United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1976
Establishes a standing committee of the Senate to be known as the Committee on Intelligence Activities, to oversee and make continuing studies of the intelligence activities and programs of the United States Government, and to submit to the Senate appropriate proposals for legislation concerning such intelligence activities and programs. Provides that the Committee shall make every effort to assure that the appropriate departments and agencies of the United States provide the intelligence necessary for the executive and legislative branches to make sound decisions affecting the security and vital interests of the Nation. Provides that the Committee provide oversight of the intelligence activities of the United States. Stipulates that no member or professional employee of the Committee shall serve for more than six years of continuous service. Specifies that all matters relating to the following shall be referred to the Committee: (1) the Central Intelligence Agency and the Director of Central Intelligence; (2) intelligence activities of all other departments and agencies of the Government, including, but not limited to, the intelligence activities of the Defense Intelligence Agency, the National Security Agency, and other agencies of the Department of Defense; the Department of State; the Department of Justice; and the Department of the Treasury; (3) the organization or reorganization of any department or agency of the Government to the extent that the organization or reorganization relates to a function or activity involving intelligence activities; and (4) all authorizations for appropriations for all such organizations and activities. Requires the Committee to make periodic reports to the Senate on the nature and extent of the intelligence activities of the various departments and agencies of the United States. Directs the Committee to obtain an annual report from the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of State, and the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Specifies that such report shall review the intelligence activities of the agency or department concerned and the intelligence activities of foreign countries directed at the United States or its interests. Provides that such report shall be made available to the public. Authorizes the Committee to disclose publicly any information in its possession after a determination that the public interest would be served by such disclosure. States that in any case in which the Committee on Intelligence Activities of the Senate votes to disclose publicly any information submitted to it by the executive branch which the executive branch requests be kept secret, such committee shall notify the President of such vote. Provides that when the members of the Committee shall vote not to disclose such information the decision may be referred to the Senate for reconsideration upon the request of three Committee members. Provides that the Select Committee on Standards and Conduct may investigate any alleged disclosure of intelligence information by a Member, officer, or employee of the Senate which violates this Act. Directs that the records, files, documents, and other materials in the possession of the Select Committee on Governmental Operations with respect to Intelligence Activities shall, upon the expiration of such committee's authority, be transferred to the Committee on Intelligence Activities. Requires the Committee to study the quality, nature, and conduct of intelligence activities, including recommendations for any changes in the law considered desirable by the Committee. Requires that the Committee report its findings to the Senate no later than July 1, 1977.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1976
Establishes a National Commission on Food Production, Processing, Marketing, and Pricing, to be composed of nine members. Directs the Commission to study and appraise the economic and industrial structure of all segments of the food industry, including: (1) economic forecasts; (2) desirable structural changes in the various segments of the food industry; and (3) the effect of food imports on producers, processors, and consumers in the United States. Requires the Commission to make such interim reports as it deems advisable, and to make a final report of its findings, recommendations, and conclusions to the President and the Congress by July 1, 1978. Sets forth the powers of the Commission. Requires that, within six months following the filing of the final report, the Federal Trade Commission, the Department of Justice, and the Department of Agriculture shall each publish separate reports on the policy planning, budget allotments, investigations, complaints, indictments, litigation, and other actions of each agency with respect to the enforcement of the antitrust laws on the various sectors of the food industry. Directs the FTC and the Department of Justice to submit to the Congress and to publish in the Federal Register annual indices of the structure and the state of competition in the food industry. Authorizes appropriations to the Commission of up to $3,750,000 to carry out the purposes of this Act. Authorizes appropriations of up to $1,000,000 to the Federal Trade Commission to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1976
Maritime Education and Training Act - Provides, under the Merchant Marine Act, that the Secretary of Commerce shall meet prior to the beginning of each fiscal year with representatives of maritime training institutions for the purpose of estimating the projected enrollment at all such institutions during such fiscal year, and the next three fiscal years. Requires the submission of a report to the Congress on the estimation of such enrollments. Requires the apportionment of funds among colleges and academies training individuals for licensing in the maritime service. Directs the Secretary to submit to the Congress recommendations on the providing of the students of such institutions with access to the resources and programs of the National Maritime Research Center. Directs the compilation of a national roster of all individuals who have not yet reached the age of 65 years and who are or were licensed as officers in the United States Merchant Marine.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1976
Lebanon Relief and Reconstruction Act - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary for relief and reconstruction in Lebanon.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1976
