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United States · Official source
170 records where Rep. Stuckey, W. S. (Bill), Jr. [D-GA-8] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
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 · 29 July 1976
District of Columbia Retirement Reform Act - Title I: Financing of Retirement Benefits - Establishes the District of Columbia Retirement Board to exercise exclusive authority to manage and control the funds established by this Act. Details provisions relating to the Board's composition, the election and terms of office of Board members, the procedures to be followed by the Board, and the financing of the Board's operators. Establishes the District of Columbia Policemen and Firemen's Retirement Fund into which shall be deposited: (1) amounts withheld from the salaries of, and deposited by, members of the Metropolitan Police, the Fire Department of the District of Columbia, the United States Park Police, the Executive Protective Service, and the United States Secret Service, pursuant to the Policemen and Firemen's Retirement and Disability Act, (2) amounts appropriated to the Fund pursuant to this Act, and (3) amounts made as return on investment of the assets of the Fund. Establishes the District of Columbia Teachers' Retirement Fund into which shall be deposited: (1) amounts withheld from the salaries of, and amounts deposited by, each teacher in the public schools of the District of Columbia for such teachers' retirement account, (2) amounts appropriated to the Fund pursuant to this Act, and (3) amounts made as return on investment of the assets of the Fund. Establishes the District of Columbia Judges Retirement Fund into which shall be deposited: (1) amounts withheld from the salaries of, and amounts deposited by, judges of the District of Columbia Court of Appeals and the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, (2) amounts appropriated to the Fund pursuant to this Act, and (3) amounts made as return on investment of the assets of the Fund. Requires that the assets of each Fund established by this Act be kept separate from other moneys, but not necessarily kept separate from one another if the Board determines that commingling of such assets is advisable for investment purposes. Requires the Board to maintain a cash reserve for the Funds sufficient to meet currently annunity and disability benefits outlays. Prohibits the investment of assets of the funds in obligations issued or guaranteed in whole or in part by the government of the District of Columbia or in obligations secured by real property in the District of Columbia. Directs the Board to engage an enrolled actuary to periodically determine: (1) the amount required to be deposited in each Fund annually in perpetuity in order to meet the cost of annuities and other retirement and disability benefits payable in perpetuity from the Fund less the amount of employee contributions ot the Fund, and (2) the amount received to meet the obligations of each Fund for the next fiscal year less employee contributions for such period. Directs the Comptroller General to annually audit the accounts and records of the Board. Sets forth formulae to determine annual Federal amortization payments and annual District of Columbia payments to each Fund. Authorizes the appropriation of specified sums from the revenues of the United States and from amounts in the United States Treasury credited to the District of Columbia for Federal and District of Columbia contributions to each Fund, respectively. Directs the Board to publish annual reports with respect to each retirement program and corresponding Fund to which this Act applies. Requires that each such report include: (1) a financial statement containing a statement of Fund assets and liabilities, a statement of changes in net assets available for benefits under the retirement program, and other specified information; (2) an opinion by an independent public accountant as to whether such financial statement is presented in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles; (3) an actuarial statement containing specified information relating to the Fund and retirement program; (4) information relating to the number of employees covered by the retirement program, persons receiving compensation from the Fund, and specified changes to the Funds operation; and (5) a report from each insurance company or similar organization from which program benefits are purchased or which guarantees such benefits. Directs the Board to prepare summary retirement programs descriptions to be supplied to each participant in, and beneficiary under, each retirement program to which this Act applies. Requires that annual reports and copies of summary retirement program descriptions, including periodic updates containing material modification, be filed with the Mayor of the District of Columbia, the District of Columbia Council, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the President pro tempore of the Senate. Empowers the Mayor, the Council, or either House of Congress to reject any filing upon making specified findings. Suspends Federal contributions to any Fund with respect to which a filing is rejected or no timely filing has been made pending an acceptable filing. Requires that copies of such reports and descriptions be made available for public inspection. Authorizes the Board to designate one or more persons to exercise fiduciary responsibilities with respect to Funds established by this Act but places with the Board fiduciary responsibility for the oversight of any person so designated. Lists standards guidelines to be followed by fiduciaries in the discharge of their duties. Specifies circumstances under which a fiduciary shall be liable for a breach of fiduciary duty by another fiduciary. Prohibits a fiduciary from causing the Fund to engage in specified transactions with interested parties or with itself. Deems void any provision in an agreement instrument which purports to relieve a fiduciary responsibility or liability. Permits the Board, fiduciaries, and groups of retirement program participants to purchase insurance to cover liability or losses arising from a breach of fiduciary duty. Prohibits any person convicted of specified crimes from serving as an administrator, fiduciary, counsel, or employee of, or as a consultant to, any Fund established by this Act within five years of any such conviction or release from imprisonment, unless the Board of Parole of the United States determines that such person's service with the Fund would not be contrary to the purposes of this Act. Sets forth criminal penalties for violation of fiduciary obligations. Creates civil causes of action for the benefit of specified plaintiffs to enforce the provisions of this Act. Specifies time limits within which civil actions grounded on breach of fiduciary duty must be brought. Title II: Changes in Retirement Benefits - Revises the method for determining the salary base period for computation of annuities of participants in the District of Columbia Policemen and Firemen's Retirement Fund. Sets forth separate procedures and standards for members of the Metropolitan Police and the Fire Department with respect to (1) eligibility