs.
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1977
Mobile Source Emission Control Amendments - Amends the Clean Air Act to extend through model year 1979 interim standards for hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide emissions from light-duty motor vehicles. Specifies standards applicable in model years 1980 and afterwards for such pollutants. Revises the emission standard for carbon monoxide to allow emissions of up to 9.0 grams per vehicle mile. Extends until model year 1981 the current 2.0 grams per vehicle mile interim standard for nitrogen oxide emissions from light-duty vehicles. Establishes a nitrogen oxides emissions standard of 1.0 gram per vehicle mile for model years after 1981, subject to revision or waiver by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency in accordance with prescribed procedures. Stipulates that such revisions and waivers shall not permit emissions in excess of the 2.0 grams per vehicle mile interim standard. Directs the Administrator, the Secretary of Transportation and the Federal Energy Administration to submit separate reports to Congress regarding the consequences of such emission standards on fuel consumption. Establishes additional prohibitions and penalties for tampering with motor vehicle emission control equipment. Empowers limits in the amount of vehicle testing required of small manufacturers. Establishes procedures for review of instructions for high altitude performance adjustments for motor vehicle emission control systems by the Administrator in accordance with specified requirements. Revises warranty requirements stipulated by the Act. Specifies an 18-month or 18,000 mile warranty requirement for the useful life of motor vehicle emission control systems. Directs the Administrator to study the effects of emissions of sulfur-bearing conformed from motor vehicles and aircraft. Extends the exception for disclosure of confidential information in administrative and judicial proceedings to emission data upon a satisfactory showing to the Administrator that such data would divulge trade secrets. Requires that documentation, justifications, proposed drafts, and comments of other agencies an proposed motor vehicle emission standards be made available to the public once such standards are proposed. Establishes procedures for oral presentation of views, with opportunity for cross-examination, with respect to such standards. Authorizes direct review of alleged procedural errors in the appropriate court of appeals. Authorizes the appropriation of $200,000,000 per fiscal year for fiscal years 1978, 1979, and 1980, to carry out the purposes of this Act other than research, development, and demonstration activities.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1977
Amends rules XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives to require that each committee report accompanying a public bill or joint resolution contain an evaluation of the paperwork which would be incurred in carrying out such bill or resolution including estimates of time and cost required of affected parties, a showing of whether the effect of the bill could be substantial, and an estimate of recordkeeping requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 1977
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide payment for optometric and medical vision care under the supplementary medical insurance program.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt aircraft used primarily for agricultural operation from the excise tax imposed on the use of civil aircraft. Provides for the refund of the tax on gasoline and aircraft to the aerial applicator who is the ultimate purchaser thereof.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1977
Prohibits rules promulgated by any Federal agency (except an emergency rule which must become immediately effective to prevent serious injury or the substantial frustration of legislative policies or intent) from becoming effective until such proposed rules have been submitted to Congress and a 60-day period has lapsed thereafter. Prevents such rules from becoming effective if disapproved by either House of Congress within such 60-day period. Permits disapproved of emergency rules. Prohibits the submission to Congress of any rule identical to one which has been disapproved unless submitted pursuant to new legislative authority which has been enacted affecting the agency's powers with respect to the subject matter of such rule. Renders agency rules dealing with emergency or routine matters or which will have an insignificant impact effective without publication of advance/notice of proposed rule making proceedings in the Federal Register as is currently required. Renders any rule granting an exemption to another rule or which is exempt from public notice and comment requirements effective immediately.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1977
Amends the Occupational Safety and Health Act to exclude from coverage (1) employers with ten or fewer employees; and (2) employees not employed on a regular basis for 30 or more consecutive days. Requires that a warning rather than a citation be given for a first instance violation, other than a willful or serious violation, to an employer who has not employed more than 25 employees at any time during the 30 days prior to an inspection or investigation. Prohibits the imposition of a civil penalty against an employer for a nonserious violation if (1) such employer has not previously received a citation for the same violation; and (2) the inspection upon which such citation was based resulted in the issuance of citations for ten or or fewer violations of a nonserious nature.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1977
Creates a Select House Committee on Population to conduct an investigation and study of: (1) the major adverse effects of current population growth throughout the world; (2) approaches which have been shown to be effective in coping with excessive population growth; and (3) means to encourage countries with excessive population growth rates to adopt methods proven to be successful in reducing population growth rates.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1977
Amends rules XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives to require that each committee report accompanying a public bill or joint resolution contain an evaluation of the paperwork which would be incurred in carrying out such bill or resolution including estimates of time and cost required of affected parties, a showing of whether the effect of the bill could be substantial, and an estimate of recordkeeping requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1977
Amends rules XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives to require that each committee report accompanying a public bill or joint resolution contain an evaluation of the paperwork which would be incurred in carrying out such bill or resolution including estimates of time and cost required of affected parties, a showing of whether the effect of the bill could be substantial, and an estimate of recordkeeping requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1977
Amends rules XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives to require that each committee report accompanying a public bill or joint resolution contain an evaluation of the paperwork which would be incurred in carrying out such bill or resolution including estimates of time and cost required of affected parties, a showing of whether the effect of the bill could be substantial, and an estimate of recordkeeping requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1977