Opportunities Industrialization Centers Job Creation and Training Act - States that the purpose of this Act is to provide special authority for the Opportunities Industrialization Centers in order to create and provide job opportunities for specific unemployed persons who were particularly hard hit by the recent economic recession, and to provide opportunities for industry to create additional jobs for the unemployed in rural and urban communities. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to enter into a contract with Opportunities Industrialization Centers, Incorporated (OIC) in order to provide comprehensive employment services and jobs for unemployed persons. Requires each such contract to contain provisions assuring that specific requirements are complied with, including requirements that (1) special consideration in providing jobs will be given to unemployed persons who are most severely disadvantaged in terms of the length of time they have been unemployed; (2) due consideration will be given to persons who have participated in manpower training programs for whom unemployment opportunities would be otherwise unavailable, and (3) the program will to the maximum extent feasible contribute to the elimination of artificial barriers to employment and occupational advancement. Sets forth special conditions to be met prior to providing financial assistance pursuant to a contract entered into under this Act. Requires the programs to contribute, to the maximum extent feasible, to the occupational development or upward mobility of individual participants. Prohibits the Secretary from providing financial assistance unless he determines that: (1) periodic reports will be submitted to him to measure the effectiveness of the programs; (2) there will be no discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, political affiliation, or beliefs within the program, and (3) the participants in the program will not be employed in the construction, operation, or maintenance of sectarian religious facilities. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the provisions of this Act of $150,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, $200,0000,000 for fiscal year 1978, $300,000,000 for fiscal year 1979, and $350,000,000 for fiscal year 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1976
Bicentennial Commission on Presidential Nominations Resolution - Establishes a twenty member Bicentennial Commission on Presidential Nominations. Provides that the Commission shall make a full and complete investigation with respect to the Presidential nominating process. Directs that such investigation shall include consideration of (1) the manner in which States conduct primaries; (2) State laws and the rules of national political parties which govern the participation of voters and candidates in such primaries; (3) the financing of campaigns for the nomination of candidates for election to the office of the President of the United States; (4) the relationship between candidates for election to the office of the President of the United States and the news media; (5) alternative nominating systems; and (6) the manner in which candidates are nominated for election to the office of Vice President of the United States. Requires the Commission to submit to the President and the Congress such interim reports as it deems advisable, and a final report not later than one year after the enactment of this resolution. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1976
Disapproves the proposed deferral of budget authority for the following: (1) National Cancer Institute; (2) National Heart and Lung Institute; (3) National Institute of Dental Research; (4) National Institute of Arthritis, Metabolism, and Digestive Diseases; (5) National Institute of Neurological and Communicative Disorders and Stroke; (6) National Institute of General Medical Sciences; (7) National Institute of Child Health and Human Development; (8) Division of Research Resources; and (9) Social and Rehabilitation Service - Public Assistance. Disapproves in part the deferral request for: (1) Health Services Administration; and (2) the Alcohol, Drug Abuse, and Mental Health Administration.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1976
Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to give the President the power to appoint six members of the eight-member Federal Election Commission by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Appoints the Secretary of the Senate and the Clerk of the House of Representatives as ex officio members of the Commission without the right to vote. Terminates the terms of the present members once the new members are appointed and confirmed pursuant to this Act. Declares the sense of the Congress that appointments authorized by this Act should be made as soon as possible.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1976
Commodity Supplemental Food Program Act - Revises the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to require the Secretary of Agriculture to pay to each State or local agency administering any commodity supplemental food program referred to as a supplemental feeding program under the Agriculture and Consumer Protection Act of 1973, the administrative costs for such program in an amount not exceeding 20 percent of the total amount made available to such State or agency for such program in any fiscal year. States that, notwithstanding this limitation, the Secretary shall pay the total expenses necessary for successful operation of such program during the first 90 days after enactment of this Act or until the commodity supplemental food program reaches its projected caseload level, whichever is longer. Directs each State or local agency participating in such program to submit a report to the Secretary describing the manner in which nutrition education services are being provided to the recipients of food under such program. States that the payment of administrative expenses by the Secretary shall not be conditioned upon the submission of such report. Requires the maintenance in such programs of the types and varieties of commodities in the same proportional amounts which are currently available or which were available in the the 1974 fiscal year, whichever is greater. Directs the Secretary to require that specified foods be made available to recipients under such program. Allows such program to exist in the same area in which another food program is in operation if the State or local agency establishes safeguards to prevent households and individuals from participating in both programs. Prevents any State or local agency from prohibiting children under six years of age from receiving benefits under such programs if they are otherwise eligible to receive such benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1976
