United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1976
Retirement Benefit Fund Act - Title I: Retirement Benefit Funds - Establishes a Retirement Fund Division within the Securities and Exchange Commission to supervise retirement benefit funds according to the terms of this Act. Requires that applications to be authorized to operate as a retirement fund be filed with the Commission. Specifies information which must be included in such applications. Directs the Commission, in reviewing applications, to pay particular attention to (1) the financial condition of the persons affiliated with the applicant; (2) the demonstrated expertise of such persons; and (3) the demand for fund services. Instructs the Commission to issue a license to operate a fund upon finding that the interests of employees and the public would be served thereby. Stipulates that licenses so issued shall be for the term of 12 years and renewable. Prohibits funds from being affiliated with any bank, insurance company, or other financial institution. Directs the Commission to hold a license revocation or renewal hearing if it has grounds to believe that continued operation of a fund by a licensee is likely to jeopardize the actual or potential pension benefits of participants therein or upon the petition of 50 pension fund participants. Specifies procedures for the conduct and the appeal of decisions of such hearings. Empowers the Commission to place under the management of a trustee pending the outcome of such a hearing. Directs the Commission to appoint such a trustee upon denying renewal of or revoking a license if none has previously been appointed. Authorizes the Commission to condition license renewal or nonrevocation upon such alterations in fund policy or personnel as it deems necessary to protect the public interest. Details procedures for granting new licenses to operate funds under the management of Commission trustees. Directs a trustee to terminate the fund in the event no suitable applicant applies for a license. Sets forth standards and guidelines relative to (1) eligibility for and composition of retirement fund boards of directors, (2) elections for retirement fund boards of directors, (3) investments of retirement funds, and (4) fiduciaries of retirement funds. Title II: Disclosure - Requires the chief executive officer of each retirement fund to: (1) publish a description of the fund and an annual report of the fund's financial status and investment activities; and (2) furnish to each fund participant and beneficiary a summary of the annual report, a year-end statement, an investment preference questionnaire, and a voting preference questionaire soliciting information pertaining to the voting of shares held by the fund. Sets forth time limits relative to and details information to be included in such documents. Requires each retirement fund to be audited annually by an independent certified or licensed public accountant. Stipulates that the results of the investment preference questionnaires and voting preference questionnaires shall be considered by, but shall not be binding upon, directors, officers, and other fiduciaries of the retirement fund. Requires that the books of each fund be open for inspection by participants and beneficiaries on 30 days written notice. Sets forth criminal penalties for willful violation of the provisions of this title by a chief executive officer of a retirement fund. Title III: Contributions; Benefits; Insurance - Requires all pension contributions to be made to funds selected by participants. Permits contributions during each calendar year to be made by a participant, his or her spouse, or by his or her employer in amounts up to 25 percent of the maximum taxable social security wage base. Stipulates that nothing in this Act shall limit the right of employers, labor organizations, and participants to bargain as to the level of pension contributions to be provided by the employer. Prohibits any person from having pension moneys deposited with more than one fund at a time. Permits any participant or beneficiary, subject to certain restrictions, to transfer all amounts accumulated in one fund to another retirement fund. Requires as prerequisites for a fund accepting pension contributions from or on behalf of any participant (1) furnishing such prospective participant with a copy of its most recent solicitation prospectus, and (2) receiving written notice that such participant received and inspected such document. Directs the Commission to prescribe regulations with regard to the length, format and updating, of solicitation prospecti. Stipulates that it shall be the obligation of each fund to minimize advertising and solicitation costs. Prohibits retirement funds from employing any salesman, agent, or other representative on a commission or salary basis to solicit individuals or groups of employees to make pension contributions. Sets forth criminal penalties for the making of a materially false, falsely disparaging, or misleading representation by a fund or representative thereof with the intent to persuade any prospective participant to designate such fund as the depository of his or her pension contributions. Renders a retirement fund participant or beneficiary eligible to receive a lifetime pension benefit, to consist of a monthly annuity, upon filing a declaration of retirement. Specifies guidelines regarding the rights of surviving spouses and dependent children of deceased fund participants and beneficiaries to such individuals' pension benefits. Establishes the Federal Pension Insurance Corporation to insure (1) each participant and beneficiary to the extent of either the amount paid into a fund by or on behalf of such individual or, in the case of a participant who has filed a declaration of retirement, the present value of such individual's lifetime pension benefit; and (2) retirement funds against certain losses from special allowance investments, as defined by this Act. Places such Corporation under the direction and control of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Title IV: Transition Period - Sets forth guidelines relative to the amount of retirement contributions which may be made by: (1) self-employed persons making pension contributions pursuant to provisions of the Internal Revenue Code; (2) employed persons not covered by a preexisting plan; and (3) employers some or all of whose employees are not covered by preexisting plans. Permits employers whose employees are covered by a preexisting pension plan, pursuant to an affirmative vote of 70 percent of the covered employees and retirees, to terminate such plan and distribute all plan assets to accounts for individual employees, retirees, and beneficiaries in retirement benefit funds selected by such employees, retirees, and beneficiaries. Directs employers whose employees are covered by a preexisting pension plan with assets sufficient to cover all accrued liabilities for vested benefits to terminate the preexisting plan upon the affirmative vote of 80 percent of the covered employees. Permits a married person to make contributions on behalf of his or her spouse to a separate account in the spouse's name in a fund selected by the spouse. Requires all employers with preexisting pension plans to adopt one of two transitional programs: one imposing specified guidelines on the operation of preexisting plans, the other prescribing a formula for allocating pension contriubitons between the preexisting plans, the other prescribing a formula for allocating pension contributions between the preexisting plan and a retirement benefit fund. Stipulates that no pension funds operated by or for any governmental agency shall be subject to any provision of this Act unless the governmental unit so elects. Establishes the Retired Workers Income Security Commission to study the economic problems of presently and soon-to-be-retired workers whose retirement needs will not be met by this Act. Title V: Penalties, Enforcement - Renders persons who willfully or negligently violate any section of this Act liable for damages in actions brought by injured retirement fund participants or beneficiaries. Sets forth criminal penalties for the following: (1) knowingly misrepresenting facts in any document required to be submitted to the Commission under this Act, (2) knowingly concealing any fact required to be disclosed under this Act, (3) embezzling or willfully abstracting or converting fund assets, (4) defrauding or intending to defraud a fund, and (5) converting the proceeds of a fund loan to certain uses not approved by the fund. Authorizes the Commission to make such investigations as it deems necessary to determine whether any person has violated or is about to violate any provision of this Act or any rule or regulation thereunder. Grants specified powers to the Commission relative to such investigations. Permits the Commission, wherever it appears that any person is engaged in or is about to engage in any acts or practices which constitute or will constitute a violation of this Act or regulations hereunder, to seek injunctive relief in Federal court. Empowers the Commission to order unannounced audits of any retirement fund. Prescribes rules relative to class actions brought by retirement fund participants and beneficiaries. Requires every fund agent who handles fund property to be bonded in an amount, subject to specified limits, but not less than ten percent of the amount of property handled. Title VI: Effective Date - Stipulates that this Act shall become effective one year after its enactment. Title VII: Amendments to the Internal Revenue Code - Designates retirement benefit funds organized and licensed under the provisions of this Act as qualified trusts under the Internal Revenue Code. States that a transfer of a participant's or beneficiary's interest in a retirement benefit fund to another such fund shall not be considered a distribution to such individual. Excludes from an employee's gross income, except as required by specified provisions, amounts paid by an employer into such employee's retirement benefit fund account. Allows as a tax deduction amounts paid by an individual into her or his spouse's retirement benefit fund account.
United States · United States Congress · 21 September 1976
Condemns the murders of Orlando Letelier and Ronni Karpen Moffit and the serious injury of Michael Moffitt. Urges a complete and thorough investigation by Federal authorities of the circumstances surrounding the bombing.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1976
Expresses the Senate's gratitude to Mike Mansfield of Montana for his participation in the Government and his service on behalf of the Nation's people.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1976
Voluntary Standards and Certification Act - Title I: National Standardization - Requires the Federal Trade Commission to promulgate minimum requirements for uniform standards development procedures for those in the private sector who set standards for products including procedures for making appeals from the decisions of any such standards-setting body. Permits the Commission to enforce the procedures set forth pursuant to this Act upon its own initiative or upon written petition filed with it by any interested person. Provides that any appeal decision with respect to a standards setting decision shall consider the effect of such standard upon competition and consumers. Requires any private organization developing standards or certifying products to obtain certification from the Secretary of Commerce. Requires the Secretary to issue such certification if he finds that such organization meets the minimum requirements promulgated by the Commission. Authorizes the Secretary to grant financial assistance to nonprofit standards- development organizations to insure representation of consumers, small business, and other interests in decisions. Requires all Federal agencies to utilize standards set by certified private organizations whenever possible to avoid duplication of effort. States that appeals bodies established by private organizations shall have no powers of enforcement except those given them by the organizations creating such bodies. Title II: International Standardization - Establishes a Division of Standards and Certifications within the Bureau of Standards of the Department of Commerce to develop the