United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1976
Allows an eligible veteran who is pursuing a program of education at the close of the ten-year delimiting period to continue to receive educational assistance until he completes such program; or until he ceases to pursue such program, whichever first occurs. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 1662(a))
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1976
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the President should allocate an equitable share of North Slope and other crude oil resources and petroleum products to the Northern Tier region of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1976
Amends the Social Security Act to require skilled nursing facilities, under Title XVIII (Medicare), to have a qualified professional psychiatric nurse available, on at least a consultant basis, in order to furnish necessary performed psychiatric services, and to permit such nurses to perform specified medical and other health services which are performed by physicians. Defines "qualified professional nurse" to mean an individual who: (1) is licensed to practice nursing by the State in which such function is performed; (2) holds a master's degree in psychiatric nursing or a related field, or practices under the supervision of an individual who has such a degree; and (3) is certified as a psychiatric nurse by the duly recognized professional nurses' organization. Amends Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act: (1) to authorize payment for professional services furnished by a qualified professional psychiatric nurse; (2) to prohibit payment for services furnished by any intermediate care facility or skilled nursing facility which does not have a qualified psychiatric nurse available, on at least a consultant basis; and (3) to prohibit payment for inpatient services furnished by a psychiatric hospital unless such hospital provides to qualified professional nurses the same staff privileges which are extended to physicians.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1976
Requires the Secretary of Agriculturre, under the Rural Development Act of 1972, to encourage the use of excess personal property by rural fire forces receiving assistance under the rural community fire protection program. Directs the Secretary to submit an annual report to the Congress regarding the operation of the program provided for under this Act. Authorizes additional appropriations of $7,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1978, 1979, and 1980 to carry out the rural community fire protection program.
United States · United States Congress · 28 May 1976
Authorizes the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to construct a replacement lock and dam project on the Mississippi River near Alton, Illinois. Authorizes the Secretary to undertake steps to provide for wildlife protection and recreational activities in conjunction with such project. Withdraws all authority for the Secretary of the Army to construct or study the feasibility of construction or modification of channels in the Mississippi River north of its juncture with the Illinois River. Directs the Upper Mississippi River Basin Commission to prepare a master plan by 1981 for the management of the Upper Mississippi River. Requires public hearings on a preliminary plan prior to preparation of a final plan. Establishes criteria to be considered in preparing such master plan. Authorizes the appropriation of $20,000,000 to the Commission for such study.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1976
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to require the Secretary of the Treasury to prepare and publish in each year's income tax forms a table listing: (1) the functional categories for Federal outlays, as set forth in the Federal Budget, the total amount of outlays for each such functional category for such fiscal year, and the percentage of the total amount of outlays for such fiscal year which the total amount of outlays for each such functional category comprises; and (2) each subfunctional category of Federal outlays, for which the total amount of outlays for such fiscal year exceeded one percent of the total amount of outlays for that year, and the total amount of outlays for each such subfunctional category.