for voluntary retirement, (2) eligibility for disability retirement, (3) amount of disability annuities, (4) suspension of disability annuities, (5) physical examination of disability annuitants, and (6) amount of survivors annuities. Entitles any such member who completes five years of service and who is thereafter separated from service other than through disability retirement or voluntary optional retirement to elect to either (1) receive at the time of separation the amount of deductions from such individual's salary deposited in the Fund, or (2) receive an annuity beginning on the first day of the month during which such individual attains age 55 or on the first day of the month after such individual's separation from service, whichever occurs later. Authorizes cost-of-living adjustments in annuities payable from the District of Columbia Policemen and Firemen's Retirement Fund. Eliminates the one percent increase added on to cost-of-living increases in the annuities of District of Columbia Public school teachers and judges. Revises the means for determining eligibility for each such adjustment.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1976
Amends the District of Columbia Income and Franchise Tax Act of 1947 to impose an income tax on the gross income of nonresidents of the District of Columbia which is derived from sources within the District, including the Federal Government. Stipulates that such tax shall be at one-third of the rate applicable in the case of a District of Columbia resident. Prohibits the Council of the District of Columbia from imposing any additional or greater tax on nonresidents than imposed by this Act, unless the same proportion of additional or greater tax is imposed on residents. Repeals the tax on unincorporated businesses. Requires every employer making payment of wages to a nonresident to deduct and withhold a tax upon such wages in accordance with regulations to be promulgated by the Council of the District of Columbia. Makes technical and conforming amendments.
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 · 11 June 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 · 8 June 1976
Requires the United States to pay to any defendant who prevails in a civil action in which the United States is a plaintiff a reasonable attorney's fee and other reasonable litigation costs.
United States · United States Congress · 2 June 1976
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States Postal Service shall not close or suspend the operation of any post offices, unless there is a clear and compelling need to do so. Encourages the service to continue cost-cutting programs which do not affect levels of service.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1976
Estate and Gift Tax Reform Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide a single unified rate schedule for estate and gift taxes. Establishes progressive rates based on cumulative lifetime transfers and transfers at death. Determines the amount of estate tax by applying the unified rates to such cumulative transfers and then subtracting the taxes payable on lifetime transfers. Provides that for purposes of determining the amount of the gross estate, the amount of gift tax paid with respect to transfers made within three years of death shall be included in the decedent's gross estate. Provides, as a transitional rule, that the lifetime transfers taken into account in determining cumulative transfers at death, for purposes of imposing the estate tax under the unified schedule, shall only include taxable gifts made after December 31, 1976. Repeals the estate and gift tax exemptions. Substitutes for such exemptions a credit against estate and gift taxes in the amount of $29,800. Provides for an additional credit against the estate tax for specified farms and closely held businesses passing to a qualified heir. Defines "qualified heir" as a member of the decedent's family, including his spouse, lineal decendents, parents, and aunts and uncles of the decedent and their decendants. Makes such credit available where the value of a farm or closely held business included in a decedent's gross estate equals or exceeds 65 percent of the value of the gross estate. Stipulates that such credit shall be available only if the farm or closely held business has been owned by the decedent or his family for at least five out of the preceding eight years. Provides that the amount of such credit shall be $25,000 multiplied by a percentage representing the portion of the decedent's estate consisting of the farm or other closely held business. Phases out such credit after the value of the gross estate exceeds $1,000,000. Provides for the recapture of the estate tax benefit of such credit where there is a disposition of the business by the qualified heir to nonfamily members prior to the qualified heir's death or within 25 years of the death of the decedent. Provides for a lien on the qualified interest in a farm or closely held business with respect to which an election of such credit has been made. Increases the estate tax marital deduction to $250,000 or one-half of the decedent's gross estate, whichever is greater. Increases the gift tax marital deduction in the case of lifetime gifts to a spouse. Allows an unlimited marital deduction for the first $100,000 of lifetime gifts made to a spouse and, thereafter, a deduction for one-half of the aggregate lifetime gifts made to a spouse in excess of $200,000. Imposes a tax on the unrealized appreciation of property transferred by a decedent. Provides that the basis of such property shall be its fair market value on December 31, 1976. Allows an election to carry over the decedent's basis in any property instead of having the appreciation taxed. Exempts the first $50,000 of appreciation from taxation. Excludes the appreciation of assets valued at less than $10,000 and which are not held for use in a trade or business or for the production of income from such tax. Allows the deduction of the appreciation tax in computing the value of the taxable estate for estate tax purposes. Exempts from the appreciation tax any property transferred from the decedent if the income tax carries over to the recipient (income in respect of a decedent and survivor annuities). Provides that if an election to carry over the decedent's basis in lieu of paying the appreciation tax is made, the basis of the property is to be increased by the Federal and State estate taxes attributable to the net appreciation in value for the property. Allows the executor of an estate which includes real farm property to value the property as a farm, rather than its fair market value determined on the basis of its highest and best use. Imposes special qualifying conditions for such valuation, including: (1) the farm assets in the decedent's estate including both farm real property and personal property must be at least 50 percent of the decedent's gross estate (reduced by debts and expenses); (2) at least 25 percent of the adjusted value of the gross estate must be qualified farm real property; (3) the real property must pass to a qualified heir; (4) the real property must have been used or held for use as a farm for five of the last eight years prior to the decedent's