Authorizes the State of Oklahoma to convey oil and gas mineral leases to those lands situated within the project designated as the Lake Murray Recreational Demonstration Area in Carter County, Oklahoma. Directs the State of Oklahoma to surrender the present deed and the United States to issue a new deed to the State of Oklahoma for such lands, which deed shall include oil and gas exploration and development as permitted uses, conditioned on approval of development plans by the Secretary of the Interior and assurances that such development will preserve the natural, scenic, and recreational values of the Demonstration Area to the maximum extent possible.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1977
Entitles to a civil service annuity those employees of the Bureau of Indian Affairs or of the Indian Health Service: (1) who complete 25 years of service before December 31, 1989, or who become 50 years of age before December 31, 1989, but complete 20 years of service before that date ; (2) who were employed continuously from June 17, 1974, to the date of separation; and (3) who are not otherwise entitled to full retirement benefits or to an Indian preference. Sets forth the method of computation of such annuity.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1977
Confers jurisdiction upon the Indian Claims Commission to hear any claims of the Wichita Indian Tribe of Oklahoma with respect to lands taken without compensation by the United States from that tribe. Declares that previous awards with respect to lands that are subject of a claim under this Act shall have no effect on such a claim.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1977
Provides that recipients of veterans' pension and compensation will not have the amount of such pension or compensation reduced, or entitlement thereto discontinued, because of increases in monthly social security benefits. Applies these amendments to annual income determinations made for calendar years after 1972. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 415(g), adds 38 U.S.C. 503(d))
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1977
Expresses the disapproval of Congress with respect to the action taken by, or the determination of, the President (under the authority conferred by the Trade Act of 1974) to adjust customs duties to prevent serious injury to an industry) transmitted to the Congress on August 28, 1976.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1977
Amends the Rules of the House of Representatives to remove the 25-member limit to the number of sponsors of any House of Representatives bill. Permits the addition or deletion of any Member's name as the sponsor of any legislation by a request made by a Member to the Speaker on behalf of such Member.
United States · United States Congress · 13 January 1977
World War I Pension Act - Requires the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to pay (in addition to any already paid) a monthly pension of $150 to each veteran of World War I who meets specified service requirements, or to the surviving spouse of each such veteran, or when there is no surviving spouse, to the child or children of each such veteran.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1977
Amends the Indian Claims Commission Act of 1946 to empower the Court of Claims to review and enter appropriate judgment upon the Indian Claims Commission decision adjudging that the Act of February 28, 1877 (19 Stat. 254) constituted a taking of a portion of the Great Sioux Reservation. Confers jurisdiction on the Court of Claims to hear and decide any claims presented by the Wichita Indian Tribe of Oklahoma against the United States, with respect to lands allegedly taken from that tribe without adequate compensation. Declares that any previous award made by the Indian Claims Commission with respect to such lands shall have no effect on a claim filed under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1977
Federal Grant and Cooperative Agreement Act - Requires each executive agency to use a procurement contract as the legal instrument reflecting a relationship between the Federal Government and a State or local government or Government or other recipient whenever the principal purpose of the agreement is the acquisition, by purchase, lease, or barter, of property or services for the direct benefit or use of the Federal Government. Requires each executive agency when no substantial involvement is anticipated between such agency and the State or local government or other recipient during performance of the contemplated activity to use a grant agreement as the legal instrument reflecting a relationship between the Federal Government and a State or local government or recipient whenever the principal purposes of the relationship is the transfer of money, property, services, or anything of value to the State or local government. Requires each executive agency to use a cooperative agreement as the legal instrument reflecting a relationship between the Federal Government and a State or local government or other recipient whenever the principal purposes of the relationship is the transfer of money, property, services, or anything of value to the State or local government, and substantial involvement is anticipated between the executive agency, acting for the Federal Government, and the State or local government or other recipient during performance of the contemplated activity. Directs the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, in cooperation with the executive agencies, to undertake a study to develop a better understanding of alternative means of implementing Federal assistance programs, and to determine the feasibility of developing a comprehensive system of guidance for Federal assistance programs.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Customs Paperwork Reduction Act - Amends the Tariff Schedules of the United States to impose a customs tariff of ten percent rather than any other rates on merchandise imported for personal or household use, or as gifts. Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to increase the value of merchandise which may be imported under regulations of the Secretary of the Treasury and requires submission of a statement when the value of such merchandise exceeds $250.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Declares that the findings and recommendations of the Commission on Federal Paperwork should be sympathetically received and considered by congressional committees and Members of Congress, that committees and Members should give careful attention to paperwork burdens imposed by proposed legislation, and that costs and benefits of information requested from Federal agencies by committees and Members making such requests be considered. Declares the sense of Congress that Federal agencies should sympathetically receive and duly consider the findings and recommendations of the Commission and give continuing attention to excessive and unnecessary paperwork.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 1976
Imposes upon any article produced in a "foreign-trade zone" or a possession or territory of the United States from foreign meat the import restrictions which would be applicable to the meat had it entered the United States from its country of origin.