National Health Research and Development Act - States the congressional finding that cigarette smoking is a principal health threat and that the harmful factors in cigarette smoke are tars and nicotine. Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish a fifteen-member National Health Research and Development Advisory Commission for the purpose of advising the President and Congress on the overall status of the national health research effort and making recommendations on the course and priorities of future health research and development. Outlines the procedures for members' appointment to the Commission. Requires the Commission, in addition to its other functions, to conduct studies relating to health research and development or the application and dissemination of health technology as the President or Congress may request or as the Commission deems necessary. Requires the Commission to report its conclusions and make recommendations at least once every two years to the President and Congress. Directs the Commission to make recommendations to the President and Congress on the distribution of moneys in the National Health Research and Development Fund established by this Act. Authorizes the appropriation, for fiscal years 1977-1981, of those amounts determined by the Secretary of the Treasury to be equivalent to the revenue from the cigarette tax created by this Act, such amounts to be used for research and projects in the areas to be studied by the Commission. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose a health research and development tax on cigarettes, such tax to be initially imposed in calendar year 1977, at the rate of $0.0002 for each milligram of tar and $0.002 for each milligram of nicotine. Steps up the rate of tax in each succeeding year, the final rate to be instituted in 1980, imposing a tax of $0.0005 for each milligram of tar and $0.005 for each milligram of nicotine. Directs the Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission, at least once each calendar year, to certify to the Secretary of the Treasury or his delegate, the tar and nicotine content of each brand of cigarettes manufactured in or imported into the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1976
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose an additional excise tax on cigarettes at the rate of $2.50 per thousand. Establishes the Heart, Lung, and Environmental Health Medical Research Fund in the Treasury of the United States. Appropriates to the fund such amounts as are collected under the cigarette excise tax imposed by this Act. Stipulates that 66 percent of such amounts shall be used for National Cancer Institute research, 31 percent shall be used for National Heart Institute research, and 3 percent shall be used for research by the National Institute of Environmental Health Services.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1976
Honors Clarence M. Mitchell, Junior, for his contributions to the establishment of justice and equality in America. Expresses gratitude for his efforts to improve the quality of life for all Americans.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1976
Energy Research and Development Free Enterprise Act - Title I: Findings, Definitions, and General Provisions - Declares that it is the policy of the Congress that small business concerns and individual inventors should be provided greater opportunities by the Federal Government in the development of energy resources and technology, with special emphasis on solar energy technology and to expand competition and reduce concentration in the energy industries of the Nation. Amends the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974 and the Federal Nonnuclear Energy Research and Development Act of 1974 to offer increased opportunities in Federal energy development programs to small business concerns and individual inventors. Title II: Energy Program Reorganization - Amends the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974 to establish within the Energy Research and Development Administration five additional Assistant Administrators for: (1) small business concerns and individual inventors; (2) planning and analysis; (3) laboratory and field coordination; (4) administration; and (5) international officers. Requires that no less than 50 percent of the total amount of funds for solar energy technology programs and no less than 20 percent of the total amount of funds for all areas of energy technology be made available to small business concerns and individual inventors. Limits the awarding of energy program contracts in situations where the financial capabilities of non-Federal entities are inadequate to develop such technology without Federal assistance. Authorizes appropriations of $2,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 and each fiscal year thereafter to the Administrator of the Small Business Administration in order to provide consultation services for the preparation of contract proposals by small businesses and individual inventors. Title III: Encouragement of Competition in Energy Programs - Directs the Administrators of the Energy Research and Development and the Small Business Administrations to provide detailed information to potential participants in energy programs. Directs the Administrator of the Energy Research and Development Administration to refrain from awarding contracts which will have an adverse impact on industry or market competition. Directs the Attorney General and the Federal Trade Commission to recommend criteria to the Administration upon which to make such a determination. Prohibits the entering into of any energy contract to any person who has an interest in delaying completion of the contract or altering any research findings in the performance of such contract. Requires the Administrator to transmit to the Attorney General a copy of the proposed contract if the profitmaking enterprise has gross assets exceeding $250,000,000. Prohibits the Administrator from awarding a contract to such an enterprise until the Attorney General's opinion is received. Establishes procedures and requirements for the disclosure of information relating to the awarding of contracts by the Administrator and by program participants. Imposes a fine of $20,000, or the amount of the contract, whichever is greater; and/or imprisonment of up to two years for participants who transmit false, fictitious, or fradulent information.