resources, facilities, and expertise necessary to assist the Secretary and the Commission. Requires the Secretary, through the Division, to provide for and assist appropriate participation by private nonprofit organizations in international standardization activities as representatives of the United States. Requires the Secretary to make arrangements for direct governmental participation in such international standardization activities where the Secretary determines private participation is insufficient or cannot be established. Requires the Secretary to list all international standards and certification systems unless to do so would not be in the public interest. Establishes an Interagency Committee on International Standardization Policy and a Public Committee on International Standardization Policy to provide policy guidance to the Secretary in carrying out his duties under this Act. Establishes procedures for petitioning the Secretary to delist a particular standard or certification system and for judicial review. Title III: Accreditation - Requires the Secretary, through the Division, to set forth procedures to establish a voluntary national laboratory accreditation program to accredit certification laboratories for a class of technology or a specific product if he finds it is in the public interest. Requires the Secretary to establish a criteria committee to establish criteria to accredit such laboratories. Sets forth procedures for the development of such criteria and the accreditation of such laboratories, both domestic and foreign. Provides procedures for the removal, withdrawal, or termination of accreditation. Title IV: Miscellaneous Provisions - Creates the position of Director of the Division of Standards and Certifications. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Commission: $2,000,000 for fiscal year 1978; $2,500,000 for fiscal year 1979; and $3,000,000 for fiscal year 1980; and to the Secretary of Commerce $6,000,000 for fiscal year 1978; $5,000,000 for fiscal year 1979; and $4,000,000 for fiscal year 1980, to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1976
National Child Nutrition Information and Education Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to formulate and carry out a program, through a system of grants to State educational agencies, to provide for: (1) the nutritional training of food service and educational personnel; and (2) the conduct of nutrition education activities in schools and child care institutions eligible under the School Lunch and Child Nutrition Acts. States that the amount of such grants shall be based on a rate of 50 cents for each child enrolled in such facilities. Authorizes appropriations of such amounts as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act. Requires State educational agencies to keep accounts as may be necessary to enable the Secretary to determine whether the provisions of this Act have been complied with. Establishes, within the National Agricultural Library of the United States Department of Agriculture, a Food and Nutrition Information and Education Resources Center to assemble and collect food and nutrition education materials and to disseminate such information to State educational agencies and other interested persons. States that a maximum of $1,500,000 from the funds appropriated under this Act shall be used for the establishment and maintenance of such Center.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1976
Directs the Secretary of the Interior to conduct fish and wildlife studies, and the Secretary of Transportation to conduct intermodal economic transportation studies, to determine the impact of the proposed replacement of components of the Upper Mississippi River and Illinois Waterway System. Directs the Secretary of the Army to give full consideration to the recommendations of such Secretaries and Federal, State, and local officials, and the public with respect to such waterway system. Directs the Secretary of the Army to transfer funds for such studies to the Secretaries of the Interior and Transportation. Prohibits the Secretary of the Army from carrying out such replacement prior to receipt of such studies, with specified exceptions. Directs the Secretary of the Army to develop and implement a plan to minimize delays in lockage at certain existing points on the waterway system.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1976
Monopolization Reform Act - States that the purpose of this Act is to reform the law with respect to civil monopolization actions brought by the United States to restore competition to markets dominated by monopoly power. Makes the monopoly of trade or commerce a felony (presently a misdemeanor) and increases the penalties for conviction from a fine of $50,000 to $1,000,000 for a corporation, and $100,000 for a person. Increases the term of imprisonment for such offense from one to three years. States that the United States shall have the burden of proving that the defendant has monopoly power in a relevant market. Stipulates that monopoly power due to superior product, business acumen, or historic accident shall not be a defense to any action brought under this Act which alleges monopolization.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1976
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income of employees, contributions made by their employer to or under insurance plans which provide property and liability insurance coverages for the employees.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1976
Amends the Labor-Management Relations Act of 1947 to provide that payments by employers to a pooled or individual trust fund for the purpose of providing specified employee insurance benefits shall be exempted from the restrictions on payments to labor organizations and employees under such Act. Stipulates that the detailed basis on which such payments are to be made shall be specified in a written agreement with the employer, and employees and employers shall be equally represented in the administration of the fund.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1976