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 · 17 May 1976
Authorizes the Architect of the Capitol to perform such work as may be necessary to prevent further deterioration of historically significant sections of the Congressional Cemetery. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study for the purpose of formulating proposals for the renovation and maintenance of such areas by the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1976
International Security Assistance and Arms Exports Control Act - Title I: Military Assistance Program - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961: (1) to authorize the appropriation of $196,700,000 for fiscal year 1976 and $75,300,000 for fiscal year 1977 for military assistance; and (2) to authorize the appropriation of $32,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 and $70,000,000 for fiscal year 1977 for administrative expenses under this Act. Limits the amounts of assistance to be made available during fiscal year 1976 to Greece, Indonesia, Jordan, the Republic of Korea, the Philippines, Thailand, Turkey, and Ethiopia. Restricts the use of such funds to extending military assistance to not more than 20 countries in 1976 and to not more than 12 countries in 1977. Prohibits the increase of such limitations by transfer between accounts or by Presidential determination that authorization of such increase is important to national security. Makes such limitations inapplicable to emergency assistance under special authority of the President to order defense articles and services. Conditions assistance to Turkey upon Presidential certification that Turkey has met certain conditions with respect to Cyprus. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to permit the President to order defense articles from the stocks of the Department of Defense for military assistance to a foreign country on a reimbursable basis upon certification to Congress that certain emergency conditions exist. Restricts the total value of such defense articles and services which may be ordered in a fiscal year. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to prohibit the reservation of any defense article for use by a foreign country unless such transfer has been specially authorized by legislation. Directs that the value of such reserved articles stockpiled in foreign countries may not exceed an amount greater than is specified in security assistance authorizing legislation. Limits the total value of such stockpile to $75,000,000 for fiscal year 1976, $18,750,000 for the period from July 1 to September 30, 1976, and $50,000,000 for fiscal year 1977. Limits the location of such foreign stockpiles to United States military bases and NATO countries. Prohibits the valuation of any such transferred defense article as an excess defense article. Requires the President to report to Congress each new stockpile or addition to stockpile of defense articles valued in excess of $10,000,000 in any fiscal year. Terminates, under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, the operation of United States military assistance advisory groups and missions unless specifically authorized by Congress. Limits to three the number of Armed Forces personnel which the President may assign to the Chief of each United States Diplomatic Mission to perform such functions. Prohibits the performance of such functions by any defense attache assigned to a Diplomatic Mission. Limits to 34 the total number of such missions. Specifies that authority to furnish grant military assistance shall terminate on September 30, 1977, except when such assistance is authorized by Congress to specified countries. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize the President to furnish education and training to military and related civilian personnel of foreign countries. Authorizes the appropriation of $27,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 and $30,200,000 for fiscal year 1977 for such purposes. Repeals restrictions on military assistance for training foreign military students. Makes the Secretary of State responsible for the general supervision of such programs. Makes the Secretary of Defense primarily responsible for such programs. Specifies administrative procedures for furnishing such assistance. Title II: Arms Export Controls - Changes the title of the "Foreign Military Sales Act" to the "Arms Export Control Act. Declares it the policy of the United States to encourage control and reduction of arms traffic. Requires the President to review the arms sales policies and practices of the United States. Amends the Foreign Military Sales Act to limit the authority of the President to transfer defense articles sold under this Act permitting Congressional disapproval except in emergency situations. Amends such Act to require that payment for articles or services sold from Defense stocks be made for the actual value, except that the cost of articles intended to be replaced shall be the production cost less depreciation. Permits the President to extend an additional time for payment in certain circumstances. Sets forth procedures for billing, interest charges, time for payment, charges for administrative services, use of equipment, and nonrecurring research costs. Requires that any contract under such Act be prepared in such a way as to be made available for public inspection to the fullest extent possible. Permits the President to enter into NATO standardization agreements for training if the financial principles of such agreements are based on reciprocity. Stipulates that the direct costs of such agreements shall be reimbursable. Amends the Foreign Military Sales Act to require that sales of defense articles and services which could have significant adverse effect on the combat readiness of the United States be kept to an absolute minimum. Sets forth procedures for such sales. Amends the Foreign Military Sales Act to require imposition of interest charges on amounts by which a country or international organization is in arrears pursuant to the procurement of defense articles or services from private industry. Permits the President to issue letters of offer for such articles or services which require payment 120 days after the date of billing, if: (1) it is in the national interest; (2) the emergency requirements of the purchaser exceed fund availability; and (3) a special emergency request is made to Congress for additional funds to finance such purchases. Extends from ten to 12 years the maximum payment period for credit sales after the delivery or rendering of defense articles or services under the Foreign Military Sales Act. Amends such Act to require the President to transmit to Congress a detailed annual estimate of military sales, including an explanation of the foreign policy and national security considerations involved in such sales, and an arms control impact statement for each purchasing country. Requires the President to make