death; and (5) there must have been material participation in the operation of the farm by the decedent or a member of his family in five years out of the eight years immediately preceding the decedent's death. Provides for recapture of any tax benefits obtained by use of the reduced valuation if, prior to the death of the qualified heir or within 25 years of the death of the decedent, the property is disposed of to nonfamily members or ceases to be used for farming purposes. Provides for a lien on all such real property with respect to which the farm valuation is elected. Provides for a 15-year period for the payment of the estate tax attributable to the decedent's interest in a farm or closely held business, with a deferral of the tax for five years and installment payments over the next ten years. Requires, as a qualification for such deferral and installment treatment, the value of the closely held business or farm in the decedent's estate to be at least 65 percent of the gross estate. Allows discretionary extensions of up to ten years to pay the estate tax for reasonable cause (rather than for "undue hardship" as under present law). Provides for a lien for payment of the deferred taxes attributable to a closely held business or farm. Imposes a tax, in the case of generation skipping transfers under a trust, upon a distribution of the trust assets to a generation skipping heir, or upon the termination of an intervening interest in the trust. Determines the tax by adding the value of the distributed property, or terminated interest, to the heir's taxable transfers and applying the heir's marginal transfer tax rate to the value of such interest. Extends from nine months to 12 months the period after the decedent's death in which an estate tax return must be filed. Requires gift tax returns to be filed for any quarter only when the total cumulative gifts made during the taxable year exceed $25,000, or during the last quarter if the total does not reach $25,000. Provides that if the Internal Revenue Service proposes a deficiency in the estate tax because of a higher valuation of the assets included in the decedent's gross estate, it must disclose to the executor during the settlement process the basis on which the higher valuation was determined.
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 1976
Natural Gas Act Amendments - Amends the Natural Gas Act to terminate Federal Power Commission authority to directly regulate sales prices of new natural gas except for new natural gas produced from offshore Federal lands. Stipulates that prices for onshore sales of new natural gas shall not exceed the ceiling price for sales of new natural gas produced from offshore Federal lands. Stipulates that prices paid for natural gas in transactions between a natural gas company and its affiliates shall not exceed prices paid in comparable sales by persons not affiliated with any natural gas company. Directs the Federal Power Commission to conduct studies and make reports regarding the nature and availability of natural gas reserves. Requires that the Commission keep current information available relating to the estimated natural gas reserves for individual fields. Establishes procedures for the establishment of ceiling prices for new natural gas produced from offshore Federal lands. Authorizes the Commission to grant exemptions to price ceilings within high-cost production areas. Establishes procedures for adjustments to price ceilings established pursuant to this Act. Directs the Commission to prohibit the curtailment of adequate supplies of natural gas for essential agricultural purposes. Stipulates that the provisions of the Natural Gas Act shall extend to synthetic natural gas. Directs the Commission to prohibit the use of natural gas as boiler fuel where adequate alternatives are available. Authorizes exemptions from such prohibition where necessary to comply with pollution control or environmental protection and safety standards. Establishes procedures for the establishment and periodic revision of national ceiling prices for the sale of old natural gas in interstate commerce.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1976
Requires the Mayor of the District of Columbia to include within the annual study of the fire and police departments of other jurisdictions in the Washington area information regarding conditions of employment, including hours of work, retirement and health benefits, and leave. Stipulates that such information shall form the basis for consideration of adjustments in the working conditions of members and officers of the Metropolitan Police force and the Fire Department of the District of Columbia who are outside the scope of collective bargaining agreements. Restricts negotiations between the District of Columbia and representatives of officers and members of the Metropolitan Police force and the Fire Department of the District of Columbia relating to compensation and working conditions to changes to become effective on the first day of the fiscal year. Empowers the Council of the District of Columbia to reject any ensuing collective bargaining agreement, or to formulate recommendations with respect to changes where no agreement is reached. Sets forth alternative procedures to be followed implementing any such Council action. Directs the Board of Education of the District of Columbia to appoint a city personnel salary and benefits committee to conduct the annual study comparing the compensation of District educational personnel with that paid similar employees in other jurisdictions in the Washington area and in cities of comparable size. Requires that such studies include information relating to working conditions. Stipulates that such information shall form the basis for consideration of adjustments in the compensation and working conditions of educational personnel who are outside the scope of collective bargaining agreements. Restricts negotiations between the District of Columbia and representatives of the teachers in the public day schools of the District of Columbia relating to compensation and working conditions to changes to become effective on the first day of the next fiscal year. Empowers the Council of the District of Columbia to reject any ensuing collective bargaining agreement, or to formulate recommendations with respect to changes where no agreement is reached. Sets forth alternative procedures to be implemented following any such Council action.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1976