Veterans Administration Review Act - Provides that decisions of the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs on questions of law and fact under any law administered by the Veterans' Administration shall be subject to judicial review. Repeals the authority of the Administrator to pay fees to agents or attorneys in allowed claims for monetary benefits. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 211; repeals 38 U.S.C. 3404(c))
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1976
Title I: General Provisions Air Transportation Act - 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 Regulations 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 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 truck 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 · 26 April 1976
Expands the boundaries of the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. Makes the suspension of the authority of the Secretary of the Interior to acquire improved property within the park by condemnation where approved zoning ordinances are in effect contingent upon the Secretary being given the first opportunity to purchase such property. Revises provisions regarding retention of the right of use and occupancy by owners of improved property after such property has been acquired by the Secretary. Increases the membership of the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore Advisory Commission. Authorizes the appropriation of sums for acquisition of lands and interests in land and for development. Requires the Secretary to complete by the end of 1978 a final master plan detailing the development of the lakeshore. Details guidelines regarding rights-of-way and easements in lands added by this Act to the lakeshore and regarding the acquisition, improvement, and use of specified lands and easements not within the expanded boundaries.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1976
Mass Mailings and Computer Use Standards Resolution - Provides that a Senator, or a Member of the House of Representatives, who is a candidate for nomination or election to the Senate, shall register each mass mailing mailed by him as franked mail with the Select Committee on Standards and Conduct. Provides that each registration shall be available for public inspection. Prohibits any such Member from mailing any mass mailing as franked mail less than 60 days immediately before the date of the primary election or political convention in which he is a candidate for nomination or the election in which he is a candidate for election. Limits the total number of pieces which may be included in mass mailings mailed as franked mail by such a Member to 1,000,000 or a total number equal to twice the number of individuals of voting age in the State which the Senator represents or which the candidate seeks to represent. Requires that when a Member of the House of Representatives becomes a candidate for nomination or election to the Senate, he shall certify to the select committee the number of pieces included in mass mailings mailed as franked mail by him during the period beginning on January 1 of the year in which he becomes a candidate and ending on the date on which such certification is made to the select committee. Provides that if a Senator uses any computer material which is prepared by an employee of the Senate or the cost of which was paid out of appropriated funds, or uses any copy made from or made with the use of any such material, for a purpose which is not in the course of the conduct of his official duties and functions as a Senator, he shall reimburse the Senate for the value of the use of the computer material used. Directs the select committee to prepare a proposed Code of Ethics and Conduct for Members, officers, and employees of the Senate, to be submitted to the Senate on or before January 31, 1977.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1976
Extends the authorization for contracts for annual contribution under the United States Housing Act of 1937. Authorizes an additional $850,000,000 to be appropriated in public housing contract authority for fiscal year 1977 and an additional $1,350,000,000 in such authority for fiscal year 1978 and beyond. Requires that at least $250,000,000 of the new public housing contract authority will be made available to finance the construction of new public housing units. Authorizes $60,000,000 to be appropriated for modernization of existing public housing units. Authorizes $600,000,000 per year to be appropriated for operating subsidies for conventional public housing.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1976
Toxic Substances Control Act - Provides that if the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency finds that testing of a chemical substance in accordance with a test protocol for such substance is necessary to protect against unreasonable risk to health or the environment, he may by rule require that testing be conducted on such substance to develop data with respect to the health and environmental effects for which there is an insufficiency of data. States that a rule requiring the testing of a chemical substance or mixture must include: (1) identification of the substance or mixture for which testing is required; and (2) standards for the development of test data for such substance. Requires persons intending to manufacture or process the substance to perform the necessary tests. Directs the Administrator upon receipt of the test results to promptly publish in the Federal Register the test data, the intended uses of the substances, and the nature of the tests. Establishes a committee to recommend to the Administrator the chemical substances and mixtures to which the Administrator should give priority consideration for testing. States that the committee shall give priority attention to chemical substances known or suspected of causing or contributing to cancer, gene mutations, and birth defects. Sets forth the membership of the committee. Specifies that upon the receipt of any test data which indicates that a chemical substance or mixture has the potential to induce in human beings cancer, gene mutations, or birth defects, the Administrator shall take action within 180 days to limit human exposure. Requires manufacturers to give 90 day