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 1975
Provides that a charitable organization shall be denied exemption from taxation under the Internal Revenue Code where amounts paid or incurred by such organization during each taxable year to influence legislation exceed specified sums of money, or where a significant portion of the activities of such organization consists of carrying on propaganda or otherwise attempting to influence legislation. Designates charitable organizations to which this Act applies, and defines the term "influencing legislation". Disallows deductions to charitable organizations where the contribution is made for the purpose of influencing legislation.
United States · United States Congress · 17 December 1975
Food Industry Antitrust Reports Act - Directs the Federal Trade Commission, the Department of Justice, and the Department of Agriculture to submit to the appropriate House and Senate committees a report on actions with respect to the enforcement of the antitrust laws in the various sectors of the food industry. Requires that such report be made not later than six months after the date of enactment of this Act, and yearly thereafter. Provides that no later than five years after the enactment of this Act, the Commission shall submit to the Congress a comprehensive report on the market structure and State of competition in the food industries. Requires the Commission and the Department of Justice to provide to the Congress an analysis of the adequacy of available data on which any study is based. Authorizes the appropriation to the Commission of $1,000,000 for each of the next five fiscal years.
United States · United States Congress · 1 December 1975
New York City Seasonal Financing Act - Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to make loans to New York City or its financing agent. Requires that each loan fall due not later than the last day of the City's fiscal year. Sets the interest rate on such loans at one percent per annum above the current average market yield on outstanding marketable obligations of the United States with remaining periods to maturity comparable to the maturities of such loans. Permits the Secretary to require the City, any financing agent, or if necessary, the State of New York, to provide such security for the loans as he deems appropriate. Allows the Secretary to enforce any claim the United States may have against the City by withholding any payments from the United States to the City, either directly or through the State, which may be or may become due pursuant to any other law. Requires that no loan be made unless the Secretary determines that there is a reasonable prospect of repayment. Empowers the Secretary to make such terms and conditions as he may deem appropriate to ensure repayment. Limits the maximum outstanding amount of loans made under this Act to $2,300,000,000. Authorizes the Secretary to use as a public debt transaction the proceeds from any sales of any securities issued under the Second Liberty Bond Act for the purpose of making any loan under this Act. Terminates the Secretary's authority to make loans under this Act on June 30, 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1975
Authorizes, under the Administrative Procedure Act, the awarding of reasonable attorney fees and other expenses for participation in proceedings before Federal regulatory agencies. Sets forth criteria governing the awarding of fees and expenses. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as are necessary to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1975
States that the Senate commends Secretary of Defense James R. Schlesinger for his excellence in office, his intellectual honesty, personal integrity, courage and independence. Expresses a debt of gratitude to Secretary Schlesinger for his services and particularly for his determination to convey the truth to the American people.
United States · United States Congress · 13 November 1975
Federal Oil Pollution Liability and Compensation Act - Prohibits the discharge of oil in harmful quantities (as determined by the President under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act), and assesses a civil fine of up to $10,000 against the owner, operator or licensee of the discharging vessel. Prescribes criminal penalties for the failure of any person in charge of a vessel to notify the appropriate agency of the United States Government of such discharge. Directs the President to act to remove discharged oil unless he determines that such removal will be done properly and expeditionsly by the owner or operator of the vessel, onshore or offshore facility, or deepwater port, from which the discharge occurs. Provides that all costs, including administrative, incurred by the Secretary or any other Federal, State, or local official or agency, or any other person, of cleanup and other actions to minimize damages resulting from a discharge shall be borne by the owner and operator or licensee of the operation from which the discharge occurred up to $150 per gross ton of the responsible vessel. Limits the liability of owners or operators of onshore and offshore facilities and licensees of deepwater ports to the following amounts: (1) $50,000,000, in the case of an onshore facility; (2) $50,000,000, in the case of an offshore facility; and (3) $100,000,000, in the case of a deepwater port. Establishes in the Department of Transportation an agency to be known as the National Oil Pollution Liability and Compensation Administration to establish and maintain the National Oil Pollution Compensation Fund and to generally act as trustee of the natural resources of the marine environment. Authorizes disbursement of moneys from the Fund for payment of damages not actually compensated under this Act, cleanup costs, and research into methods to prevent, contain, and remove discharges. Provides that the Fund shall be provisioned through the levy and collection by the Administration of a 5-cent-per-barrel fee imposed on the owner of oil (1) when the oil is loaded on or off a vessel at an onshore or offshore facility, (2) when the oil is transferred from a well to a pipeline or a vessel; or (3) when the oil is loaded on or off a vessel at a deepwater port. States that each owner or operator of a vessel or an onshore or offshore facility and each licensee shall establish and maintain under rules and regulations prescribed by the Administrator, evidence of financial responsibility based on the tonnage of the vessel, the capacity of the facility or deepwater port, and other relevant factors. Directs the Administrator to prescribe and from time to time to change regulations for the filing, processing, settlement, and adjudication of claims for cleanup costs and damages resulting from the discharge of oil. Provides for public access to information concerning any communication, document, report, or information transmitted between any official of the Federal Government and any person concerning liability and compensation for damage resulting from the discharge of oil. Authorizes appropriations for the administration of this Act for fiscal years 1976, 1977, and 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 10 November 1975