Air Transportation Act - Title I: General Provisions - Defines terms, under the Federal Aviation Act of 1958, for purposes of such Act to expand charter air transportation. Requires the Civil Aeronautics Board in the exercise of its duties to consider regulation of the airline industry in a manner that encourages reliance on price and service competition as being in the public interest. States that the provisions of this title shall become effective upon the enactment of this Act. Title II: Revision of Present Regulation and Limitations to Foreign Air Transportation - Redesignates title IV (Air Carrier Economic Regulations) of the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 as title IV-A (Economic Regulation: Foreign Air Transportation). Makes such newly designated title applicable only to the regulation of foreign air transportation. Requires the Civil Aeronautics Board to act on applications for certificates of public convenience and necessity within 240 days of the filing date of such application. Permits air carriers to hold both scheduled and supplemental certificates. Prohibits the Board from imposing closed-door, single-plane, mandatory stop, or long haul restrictions on new certificates or as an amendment to existing certificates. Prohibits the Board from imposing specified restrictions on charter service. Eliminates the authority of the Postmaster General to compel air carriers to perform additional air service to carry mail. Sets forth the effective dates of the provisions of this title. Title III: Economic Regulation of Domestic Aviation: Subtitles IV-B-(Permanent) and IV-C-(Transitional) - Adds subtitles IV-B (Permanent Provisions Relating to Interstate and Overseas Air Transportation) and IV-C (Transitional Provisions Relating to Interstate and Overseas Air Transportation) to the Federal Aviation Act of 1958. Limits the provisions of IV-B to the regulation of interstate and overseas air transportation. Provides for the issuance of new "certificates of fitness" to replace the "certificate of public convenience and necessity." Prohibits air carriers from engaging in interstate or overseas air transportation without such certificate. Requires the Board to dispose of an application for such certificate within 180 days of its filing. States that such certificates shall authorize the holder to engage in scheduled and supplemental interstate and overseas air transportation between any points and shall not restrict the type, nature, or frequency of such service. Authorizes the Board to suspend or revoke such certificates after a hearing if the holder has failed to meet its obligation to maintain its fitness, willingness, or ability to perform the air transportation for which it has applied. Allows the Board to immediately suspend such certificate for up to 30 days without a hearing or notice if such suspension is required in the public interest. Prohibits the transfer of any certificate. Requires air carriers to comply with Board regulations relating to the filing and approval of insurance plans for injuries to persons or property resulting from the operation or maintenance of aircraft. Authorizes the Board to require carriers to file performance bonds to provide compensation in case a carrier fails to meet its contractual or common carrier obligations. Requires air carriers to disclose the names of persons holding more than five percent of the carrier's stock or capital. Requires each officer and director of an air carrier to disclose the stock held by him or her in any air carrier. Directs the Board to prescribe the form of any and all accounts to be kept by air carriers and empowers the Board to inspect the accounts and property of any air carrier. Empowers the Board to inquire into the management of any business or person who controls an air carrier. Prohibits, except with the Board's approval, interlocking relationships between air carriers and other carriers or firms engaged in other phases of aeronautics. Makes it unlawful for any officer or director of an air carrier to receive for his or her own benefit compensation for the negotiation, hypothecation, or sale of any securities of the carrier. Requires every carrier to file with the Board a copy of every contract or agreement affecting air transportation between such carrier and any other carrier. Requires each air carrier to file with the Board and keep open to the public a list of all rates and fares and a description of all other services performed in connection with air transportation and limitations upon liability arising out of such transportation. Requires air carriers to adhere to the tariffs filed with the Board. Requires changes in such tariffs to be filed with the Board. Permits air carriers to file tariffs which include a formula providing for the flexible pricing of air transportation. Authorizes the Board to set maximum rates and fares whenever, after notice and hearing, the Board determines that a fare or rate is unjust or unreasonable and that actual or potential competition from other airlines is insufficient to maintain a just and reasonable rate. Prescribes policy considerations which the Board must take into account in determining such maximum rates. Authorizes the Board to suspend proposed rate changes for a maximum of 180 days after the time the new tariff would have gone into effect. States that such proposed rate change shall go into effect if the Board does not complete a hearing and issue an order within such time period. Authorizes the Board to establish just and reasonable divisions of rates or fares when, after notice and hearing, it determines that existing divisions are unjust or unreasonable. Authorizes the Board to establish through service and maximum joint rates whenever it determines that such are required by the public interest. Requires carriers engaged in scheduled air transportation to file such schedules with the Board. Declares it the duty of air carriers to provide interstate and overseas air transportation upon reasonable request therefor. Prohibits air carriers from engaging in unfair or deceptive practices in the provision or sale of air transportation and directs the Board to issue regulations defining unfair or deceptive practices. Sets forth specified practices which are defined as unfair or deceptive. Allows air carriers to alter or eliminate service to any point. Authorizes the Postmaster General to make appropriate rules and regulations for the carriage of mail and to designate any flight for the carriage of mail. Authorizes the Postmaster General to regulate the carriage of air mail from foreign countries to the United States in accordance with international agreements. Empowers the Board to fix and determine fair and reasonable rates of compensation for the transportation of mail by aircraft. Specifies elements which the Board shall take into consideration in setting such rates. Prohibits the Board from taking into account specified revenues in determining the carrier's need for mail subsidies. Allows the Postmaster General to weigh the mail transported by aircraft. Provides that unexpended funds under specified air mail Acts may be used by the Postmaster General to pay for air mail carriage. Authorizes the Board to establish just and reasonable classifications of air carriers for purposes of the Federal Aviation Act of 1958. Authorizes the Board to exempt any air carrier from any provision of such Act if such an exemption is in the public interest. Exempts air carriers operating aircraft having a capacity of less than 56 seats or less than 16,000 pounds from being required to obtain a certificate from the Board if the carrier conforms to reasonable financial responsibility and reporting requirements. Provides that certificates of public convenience and necessity will remain in effect until the fourth anniversary of this Act. States that at such time the certificates of fitness provided for in this Act shall become effective. Continues the Board's authority