notice to the Administrator of their intent to manufacture a new chemical substance, and to submit data developed in accordance with the requirements of this Act. Directs the Administrator to establish within six months criteria defining a significant new distribution in commerce, use, or disposal of a chemical substance. States that in establishing such criteria, the Administrator shall take into account: (1) the projected volume of production; (2) the projected increase in magnitude and duration of human and environmental exposure; and (3) the human health and environmental effects thereof. Prohibits manufacture or distribution of a chemical substance identified by the Administrator in a rule as a significant new distribution or use unless the manufacturer submits notice of his intention to do so and the data required under this Act. Exempts from this requirement persons who satisfactorily demonstrate that the proposed substance or activity will not cause an unreasonable risk of injury to human health or to the environment. Specifies that substances manufactured or intended to be manufactured only in small quantities solely for scientific experimentation or analysis or for chemical research shall be exempted from the requirements of this Act, unless the Administrator, by rule, specifies otherwise. Authorizes the Administrator, upon a finding that a chemical substance is dangerous or potentially dangerous, to prescribe rules to: (1) prohibit the manufacture or distribution of a substance or limit the amount which may be produced or distributed; (2) prohibit particular use or uses of such a substance; and (3) require an adequate warning with regard to the use or disposal of the substance. Provides the Administrator with criteria for formulating such rules. Permits the Administrator to formulate quality control rules if he has good cause to believe processing or manufacturing permits or causes dangerous adulteration of a chemical substance. Provides that the Administrator shall conduct hearings to determine if quality control rules are necessary. Provides that the Administrator may file an action for temporary or permanent relief in a U.S. district court against an imminently hazardous chemical substance for its seizure or against any person who is a manufacturer, processor, or distributor of such chemical substance. Authorizes the Administrator, by rule, to require reports of all manufacturers and processors of chemical substances where appropriate to ascertain the nature, quantity and uses of substances produced. Prohibits the Administrator from taking action under this Act if any risks to health or environment could be prevented by employing existing Federal law. Permits the Administrator to inspect and examine the records and properties of persons to the extent that such records and properties relate to the manufacture, processing, or distribution in commerce of chemical substances subject to this Act. Provides that this Act shall not apply to any chemical substances which are to be used solely for export from the United States. Provides that the Secretary of the Treasury shall refuse entry into the United States of any chemical substance or article containing such substance offered for entry which fails to conform with rules promulgated under this Act. Provides that all information reported to, or otherwise obtained by, the Administrator or his representative which contains or relates to trade secrets shall be considered confidential. Makes it unlawful to refuse to comply with any provision of this Act or any rule promulgated under the authority of this Act. Provides a $25,000 a day civil penalty for each day of violation. Declares that the Administrator shall waive compliance with this Act upon request of the Secretary of Defense and upon a determination by the President that the requested waiver is necessary in the interest of national defense. Authorizes appropriations for carrying out this Act of $11,100,000 for fiscal year 1976, $2,600,000 for the transitional period, and $10,100,000 for fiscal year 1977. Stipulates that no part of the funds so authorized to be appropriated shall be used to construct any research laboratories. Requires the Administrator to prepare and submit annually to the President and the Congress a comprehensive report on the administration of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1976
Multinational Business Enterprise Information Act - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish a program to gather information on the investments, sales, employment, research funds, and branch and affiliate location of multinational business enterprises whose aggregate assets exceed $50,000,000. Requires that such information cover the two years preceding the date of submission. Defines "multinational business enterprise" and "United States business enterprise" under this Act. Directs the Secretary: (1) to publish such information, and statistical data derived from such information; and (2) to make such information available to the Adjustment Assistance Coordinating Committee, the International Trade Commission, and any committee of the House of Representatives or the Senate. Authorizes the Secretary to prescribe rules and regulations to carry out the purposes of this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to carry out this Act. Imposes a fine of $10,000 for failure to furnish information required under this Act. Permits the Secretary to bring a civil action under this Act seeking a mandatory injunction to command compliance with this Act. Imposes a fine of $10,000 or not more than one year imprisonment or both for willful violation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1976
Expresses the sense of the Senate concerning relations with the Soviet Union. Expresses the Senate's support of efforts to conclude agreements for the stabilization and reduction of the strategic military competition between the United States and the Soviet Union; to extend opportunities for diplomatic, economic and social initiatives between the United States and the Soviet Union; and to launch initiatives for an effort on the part of both nations to pursue a peaceful solution in areas of conflict.