Veterans and Survivors Pension Reform Act - Title I: Reform of the Non-Service-Connected Pension Program for Veterans and Their Survivors - Creates a pension system within the Veterans' Administration applicable to all veterans, widows of veterans, and dependent parents who, subsequent to October 1, 1976, are or become eligible for a Veterans' Administration non-service-connected pension. Provides for a restructuring of the need-based pension program of the Veterans' Administration. Provides for a level of income for veterans and their survivors which is above the minimum subsistence level. Establishes a basic minimum level of income for all eligible veterans and dependents at $2,700 for single pensioners and $3,900 for pensioners with dependents. Provides for a method of computing a pension for those veterans with little or no income. Title II: Adjustments in Current Statutory Pension Provisions - Defines terms used in this Act. Revises the catagories of spouse, widow, and surviving spouse for purposes of the changes in rates in this Act. Presents a schedule by month for such rates. Title III: Reform of Dependency and Indemnity Compensation for Parents - Revises the schedule for determining dependency and indemnity compensation rates under the Veterans' Administration. Title IV: Adjustments in Current Statutory Provisions Relating to Dependency and Indemnity Compensation for Parents - Sets forth schedules for the payment of monthly dependency and indemnification compensation to the parents of veterans. Title V: Miscellaneous and Effective Dates - Makes the effective date of this Act October 1, 1976.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 1975
National Consumer Cooperative Bank Act - Title I: National Consumer Cooperative Bank - Sets forth the findings of Congress that there is a need for the establishment of a National Consumer Cooperative Bank and a Cooperative Bank and Assistance Administration which will make available necessary financial and technical assistance to cooperative self-help endeavors as a means of strengthening the Nation's economy. Establishes the National Consumer Cooperative Bank. States that the Bank shall: (1) encourage the development of new and existing cooperatives eligible for its assistance by providing specialized credit and technical assistance; (2) maintain broad-based control of the Bank by its voting stockholders; (3) encourage broad-based ownership, control and active participation by members in eligible cooperatives; (4) assure that the net savings from its operations and the operations of borrowers from the Bank, are made available or accounted for to the stockholders or members of the cooperative organization; and (5) assist in improving the quality and availability of goods and services to consumers. Authorizes the creation of no less than four nor more than twelve corporate regional banks. States that the Bank shall have the power to make and service loans, commitments for credit, guarantees, furnish financially related services, technical assistance, and issue obligations. Enumerates additional powers necessary to carry out its powers and duties under this Act. Authorizes appropriations of $250,000,000 per year for the United States to purchase class A preferred stock of the Bank. Requires the Bank to hold an annual meeting of stockholders. Permits the Bank to obtain funds through the public or private sale of its bonds, debentures, notes, and other evidences of indebtedness. Authorizes the Bank to make loans to eligible organizations which shall be repayable in not more than forty years. States that the objective of the Bank shall be to provide the the type of credit needed by eligible borrowers, at the lowest reasonable cost on a sound business basis, taking into account the cost of money to the Bank. Defines "eligible cooperatives" for purposes of assistance under this title as an organization chartered or operated on a cooperative, not for profit basis for producing or furnishing goods, services, facilities, or financing, primarily for the benefit of its members or voting stockholders who are ultimate consumers, if it meets specified criteria, or any other institution chartered or operated in such a way as to enhance competitive market forces or to reduce the price spread between producers and the ultimate consumers of products or services. Title II: Self-Help Development Fund - Establishes in the Treasury a Consumer Cooperative Self-Help Development Fund. Authorizes appropriations of $250,000,000 to be deposited in the Fund. Permits the Cooperative Bank and Assistance Administration to make a capital investment advance out of the Fund to any eligible cooperative if the Administration determines that the applicant's initial or supplemental capital requirements exceed its ability to obtain a Title I loan from the Bank or other sources, and the membership of the applicant consists substantially of low-income persons. Title III: Cooperative Technical Assistance - Directs the Cooperative Bank and Assistance Administration to make available information and services concerning the organization or reorganization of cooperatives to best achieve the objectives of this Act and to best provide the means through which various types of goods, services, and facilities can be made available to members and patrons. States that such assistance may include investigations, surveys, and director and management training and assistance. Authorizes appropriations to the Administration of sums necessary for the administration of this title. Title IV: The Cooperative Bank and Assistance Administration and General Provisions - Establishes the Cooperative Bank and Assistance Administration. Directs the Administration to assure that the objectives of this Act are carried out. States that until the stock of the Bank held by the United States has been fully retired the Bank shall be exempt from any form of taxation. Requires the Administration and the Board to report annually to the appropriate committee of Congress on the activities of the Administration and on the Bank's capital, operations, financial condition, the self-help development fund, and to make recommendations for legistation to improve its services. Authorizes appropriations of sums necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act, in addition to appropriations specifically authorized.