to issue special operating authorizations under the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 until the fourth anniversary of the enactment of this Act. Allows specified passenger air carriers to expand their service subject to enumerated limitations during the transitional period commencing 180 days after the enactment of this Act and ending four years after such enactment. Provides limited discretionary authority for expansion for all cargo carriers during such period. Permits air carriers to combine such discretionary authority with any existing authority. Sets forth the permissable rates and notice requirements to the Board for any proposed rate changes or reductions in service for such discretionary service. Allows the Board to temporarily suspend such proposed rate changes or service reductions for 180 days. Provides that any air carrier which has performed 12 months of continuous nonstop scheduled air transportation between any two points pursuant to the discretionary authority conferred under this Act may acquire certification for such routes from the Board. States that any carriers holding such a certificate at the end of the transitional period under this Act shall be issued a certificate of fitness for such route. Allows any person to apply for a certificate to offer nonstop service along any route not currently receiving nonstop service. Provides that any carrier holding such a certificate at the end of the transitional period shall be issued a certificate of fitness for such route. Prohibits air carriers from reducing the level of air service during the transitional period to a level below what the Board determines is "essential air service" unless the Board approves such reduction based on specified criteria. Authorizes the Board to require any air carrier reducing its service below such level to establish cooperative working relationships with any carrier providing replacement services or to require air carriers to continue providing essential minimum service upon a guarantee of sufficient support to cover the carrier's fully allocated costs for such service. Sets forth specified carrier obligations during the period from the fourth anniversary until the tenth anniversary of this Act. Prohibits carriers from implementing any schedule change which would reduce service below the essential minimum service standards set by the Board except upon 30 days notice during such six-year period. Authorizes the Board to order a carrier to continue to provide essential air service for 90 days or until essential air service is provided by another carrier. Directs the Board to reimburse the carrier for any losses incurred by such an order. Imposes specified notice requirements for filing tariff changes to be effective four years after the enactment of this Act. Directs the Board to ensure that each point that received air service from a local service or trunk carrier in March, 1976 shall continue to receive "essential air service" in the six-year period between the fourth and tenth anniversary of this Act. Sets forth a general definition of "essential air service." Sets forth specific criteria for determining whether such service is being provided to a particular point. Requires the Board to contract for additional air service to a point if essential air service is found lacking. Sets forth the procedures for awarding such contracts and terms which must be included in such contracts. Prohibits the Board from inhibiting the provisions of unsubsidized service and from awarding a subsidy contract if essential air service is otherwise available. Terminates such contract authority on the tenth anniversary of this Act. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to undertake a study of the current local service carrier subsidy program, to evaluate alternative subsidy plans, and to report to Congress within 18 months after enactment of this Act. Sets forth regulations regarding the consolidation, merger, and acquisition of control of domestic air carriers which shall be effective upon the enactment of this Act and end ten years later. Prohibits specified forms of joint control of and merger by two air carriers or by an air carrier and any other common carrier unless such action is approved by the Board. Requires the Board to approve mergers or joint control agreements found not to be inconsistent with the public interest or other specified criteria. Requires the Board to dispose of all such applications within 240 days. Exempts from such regulations interests in ground facilities. Grants jurisdiction to the Board over non-air carriers who acquire control of an air carrier relating to specified provisions of this Act. Authorizes the Board to investigate any person who may be engaging in prohibited activities under this Act. Establishes a presumption that any person owning ten percent of the stock or capital of an air carrier controls that carrier. Sets forth regulations regarding pooling and other agreements which shall be effective until the tenth anniversary of this Act. Requires the Board to notify the Attorney General and the Secretary of Transportation of any intercarrier agreement. Requires the Board to conduct a hearing on such agreement upon the request of either of such two officials. Requires the Board to approve such agreements except under specified circumstances. Confers immunity upon individuals affected by orders issued under specified provisions of this Act from antitrust laws until the tenth anniversary of this Act. Requires the Board to attach appropriate labor protective conditions to orders relating to the merger, consolidation, or acquisition of domestic air carriers or relating to pooling or other agreements. Sets forth the Board's ratemaking authority during the transitional period commencing upon the enactment of this Act and ending on the fourth anniversary of this Act. Authorizes the Postmaster General to contract with any carrier for carriage of air mail if he finds that the present carriage is inadequate. Sets forth the effective dates of the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1976
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Congress has not delegated to the Federal Trade Commission any authority to preempt the laws of the States and their political subdivisions.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1976
Expresses the sense of the Congress that candidates for Federal office should not promise material benefits to voting blocs in exchange for electoral support. Urges the American people to view with skepticism political candidates who seek to buy their vote by offering them future appropriations from the Public Treasury. Calls for a restoration of the spirit of independence and self-reliance.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1976
Amends the Medicare program of the Social Security Act to authorize payment under the supplementary medical insurance program for specified diagnostic tests and physical examinations given for the detection of breast cancer.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1976