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 · 25 February 1976
Law Enforcement Improvement Act - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to direct the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration to provide constructive leadership and direction in the formulation of federally funded State plans for law enforcement. Allows State and local judiciaries to establish their own planning committees to plan the judicial needs of the State, such committee to work closely with the State law enforcement planning agency in developing a judicial plan consistent with the State's overall comprehensive crime reduction plan. Entitles States to Federal grants for law enforcement purposes only if the comprehensive State plans include provisions for improving the availability and quality of justice and developing programs designed to prevent crime against the elderly. Authorizes cities, urban counties, or local government units to submit their own comprehensive crime reduction plans to the State planning agency for approval by such agency. Charges the Administration with the primary responsibility of evaluating the effectiveness of State plans it approves. Directs the Administration to fund State planning agencies for the purpose of funding the State's judicial planning committee if such committee has filed a multiyear comprehensive plan meeting specified requirements. Authorizes additional funds to areas characterized by high crime rates and serious court congestion. Removes the funding priority previously given programs to control riots and other civil disorders and grants priority to programs designed to reduce court backlogs and improve judicial efficiency. Directs the National Institute of Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice to assist the Administration in its evaluation and assistance functions under this Act. Requires the Administration to establish rules and regulations to assure the proper auditing, monitoring and evaluation of programs funded under such Act. Extends the authorization for carrying out programs under such Act to 1978. Authorizes the Attorney General to establish an Advisory Board to the Administration to review programs for grants under such Act. Specifies subjects to be included in the Administration's annual report to the President and Congress, including its policies and priorities for reducing crime, its evaluation procedures, the number of State plans approved and disapproved, and the number of programs discontinued. Allows the Committees on the Judiciary in both Houses of Congress to conduct public hearings to review and examine the activities of the Administration. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as are necessary, with specified limitations, for fiscal years 1976-1978 to carry out the provisions of such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1976
Amends the Social Security Act to authorize payment under the medicare program for specified services performed by chiropracters, including X-ray, and physical examination, and related routine laboratory tests.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1976
Calls upon the President to continue negotiations with the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics for the purpose of resolving remaining issues within the framework of the Vladivostok agreement and to seek an agreement to reduce the number of strategic delivery vehicles permitted each country under the Vladivostok aide-memoire. Expresses the sense of the Senate that the President should seek agreement with the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics to ban flight testing and deployment by each country of specified air- launched cruise missiles, to ban the construction of such missiles other than for deployment on heavy bombers, and to ban the flight testing or deployment by either country of specified land-launched and sea-launched cruise missiles. Urges the President to offer the Soviet Union an immediate, mutual moratorium on flight testing of all strategic-range cruise missiles. Calls upon the President, following Senate advice and consent, to ratify the agreements outlined above and to begin negotiations with the Soviet Union for the purpose of securing a comprehensive nuclear test ban. Urges the President to secure: (1) further reductions in the numerical limits contained in the Vladivostok agreement; and (2) restraints on testing and deployment of major improvements in the strategic nuclear forces on both sides.
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
Directs the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to cause the vessel, Barbara Ann, presently owned by Keith Malcolm of Marine City, Michigan, to be documented as a vessel of the United States with the privileges of engaging in coastwise trade, upon compliance with the usual requirements, so long as the vessel is owned by a citizen of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1976
Alaskan Natural Gas Pipeline Authorization Act - Expresses the intent of Congress that the Alaskan natural gas pipeline be constructed promptly, without further administrative or judicial delay or impediment. Declares that the most efficient and economical method available for the transportation of Alaskan natural gas is a pipeline system from northern Alaska, across Canada, to the lower forty-eight States. Directs the Federal Power Commission to issue all necessary permits and authorizations in order to expedite the construction and operation of such pipeline within 60 days of the date of enactment of this Act. Grants the holders of such permits the powers of eminent domain under the Natural Gas Act. Directs the Secretary of the Interior and other appropriate Federal officials to issue all necessary permits and to take appropriate action within 60 days to expedite the enforcement of all rights-of-way related to the construction and operation of such pipeline. Requires compliance with requirements of the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920 relating to rights-of-way for pipelines through Federal lands. Exempts such pipeline from requirements concerning (1) environmental protection, (2) technical and financial capacity of applicants, (3) public hearings, (4) licensing requirements for crude oil under the Export Administration Act of 1969, and (5) furnishing of specified information and reports. Authorizes the Secretary and the Commission to waive procedural requirements of Federal law where desirable to accomplish the purposes of this Act. Declares that (1) the actions of Federal officers and agencies under this Act and (2) the legal or factual sufficiency of any environmental statement relative to such pipeline under provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, shall not be subject to judicial review by the Courts. Allows for claims that (1) this Act is unconstitutional; (2) actions under this Act will deny Constitutional rights; and (3) actions taken are beyond the scope of authority conferred by this Act, provided that such claims are filed within sixty days following the date of the challenged action. Declares that exclusive jurisdiction shall be vested in the United States district courts, and that review of any final order shall be had only upon direct appeal to the United States Supreme Court. Declares that the district court shall not have the power to issue injunctive relief against the issuance of any certificate, except in cases where a final judgment is entered. Recognizes that approval by the Government of Canada is necessary in order to construct such pipeline. Declares it to be in the national interest of the United States to cooperate with Canada should such approval be forthcoming. Declares that authorizations issued pursuant to this Act shall grant no immunity from Federal antitrust laws.
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
Designates April 8, 1976, as "National Food Day". Authorizes and requests the President to issue a proclamation to promote public involvement in order to develop a national food policy guided by the needs of people, both in the United States and abroad.