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 1975
Young Farmers' Homestead Act - Establishes as an agency within the Department of Agriculture the Federal Farm Assistance Corporation. Authorizies the Corporation to purchase farm land in value of up to $200,000 per unit. Provides that the Corporation shall make such farms available for lease and subsequently for sale. Directs that the farms may be leased to an eligible applicant for a period of not less than two years nor more than seven years with specified restrictions upon the use of such land. Provides that the lessee may at any time within six months prior to the expiration of his lease make application to the board for purchase of such unit upon the expiration of such lease. States that the board shall approve such application if it determines that the lessee can successfully manage and operate such farm unit. Specifies a formula to be used in determining the selling price of each farm. Provides that a buyer may obtain financing through any available source, but if private financing is not available, the Farmers Home Administration shall furnish the financing at a specified rate. Requires the Corporation to file annually with the Secretary of Agriculture a complete report as to the business of the Corporation. Provides that the financial transactions of the Corporation shall be audited at least once each year by the General Accounting Office. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to appoint an advisory council to advise the board regarding the administration of this Act. Provides that the Council's advice shall include recommendations on what the eligibility requirements should be for leasing farm units and what experience should be required for leasing a farm. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to carry out this Act. Specifies criminal provisions applicable to the Federal Farm Assistance Corporation. (Amends 18 U.S.C. 657, 658, 1006, and 1014)
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 1975
Provides for the declaration of July 2, 1976, as a legal public holiday. Designates July 2, 3, 4, and 5, 1976, as a period of commemoration of America's Bicentennial. Requests the President to issue a proclamation designating such period as a period of commemoration of America's Bicentennial. Requests the President to ask Governors, mayors, other politicans, and friends of this country from abroad to participate in the celebration and activities planned for such period.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 1975
Requires that the Secretaries of the military departments be kept fully and currently informed regarding matters considered and acted upon by the Joint Chiefs of Staff. (Amends 10 U.S.C. 141)
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 1975
Revises the formula for determination of the amount of tax to be imposed on charitable foundations upon their failure to distribute income by changing the method of calculation of the minimum investment return for any private foundation for any taxable year.
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 1975
Specifies, under the Tax Reduction Act, that refunds based on credits for earned income under the Internal Revenue Code are to be disregarded in the determination of eligibility for Federal and federally assisted programs.
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 1975
Rail Rehabilitation Act - Title I: Findings, Purpose, and Definitions - States that the purposes of this Act are to designate an Interstate Railroad System; to organize an Administration of the Department of Transportation to acquire, rehabilitate, maintain, modernize, and to restructure the rail lines included within such system; to transfer to the States responsibility for maintenance of rail lines not included within such system; to require minimum standards of maintenance for rail lines; to establish rights of access by rail carriers to rail lines they do not own; and to provide Federal funding to the Administration and to States for rehabilitation of rail lines. Defines terms used in the Act. Title II: Interstate Railroad System - Requires each rail carrier to provide the Security of Transportation with specified data describing the current condition of the railroad, and with a verified statement identifying all railroad lines of the carrier. Designates the Initial Interstate Railroad System, and rail lines which shall be excluded from such system. Directs the Rail Services Planning Office to hold hearings and recommend additions to and deletions from such system. Requires the Secretary, after giving full consideration to such recommendations, to prepare and release a concise descriptive study of an Intermediate Interstate Railroad system, including future maintenance standards of each rail line in the System. States that after hearings and recommendations by the Office, the Secretary shall prepare and submit to the Congress a final Interstate Railroad System Plan designed to promote and enhance the ability of rail carriers to provide modern, efficient, and economical interstate rail freight