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 · 31 August 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 · 26 August 1976
Authorizes the President to issue a proclamation designating the week beginning October 3, 1976, and ending October 9, 1976, as "National Volunteer Firemen Week."
United States · United States Congress · 23 August 1976
Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to formulate five-year goals in specified areas of rural development and to include a detailed accounting of the progress made and anticipated in meeting such goals in an annual report to Congress. Requires in such report an analysis of the legislative, financial, institutional and other capabilities and constraints which are relevant to meeting such goals. Requires the appointment of a new Assistant Secretary of Agriculture for Rural Development within 60 days if a vacancy should occur in such position.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 1976
Rescinds, pursuant to the Impoundment Control Act of 1974, specified budget authority contained in the message of the President of July 1, 1976 (H. Doc. 94-542), and in the communication of the Comptroller General of July 15, 1976 (H. Doc. 94-556), for salaries and expenses of the Office of Drug Abuse Policy.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1976
Provides, under the Indian Claims Commission Act of 1946, that, notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Court of Claims: (1) shall review on the merits the determination of the Indian Claims Commission which adjudged that a specified Act effected a taking of the Black Hills portion of the Great Sioux Reservation; and (2) shall render judgement on any claims the Wichita Indian Tribe of Oklahoma have against the United States with respect to any lands or interests therein which were acquired from such tribe without payment of adequate compensation by the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 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 · 28 June 1976
Reclamation Authorizations Act - Title I: Kanopolis Unit, Kansas - Reauthorizes the construction, operation, and maintenance of the Kanopolis Unit of the Pick-Sloan Missouri Basin program, to be prosecuted by the Secretary of the Interior in cooperation with the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers. Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to enter into land management agreements with the Kansas Forestry, Fish and Game Commission upon the expiration of existing leases for agricultural use of publicly owned lands. Stipulates that no water from the Unit shall be used for irrigation of excessive crop allotments for a ten-year period after the enactment of this title. Authorizes the appropriation of $30,900,000 for fiscal year 1978 and thereafter, for the construction of the Kanopolis Unit. Title II: Oroville-Tonasket Unit, Washington - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to construct, operate, and maintain the Oroville-Tonasket Unit of the Chief Joseph Dam project in Washington. Authorizes the Secretary to renegotiate contract arrangements between the United States and the Oroville-Tonasket Irrigation District with respect to assignment of irrigation costs. Stipulates that no water from the Unit shall be used for irrigation of excessive crop allotments for a ten-year period after the enactment of this title. Authorizes the appropriation of $39,370,000 for fiscal year 1978 and thereafter, for the construction of the Oroville-Tonasket Unit. Title III: Uintah Unit, Utah - Authorizes the appropriation of $90,247,000 for fiscal year 1978 and thereafter for the construction of the Uintah Unit of the Central Utah Project. Title IV: American Canal Extension El Paso, Texas - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to construct, operate, and maintain a 13-mile extension of the American Canal in El Paso, Texas. Requires that the Secretary enter into a repayment contract with local irrigation district authorities prior to project construction. Authorizes the appropriation of $21,714,000 for fiscal year 1978 and thereafter for the construction of the American Canal extension. Title V: Allen Camp Unit, California - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to construct, operate, and maintain the Allen Camp Unit of the Central Valley project in California. Authorizes the Secretary to replace roads and bridges rendered unusable by construction and operation of the Unit. Stipulates that no water from the Unit shall be used for irrigation of excessive crop allotments for a ten-year period after the enactment of this title. Authorizes the appropriation of $64,220,000 for fiscal year 1978 and thereafter for the construction of the Allen Camp Unit. Title VI: Leadville Mine Drainage Tunnel, Colorado - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to rehabilitate the Leadville Mine drainage tunnel in Colorado. Authorizes the appropriation of $2,750,000 for fiscal year 1978 and thereafter for rehabilitation of the tunnel. Title VII: M'Gee Creek Project, Oklahoma - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to construct, operate, and maintain the M'Gee Creek project in Oklahoma, in accordance with Federal Reclamation laws. Establishes procedures for reimbursement of project costs. Authorizes the appropriation of $83,239,000 for fiscal year 1978 and thereafter for the construction of the M'Gee Creek project.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1976
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a charitable deduction against the income, estate, and gift tax for contributions by an individual to a domestic fraternal society operating under the lodge system for the purpose of constructing or maintaining a building the principal purpose of which is to house such organization.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1976
Establishes in the House of Representatives a select committee to be known as the Select Committee on Narcotics Abuse and Control. Provides that the select committee shall conduct a continuing comprehensive study and review of the problems of narcotics abuse and control and shall review any recommendations made by the President, or by any department or agency of the executive branch of the Federal Government, relating to programs or policies affecting narcotics abuse or control. Authorizes the select committee to conduct field investigations or inspections. Requires the select committee to submit an annual report to the House which shall include a summary of the activities of the select committee during the calendar year to which such report applies.
![Official portrait of Rep. Steed, Tom [D-OK-4]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/s000829_200.jpg)