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 · 3 February 1976
Authorizes the President to issue a proclamation designating the week beginning May 9, 1976, as "National Small Business Week", in recognition of the achievements and contributions which small and independent family-farmers and business men and women have made to American society.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1976
National Diabetes Advisory Board Act - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish a National Diabetes Advisory Board to insure the implementation of the long-range plan formulated by the National Commission on Diabetes to combat diabetes. Specifies seven Federal health officers as members of the Board, in addition to seven health professionals and five members of the general public to be appointed by the Secretary. Makes provision for staffing and compensation. Authorizes the Board to enter into contracts or other arrangements, or to take such other action as may be necessary to carry out its functions. Authorizes the Board to engage in and sponsor activities, collect data, and provide technical assistance as it deems necessary and advisable in the performance of its functions. Requires the Board to submit simultaneously to the President and Congress an Annual Diabetes Report describing Board activities in the prior year and progress made in diabetes research, treatment, and education with specific reference to the long-range plan to combat diabetes mellitus and suggesting recommended future expenditures and legislation. Authorizes the appropriation of $500,000 for fiscal year 1976 and such sums as necessary for each of the four fiscal years thereafter. Authorizes the Secretary to make distinguished scientist awards to individual scientists who have shown continuous and outstanding productivity in diabetes research for the purpose of continuing such research. Limits the amount of each grant to no more than $35,000 per year. Authorizes the appropriation of specified amounts for the purpose of making such grants in fiscal years 1976-1980. Authorizes, under the Public Health Service Act, the appropriation of specified sums in fiscal years 1977-1981 for the purpose of making grants to centers for research and training in diabetes mellitus and related endocrine and metabolic disorders.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1976
Federal Election Campaign Reform Act - Title I: Reestablishment of the Federal Election Commission - Abolishes the Federal Election Commission established by the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 effective February 29, 1976. Provides that the President shall appoint by and with the advice and consent of the Senate six members of the newly established Federal Election Commission for six year terms. States that the Secretary of the Senate and Clerk of the House of Representatives shall serve as ex officio members of the Commission without the right to vote. Requires the members of the present Commission to serve on the new Commission until all of the new members are appointed and qualified and to carry out such of the Commission's functions as are consistent with specified decisions of the Supreme Court of the United States. Transfers all personnel, property, records, contracts, and liabilities consistent with such decision to the Commission established by this Act from the Commission abolished by this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated to carry out the functions of the Commission $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1976, $2,500,000 for the period July 1, 1976, through September 30, 1976, and $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1977. Title II: Public Financing of Primary Elections and General Elections for the Senate - Defines the terms used in this title. Declares that to be eligible for payments to match campaign funds in a Senatorial primary election a candidate must raise the lesser of 20 percent of the maximum amount he may spend in connection with his primary election campaign as allowed by law or $125,000. Requires no minimum amount in Senatorial primary runoff elections. Sets no minimum contribution collection limit for Senatorial candidates of major parties in a general election but any other Senatorial candidate must meet the same minimums set by this Act for major party primary elections to be eligible for matching payments in a general election. States that no individual's contribution to a single candidate shall be considered for matching funds to the extent that such contribution exceeds $100. Allows matching payments to Senatorial candidates of major parties in a general election equal to the maximum he may expend in such election as allowed by law. Allows payments to all other qualified candidates in a Senatorial general election according to a specified formula. Prohibits payments to any candidate under this Act which when added to the other sums received by him exceeds the maximum expenditure limitation now imposed by law. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to maintain within the Presidential Election Campaign Fund the Senate Election Account. Requires all funds deposited in the Fund and not used for Presidential elections and conventions to be credited to the Account to finance the provisions of this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to supplement such credited funds to carry out the provisions of this Act. Requires the Commission to audit the records of each candidate receiving payments under this Act. Requires such candidates to refund such payments the Commission determines were made in excess of those allowed by this Act or which were not used for campaign expenses. Directs each candidate to send to the Commission from time to time a statement of expenditures which he and his authorized committees have incurred or plan to incur. Requires the Commission to publicize such statements. Requires the Commission, after the close of each calendar year, to report to the Senate all expenditures each candidate has made, amounts certified for payment to such candidate, and amounts required from each candidate and the reasons for each payment required. Sets forth penalties for violating this Act. Makes this Act effective upon enactment except that provisions applicable to primary elections for the Senate shall take effect on January 1, 1977.