and passenger service responsive to present and future needs and demands. Requires the Secretary to determine and publish a rehabilitation, capital improvement, and maintenance program for the restoration of all rail lines in the System to the future maintenance standards set forth in the Final System. Stipulates that rail properties acquired by the National Railroad Passenger Corporation shall be part of the final system. Directs the Administrator of the Federal Rail Property Administration to revise the future maintenance standards so long as such revision reflects changes in the anticipated use of the individual lines. Title III: Federal Rail Property Administration - Establishes in the Department of Transportation the Federal Rail Property Administration. Grants the Administration power to acquire rail lines and property and to enter into leases with a railroad company which deeds rail lines to the Administration. Sets forth conditions governing such leases. Permits railroads to offer to transfer all facilities which are included in the system to the Administration, whereupon the Administration shall enter into a lease and accept title to the facilities so offered. Requires the Secretary to develop programs of rehabilitation and capital improvements for rail properties owned by the Administration. States that such programs shall be incorporated into and be made terms of the lease of such property. Directs the Administrator to report annually to the President and to Congress on the extend and condition of all properties owned by the Administration, and on the condition of all other rail properties in the Nation. Title IV: Funding - Authorizes appropriations, for each year beginning with the year in which this Act is enacted and continuing for a period of ten years, of such sums as are necessary for (1) rehabilitation of lines as required under this Act, and (2) to provide the materials used in maintenance as required under this Act. Imposes a Rail User Charge on all railroads operating on facilities of the Administration. Authorizes additional sums of money for reports, expenses, and maintenance materials. Title V: State and Local Rail Service Discontinuance and Abandonment - Permits abandonment of rail service on properties not designated part of the final system. Sets forth conditions governing discontinuation of service. Title VI: Labor Contracts - States that all contracts between rail carries and labor organizations for maintenance of properties transferred to the Association shall remain in full force, notwithstanding any other provision of this Act. Title VII: Northeast Corridor - Directs the National Railroad Passenger Corporation to operate high speed rail passenger service in the Northeast Corridor. Authorizes appropriations for improvement of the Northeast Corridor. Title VIII: Branch Line Protection - Requires the Secretary of Transportation to provide financial assistance to achieve specified objectives, including: (1) rail service continuation subsidies in conformance with a State rail plan approved by the Secretary; and (2) acquisition and modernization of rail properties by a State or by a local or regional transportation authority in conformance with a State rail plan approved by the Secretary. Requires the Interstate Commerce Commission to issue new certificates of public convenience and necessity to rail lines which meet minimum safety standards and which have revenues equal to or in excess of avoidable costs plus return on investment for two years.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 1975
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to grant to any person holding a lease for oil shale, under the provisions of the Mineral Leasing Act, additional leases for lands outside the oil shale lease lands. Restricts the use of such lands as specified in the Act. Provides that such leases shall not be issued unless the lessee shows that the additional land is necessary to the operations under the oil shale lease and that the lease is in the public interest.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 1975
Expresses the sense of Congress that every person has a right to an adequate diet. Provides that recognition of this right should guide United States policy. Seeks to have all who are in need receive help through food assistance programs. Calls for this country to increase its assistance for self-help development among the world's poorest nations.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 1975
Redefines the term "agricultural" under the Interal Revenue Code for tax exemption status purposes as including, but not necessarily limited to, the art or science of cultivating land, harvesting crops or marine resources, or raising livestock.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 1975
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the efforts in Portugal to secure democracy in that country should be supported by the United States. Directs the Administration to submit to Congress its recommendations for ways in which the United States might provide support to a democratic Portugal.