District of Columbia Retirement Reform Act - Title I: Financing of Retirement Benefits - Establishes the District of Columbia Retirement Board to exercise exclusive authority to manage and control the Funds established by this Act. Details provisions relating to the Boards' composition, the election and terms of office of Board members, the procedures to be followed by the Board, and the financing of the Boards' operations. Establishes the District of Columbia Policemen and Firemen's Retirement Fund into which shall be deposited (1) amounts withheld from the salaries of, and amounts deposited by members of the Metropolitan Police, the Fire Department of the District of Columbia, the United States Park Police, the Executive Protective Service, and the United States Secret Service, pursuant to the Policemen and Firemen's Retirement and Disability Act, (2) amounts appropriated to the Fund pursuant to this Act, and (3) amounts made as return on investment of the assets of the Fund. Establishes the District of Columbia Teachers' Retirement Fund into which shall be deposited (1) amounts withheld from the salaries of, and amounts deposited by, each teacher in the public schools of the District of Columbia for such teacher's retirement account, (2) amounts appropriated to the Fund pursuant to this Act, and (3) amounts made as return on investment of the assets of the Fund. Establishes the District of Columbia Judges' Retirement Fund into which shall be deposited (1) amounts withheld from the salaries of, and amounts deposited by, judges of the District of Columbia Court of Appeals and the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, (2) amounts appropriated to the Fund pursuant to this Act, and (3) amounts made as return on investment of the assets of the Fund. Requires that the assets of each Fund established by this Act be kept separate from other moneys, but not necessarily kept separate from one another if the Board determines that commingling of such assets is advisable for investment purposes. Requires the Board to maintain a cash reserve for the funds sufficient to meet current annuity and disability benefit outlays. Prohibits the investment of assets of the Funds in obligations issued or guaranteed in whole or in part by the government of the District of Columbia or in obligations secured by real property in the District of Columbia. Directs the Baord to engage an enrolled actuary to periodically determine (1) the amount required to be deposited in each Fund annually in perpetuity in order to meet the cost of annuities and other retirement and disability benefits payable in perpetuity from the fund less the amount of employee contributions to the Fund, and (2) the amount required to meet the obligations of each Fund for the next fiscal year less employee contributions for such period. Sets forth formulas to determine annual Federal payments and annual District of Columbia payments to each Fund. Authorizes the appropriation of specified sums from the revenues of the United States and from amounts in the United States Treasury credited to the District of Columbia for Federal and District of Columbia contributions to each fund, respectively. Directs the Board to publish annual reports with respect to each retirement program and corresponding Fund to which this Act applies. Requires that each such report include (1) a financial statement containing a statement of Fund assets and liabilities, a statement of changes in net assets available for benefits under the retirement program, and other specified information; (2) an opinion by an independent public accountant as to whether such financial statement is presented in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles; (3) an actuarial statement containing specified information relating to the Fund and retirement program; (4) information relating to the number of employees covered by the retirement program, persons receiving compensation from the Fund, and specified changes to the Funds' operation; and (5) a report from each insurance company or similar organization from which program benefits are purchased or which guarantees such benefits. Directs the Board to prepare summary retirement program descriptions to be supplied to each participant in, and beneficiary under, each retirement program to which this Act applies. Requires that annual reports and copies of summary retirement program descriptions be filed with the mayor of the District of Columbia, the District of Columbia Council, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the President pro tempore of the Senate. Empowers the Mayor, the Council, or either House of Congress to reject any filing upon making specified findings. Suspends Federal contributions to any Fund with respect to which a filing is rejected or not timely filing has been made pending an acceptable filing. Requires that copies of such reports and descriptions be made available for public inspection. Authorizes the Board to designate one or more persons to exercise fiduciary responsibilities with respect to Funds established by this Act but places with the Board fiduciary responsibility for the oversight of any person so designated. Lists standards and guidelines to be followed by fiduciaries in the discharge of their duties. Specifies circumstances under which a fiduciary shall be liable for a breach of fiduciary duty by another fiduciary. Prohibits a fiduciary from causing the Fund to engage in specified transactions with interested parties or with itself. Deems void any provision in an agreement or instrument which purports to relieve a fiduciary from responsibility or liability. Permits the Board, fiduciaries, and groups of retirement program participants to purchase breach insurance to cover liability or losses arising from a breach of fiduciary duty. Prohibits any person convicted of specified crimes from serving as an administrator, fiduciary, counsel, or employee of, or as a consultant to, any Fund established by this Act within five years of any such conviction or release from imprisonment, unless the Board of Parole of the United States determines that such person's service with the Fund would not be contrary to the purposes of this Act. Creates civil causes of action for the benefit of specified plantiffs to enforce the provisions of this Act. Specifies time limits within which civil actions grounded on a breach of fiduciary duty must be brought. Title II: Changes In Retirement Benefits - Sets the salary base period for computation of annuities with respect to participants in the District of Columbia Policemen and Firemen's Retirement Fund hired at least 90 days subsequent to the enactment of this Act at the highest annual rate resulting from averaging such participant's rates of basic salary for any 36 months rather than for any 12 months of consecutive service. Redefines an optional basis for survivors annuities by allowing for cost-of-living adjustments in a retired participants' average pay. Sets forth regulations with respect to voluntary retirement, disability retirement, and separation other than by retirement, and the amount of annuities for each. Authorizes cost-of-living adjustments in annuities payable from the District of Columbia Policemen and Fireman's Retirement Fund. Eliminates the one percent increase added on to cost-of-living increases in the annuities of District of Columbia public School teachers and judges.