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
Intelligence Oversight Act - States that the purpose of this Act is to establish a standing committee of the Senate to oversee and make continuing studies of the intelligence activities and programs of the United States Government. Establishes the Committee on Intelligence Activities, consisting of nine members limited to terms of no more than six years. Requires that all proposed legislation and other matters relating to the Central Intelligence Agency and intelligence activities of all other departments and agencies of the Government shall be referred to the committee, which shall have exclusive jurisdiction over such matters. States that to the extent that the jurisdictions of other standing committees of the Senate include those matters, the jurisdiction of the other committees shall be concurrent with that of the Committee on Intelligence Activities. Prohibits the unauthorized disclosure of intelligence information held by the Committee, but permits disclosure of information when the Committee deems that the public interest requires disclosure. States that if the Committee wishes to disclose information requested to be kept secret by the President, the President shall be notified ten days before such proposed disclosure. Provides that if the President replies that the threat to national security posed by such disclosure outweighs the public interest in such disclosure and that the question of disclosure is so vital as to require a decision by the full Senate and if the Committee agrees concerning the importance of the issue, the question of disclosure shall be submitted to the Senate to be acted on within three legislative days. Requires the head of each department and agency of the United States to fully inform the Committee with respect to current intelligence activities conducted by such entity. Prohibits any significant covert or clandestine activity unless the Committee is informed of such activity before it takes place. Exempts from such prohibition necessary intelligence collection and activities during military operations pursuant to a declaration of war or exercise of powers by the President under the War Powers Resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1976
Increases the estate tax exemption 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 · 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 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 · 18 December 1975
Makes it unlawful for any United States officer, employee, or citizen to enter into a conspiracy to assassinate, to attempt to assassinate or to assassinate any foreign official outside the United States because of such foreign official's political views, actions, or statements. (Adds 18 U.S.C. 1118)
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 · 17 December 1975
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the President should call upon all nations to withhold support from all of the combatants in Angola. Provides that the President should urge the Organization of African Unity to mediate the dispute. Urges the President to curtail exports and impose economic sanctions against countries which persist in intervening in the conflict in Angola.
United States · United States Congress · 11 December 1975
Commends Northern Michigan University and Western Kentucky University upon their participation in the Camellia Bowl for the National Collegiate Athletic Association Small College Championship. Recognizes the excellence of both teams and wishes them well in the national championship game.
United States · United States Congress · 5 December 1975
Electric Utility Rate and Structural Reform Act - Title I: Declaration of Policy and Definitions - Declares the purposes of this Act to be: (1) increasing efficiency in the electric utility industry; (2) insuring that rates reflect true service costs; and (3) fostering competition to supplement existing regulation. Defines "capacity factor," "marginal cost," "load management," "load factor," "peak service," "class A" and "Class B electric utilities," and other terms relevant to this Act. Title II: Load Management Procedures - Directs the Administrator of the Federal Energy Administration to prescribe regulations instructing class A and class B utilities to implement rate reform and effective loan management techniques. Requires such utilities to submit annual reports to the Administrator demonstrating their compliance with the prescribed regulations. Title III: Amendments to Federal Power Act - Empowers the Federal Power Commission, when necessary to foster competition or promote the public interest, to direct a public utility: (1) to extend or improve its transmission facilities; (2) to establish physical connection of its transmission facilities with the facilities of persons or municipalities engaged in the transmission or sale of electric energy; and (3) to sell to or wheel for or exchange energy with such persons or municipalities. Requires that, upon enactment of these provisions, utilities and persons proposing to acquire or operate electric utility facilities obtain from the Commission a certificate of public necessity. Provides that those already engaged in the transmission of electric energy will have 90 days from the date of enactment to apply for such certificate, which shall be issued automatically. Directs, in all other cases, that the Commission hold hearings to determine the merits of each application. Allows the Commission to attach to the issuance of certificates such terms and conditions as the promotion of competition and the public interest may require. Provides that, where the holder of a certificate is unable to procure by contract or agreement with a property owner, the necessary right-of-way for his facilities, he may acquire the same by exercise of eminent domain in the United Stated District Court where the property is situated. Allows such courts jurisdiction only where the owner's claim exceeds $100,000. Title IV: Miscellaneous - Directs the Commission to complete, within two years, a study of means to foster increased competition in the electric utility industry. Authorizes appropriations not to exceed $1,000,000 in any fiscal year to carry out this provision. Enables the Administrator to make grants to States or local regulatory agencies to compensate such agencies for additional costs incurred in complying with title II of this Act. Authorizes appropriations not to exceed $5,000,000 in any fiscal year to carry out this provision. Authorizes appropriations of such other sums as are necessary to implement the provisions of this Act. Declares that all the antitrust laws of the United States apply to the generation, transmission, and sale of electric energy.
United States · United States Congress · 4 December 1975
Dedicates the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park to Justice William O. Douglas in grateful recognition of his long and outstanding service to the people of the United States as a teacher, writer, jurist, and naturalist. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to have the words " Dedicated to Justice William O. Douglas" prominently displayed on all signs bearing the name of the park and to take other actions to call to the attention of the public the fact that such park has been so dedicated. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
![Official portrait of Sen. Hart, Philip A. [D-MI]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/h000291_200.jpg)