United States · United States Congress · 16 September 1975
Prohibits commercial banks from incurring liabilities in excess of their paid-in capital stock plus 50 percent of the amount of their unimpaired surplus fund. Defines the liability of any person to a bank with respect to a time draft drawn by such person and accepted by such bank.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 1975
Suspends various provisions of the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act relating to development of a standard form for the statement of settlement costs in all transactions involving federally related mortgage loans; requiring advance disclosure of settlement costs to prospective borrowers; and requiring the disclosure of the previous selling price of existing real property.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1975
Condominium Consumer Protection Act - Stipulates that it shall be unlawful for any developer or agent, directly or indirectly, to make use of any means or instruments of transportation or communication in interstate commerce, or of the mails, to sell or offer to sell any condominium unit in a condominium project unless such developer or agent complies with provisions of this Act. Provides that any contract or agreement for the purchase or leasing of a condominium in a project covered by this Act, shall be voidable at the option of the purchaser for a specified period of time. Stipulates that a sale or offer to sell a condominum unit in a condominium project which is subject to this Act may be made only if: (1) any deposit or downpayment will be held in trust or escrow pursuant to regulations of the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development until delivered at settlement or returned to, or otherwise credited to, the purchaser, or forfeited; (2) except in his capacity as an owner of unsold condominium units, the developer or agent will not retain an interest in any common element (including any recreational area or facility) after control of the condominium project is assumed by the owners' association unless, in the case of a leasehold condominium project, he will also retain that same type of interest in the entire condominium project; (3) the unit owners will assume control of the common elements and of the condominium owners' association not later than one year after initial occupancy of the condominium project, or as soon as 80 percent of the units are occupied, whichever is earlier; (4) the condominium owners' association or the unit owners will not be subject to any management contract or other agreement enforceable against them after the expiration of six months after control of the common elements by the condominium owners' association becomes vested in such owners' association or owners, unless such a contract or agreement is renewed by a vote of the unit owners in accordance with the by-laws; (5) the developer has furnished, as a minimum, a two-year warranty (from the time of initial occupancy of the project) covering the full cost of labor and materials for any repair or replacement of roof and structural components, and mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and common service elements serving the condominium project as a whole, and a one-year warranty (from the time of initial occupancy of any unit thereof) covering the full cost of labor and materials for any repair or replacement of structural, mechanical, and other elements which pertain to such unit; (6) the developer will assume the rights and obligations of a condominium unit owner in his capacity as owner of condominium units not yet sold prior to the assumption of control under clause (3); and (7) in the case of a conversion condominium project, all tenants were offered an option, exercisable within not less than ninety days after notice, to purchase a condominium unit in the condominium project. Provides for standards for disclosure by condominium developers of all material circumstances or features affecting their projects. Provides for State plans of condominium consumer protection plans. Authorizes State enforcement of provisions of this Act. Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to provide technical assistance and information to the States to assist them in their plans under the provisions of this Act. Provides criminal and civil penalties for failures to comply with specified provisions of this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of up to $10,000,000 to carry out the provisions of this Act. Grants jurisdiction to United States District Courts over any suit or action which may be brought to enforce any liability or duty created by this Act. States that, unless the method of disposition is adopted for the purpose of evasion of this Act, the provisions of this Act shall not apply to: (1) the sale or lease of real estate not pursuant to a common promotional plan to offer or sell condominiums in a project; (2) the sale or lease of condominiums solely for commercial or industrial purposes or uses; (3) the sale or lease of real estate under or pursuant to court order; or (4) the sale or lease of real estate by any government or government agency.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1975
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare should withdraw its proposed Consolidated Procedural Rules for Administration and Enforcement of the Department's statutory responsibilities. States that if additional positions are required for enforcement of Civil Rights laws such need should be brought to the attention of the Senate. Directs the Office of Civil Rights to continue to make efforts to detect systematic discrimination including those areas relating to discrimination based on sex and handicap.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 1975
Provides, under title XX (Grants to States for Services) of the Social Security Act, that no State shall be required to administer individual means tests for provision of education, nutrition, transportation, recreation, socialization, or associated services provided thereunder to groups of low-income individuals aged sixty or older.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1975
Expresses the disapproval of the United States Senate of attempts to expel Israel for the United Nations. States that if Israel is expelled the Senate will review United States commitments to the Third World nations involved in the expulsion and will consider the implication of continued membership in the United Nations.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 1975
Requires any gasoline rationing plan to take into consideration area or regional differences in the availability of public transportation and driving distances, and to ration based on such differences.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 1975
Increases the Federal excise tax, under the Internal Revenue Code, on gasoline. Provides a tax credit which is refundable without regard to liability for an amount equal to the amount of increased tax which would be paid on 350 gallons of gasoline per person.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 1975
Directs that during fiscal year 1976 not less than 70 percent of the value of government-to-government commodity grants and of funds expended under title I of the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 shall be allotted to countries designated by the United Nations as "Most Seriously Affected". Establishes priorities for such distribution. Establishes procedures whereby the President may, subject to congressional approval, provide commodity assistance in excess of the limitations specified in this resolution if such assistance is for humanitarian purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 1975
Prohibits the utilization of funds appropriated for the use of the Department of Defense for purposes of conducting any research, testing, or evaluation in which dogs are used if such research, testing, or evaluation is conducted for the purpose of developing or improving any radioactive, chemical, or biological warfare agent. Restricts Department of Defense appropriated funds use in the area of dog procurement. Directs the Department of Defense to develop new research methods for its research projects, where feasible, to complement or eliminate current methods involving the direct or indirect use of animals.
![Official portrait of Sen. Brooke, Edward W. [R-MA]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/b000871_200.jpg)