United States · United States Congress · 14 April 1976
Designates the new general medical and surgical Veterans' Administration hospital to be located adjacent to the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta, Georgia, the "Robert G. Stephens, Jr., Veterans' Administration Hospital."
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 1976
Provides for the relief of Larry P. McDonald.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1976
Designates April 13, 1976 as "Thomas Jefferson Day."
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 1976
Designates the Federal building and United States Post Office in Jasper, Georgia, as the Phil M. Landrum Federal Building and Post Office.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1976
Peanut Act - Provides, under the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938, for a national acreage allotment of not less than 1,247,000 acres for the 1977 crop of peanuts. States that the farm yield for such crop shall be determined on a basis equal to 96 percent of the average actual yield per acre on the farm for the three highest yield years out of the five years preceding the year such yield determination is made. Provides that if peanuts were not produced on such farm in at least three years of such five-year period, the Secretary of Agriculture shall have a yield appraised at 90 percent of the yields established for similar farms. Establishes a farm marketing quota for such peanut crop equal to the quantity determined by multiplying the farm peanut acreage allotment by the farm yield. Sets forth economic penalties for the marketing of nonquota peanuts or the marketing of peanuts in a larger quantity or higher grade or quality than could reasonably be proved from the quality of peanuts or the grade acquired by handlers for marketing. States that only quota peanuts may be retained for use as seed on a farm and when so retained shall be considered as marketings of quota peanuts. Requires that all acreage planted to peanuts be measured and that the disposal of nonquota peanuts be supervised by area marketing associations designated pursuant to the Agricultural Act of 1949. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture under such Act to make price supports available to producers of the 1977 crop of peanuts through loans, purchases or other operations on quota peanuts at a net level of not less than 70 percent of the parity price as of April 1, 1977, and on nonquota peanuts at not more than 60 percent of the loan and purchase level for quota peanuts or 90 percent of the estimated value of peanuts for crushing, export, or both, whichever is lower. Directs the Commodity Credit Corportation to make warehouse storage loans available to marketing associations of specified producing areas which are selected and approved by the Corporation and which are operated primarily for the purpose of conducting such loan activities. Requires such associations to establish pools and maintain records by type for quota peanuts handled under loans and for nonquota peanuts produced without a contract between handler and producer. States that net gains on peanuts in such pool shall be distributed in proportion to the value of the peanuts placed in the pool by each grower. Provides that peanuts received under loan by such associations shall be offered for sale for domestic food and related uses. Sets forth the prices to be charged for such peanuts. Authorizes the sale for crushing or export of any peanuts received under loan which are not needed for domestic purposes. States that for the 1977 crop and subsequent crop of peanuts the Secretary shall permit the owner and operator of any farm for which a peanut acreage allotment is established to sell, lease, or transfer all or part of such allotment.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1976
Designates the fourth Monday in March of each year as "National Agriculture Day".
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1976
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Congress has not delegated to the Federal Trade Commission any authority to preempt the laws of the States and their political subdivisions.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1976
Amends the Housing Act of 1949 to expand the definitions of "rural" and "rural areas" to include places not part of or associated with an urban area which have a population of between 10,000 and 20,000 people and which have a serious lack of mortgage credit for lower- and moderate-income families.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1976
Authorizes payment under the supplementary medical insurance program of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act for optometric and medical vision care.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1976
Expresses the sense of Congress that the U.S. Postal Service should not close or otherwise suspend the operation of any post office during the six-month period beginning on the date of adoption of this resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1976
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to change the excise tax on large cigars to an ad valorem tax based on wholesale price per thousand. Requires every manufacturer of tobacco products, every importer, and every export warehouse proprietor to maintain records which shall be available for inspection by Internal Revenue officers. Defines the term "wholesale price" with respect to cigars.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1976
Amends the District of Columbia Medical and Dental Manpower Act to extend through fiscal year 1977 the authority of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to nonprofit medical and dental schools.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1976
Provides for the incorporation of the Gold Star Wives of America. Sets forth the objectives, purposes and powers of such corporation. Stipulates the nonpolitical nature the corporation is to be maintained.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1976
Increases the estate tax exemption for taxable estates under the Internal Revenue Code from $60,000 to $200,000 of the value of the gross estate. Increases the limitation on the aggregate marital deduction to 50 percent of the adjusted gross value of the estate, plus $100,000. Allows an executor to value farmland, woodland, and scenic open land at its current use value rather than at its fair market value.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1976
Directs the Joint Committee on the Library to allow Mrs. Joyce Shaw to erect on the grounds of the United States Capitol, a monument in hand-sculptured ice letters reading "We the People. Provides that the Committee shall authorize Mrs. Shaw to sculpt the ice letters beginning November 1, 1976, on a site determined by the Architect of the Capitol. Requires that the monument be removed by Mrs. Shaw from the Capitol grounds not later than January 1, 1977. Directs that no Federal funds shall be expended for any expenses incurred by Mrs. Shaw in connection with the monument.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1976
Imposes a fine of not more than $10,000 and/or imprisonment of not more than ten years for disclosure of (1) the association of any individual or entity with the foreign intelligence operation of the United States, or (2) the identity of such individual where such disclosure may prejudice the safety of such individual.
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 1975
Declares that the Congress has not delegated to the Federal Trade Commission any authority to preempt the laws of the States or their political subdivisions.
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 1975
Requires the Secretary of Commerce to use sampling methods in taking agricultural censuses, except that he may substitute another method where he determines that sampling methods would be inappropriate. (Amends 13 U.S.C. 142(a))
United States · United States Congress · 11 December 1975
Provides for a sentence of not less than five nor more than fifteen years for the commission of a felony with a firearm in addition to the sentence imposed for the commission of the felony. Provides for an additional sentence of from ten to thirty years for the commission of any subsequent felony with a firearm.
United States · United States Congress · 11 December 1975
Declares that the Congress has not delegated to the Federal Trade Commission any authority to preempt the laws of the States or their political subdivisions.
United States · United States Congress · 2 December 1975
Declares that the Congress has not delegated to the Federal Trade Commission any authority to preempt the laws of the States or their political subdivisions.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1975
Declares that the Congress has not delegated to the Federal Trade Commission any authority to preempt the laws of the States or their political subdivisions.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1975
Declares that the Congress has not delegated to the Federal Trade Commission any authority to preempt the laws of the States or their political subdivisions.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1975
Declares that the Congress has not delegated to the Federal Trade Commission any authority to preempt the laws of the States or their political subdivisions.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 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 · 5 November 1975
Jobs Creation Act - Allows an exclusion from gross income of qualified additional savings and investments made during a tax year. Provides for an exclusion of up to $1,000 or $2,000 for a married couple filing a joint return. Excludes dividends paid by domestic corporations from corporate gross income. Grants a $1,000 exclusion from capital gains for each capital transaction qualified. Allows an extension of time for payment of estate taxes where the estate consists largely of small business interests. Increases the estate tax exemption for family farming operations to $200,000. Increases the corporate surtax exemption, including provisions for reduced taxes for small business, to give an effective corporate income tax reduction in the range of 6 percent. Increases the investment tax credit to 15 percent and makes it permanent. Allows taxable year price-level adjustments in property and allows increases in class life variances for purposes of depreciation - the latter increasing the asset depreciation range (ADR) from a factor of 20 to a factor of 40 with respect to asset life. Provides for a complete amortization in 1 year of required but nonproductive pollution control facilities and equipment.
United States · United States Congress · 28 October 1975
Extends for one year, through fiscal year 1977, the District of Columbia Medical and Dental Manpower Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 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.
United States · United States Congress · 23 October 1975
Condemns the resolution adopted by the Third Committee of the United Nations General Assembly which equates Zionism with racism, and urges the U.N. General Assembly to disapprove such resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1975
Authorizes the President to issue a proclamation designating the week in November which includes Thanksgiving Day in each year as "National Family Week."
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 1975
Establishes a Foreign Service grievance procedure. States that it is the purpose of such procedure to provide officers and employees of the Service and their survivors with a means to insure the fullest measure of due process and to provide for the just consideration and resolution of grievances of such officers employees and survivors. Provides that the Secretary shall implement this Act by promulgating regulations to provide for the consideration and resolution of grievances by a board. Sets forth provisions which such regulations shall include. Provides for judicial review of regulations promulgated by the Secretary and of the actions of the Secretary or the board pursuant to such regulations.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 1975
Denies 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 apply 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 · 17 September 1975
Disapproves the District of Columbia Rental Accommodations Act of 1975 as passed by the District of Columbia Council on July 29, 1975, and transmitted to Congress September 8, 1975.
United States · United States Congress · 3 September 1975
Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States Government while engaged in a lessening of tensions with the People's Republic of China, do nothing to compromise continued close relations with the Republic of China.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1975
Authorizes the District of Columbia government to enter into and to amend compacts between the District and a State with the consent, by law, of the Congress.