every effort to submit such information in an unclassified form. Amends the Foreign Military Sales Act to authorize the appropriation of $1,039,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 and $680,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, and to establish a ceiling of $2,374,700,000 on the aggregate amount of military sales credits that may be extended or loans that may be guaranteed for fiscal year 1976 and a ceiling of $1,732,600,000 for fiscal year 1977. Authorizes not less than $1,500,000,000 of such sums for Israel for fiscal year 1976 and $1,000,000,000 for fiscal year 1977. Limits to $100,000,000 the aggregate acquisition cost to the United States of excess defense articles ordered by the President after fiscal year 1976 for delivery to foreign countries or international organizations, exclusive of ships and their supplies. Amends the Foreign Military Sales Act to require the President to transmit to Congress: (1) quarterly reports which detail commercial and governmental military export transactions; (2) reports regarding any letter of offer to sell any defense articles or services for $25,000,000 or more or any major defense equipment for $7,000,000 or more; and (3) reports regarding any application for a license to export any major defense equipment in the amount of $7,000,000 or defense articles or services for $25,000,000. Permits Congressional disapproval of such letters of offer or export licenses. Amends the Foreign Military Sales Act to authorize the President to control arms exports and imports and to make available foreign policy guidance to persons in the United States involved in such activities. Requires that decisions regarding the issuance of such licenses be made in coordination with the Director of the United States Arms Control and Disarmament Agency. Requires any person, other than an officer or employee of the United States acting in an official capacity, who manufactures, exports, or imports such articles or services, to register with the appropriate agency. Prohibits the export or import of defense articles or services without a license therefor. Prohibits issuance of such license for major defense equipment over $25,000,000 or more to any non-NATO country unless sold under this Act. Imposes a fine of not more than $100,000 or imprisonment for not more than two years, or both, for willful violation of this Act or regulations under this Act, or for willful misstatement or omission pursuant to required reports or applications. Declares this Act applicable to the Canal Zone. Repeals the munitions control regulations and penalties of the Mutual Security Act of 1954. Amends the Foreign Military Sales Act to permit: (1) revocation, suspension, or amendment of arms export licenses by the Secretary of State; and (2) cancellation of a Government contract for sale of defense articles or services by the United States if national security so requires. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to refund moneys received pursuant to such cancelled contracts or to pay damages and costs arising from such cancellation. Requires reimbursement of any department or agency of the United States Government for administrative expenses incurred in carrying out functions under the Act which are primarily for the benefit of any foreign country. Redefines "defense articles," "defense service," "training," "major defense equipment," and "defense articles and services" for the purposes of such Act. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to require that the Annual Foreign Assistance Report include specified information with respect to foreign military sales and military education and training. Requires the President to transmit to Congress not later than February 28, 1977, a report regarding all sales of excess defense articles made under this Act between July 1, 1976, and December 31, 1976. Directs the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, to conduct a comprehensive study of the effects of the enactment of the arms export control provisions of this title, and report such to the Congress. Title III: General Limitations - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to set forth the policy of the United States with regard to human rights. Directs the President to formulate international security assistance programs in conformity with such policy. Requires that the request for security assistance programs for each fiscal year be accompanied by a statement from the Secretary of State on the status of human rights in each country included in such program. Prohibits such assistance to any country which engages in a consistent pattern of gross violation of internationally recognized human rights, except when extraordinary circumstances exist which necessitate continuation of such assistance or the national interest of the United States requires such assistance. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to establish in the Department of State a Coordinator of Human Rights to review all matters pertaining to human rights in the conduct of foreign policy. Prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, religion, national origin, or sex in the furnishing of defense articles, under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 and the Foreign Military Sales Act. Requires that assistance under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 be terminated and that no military sales credits be issued or loans guaranteed or cash sales made under the Foreign Military Sales Act if the country to which they are provided: (1) uses defense articles or services for purposes not authorized by such Act; (2) transfers such articles and services without consent of the President; or (3) fails to maintain the security of such defense articles or services. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to prohibit all assistance under this Act to countries which grant sanctuary to international terrorists, except upon a Presidential determination that national security requires otherwise. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to prohibit all assistance (except under the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 for disasters, famines, or other relief) to any country which transfers nuclear materials, equipment, or technology in violation of specified conditions. Title IV: Provisions Relating to Specific Regions or Countries - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to declare it the sense of Congress that the United States shall maintain a flexible policy toward the Middle East. Declares that the "joint resolution to implement the United States proposal for the early-warning system in the Sinai" does not constitute Congressional approval of any commitment or agreement upon which any other nation or organization may rely. Authorizes the appropriation of $40,000,000 to aid Cypriot refugees, under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, for fiscal year 1976. Amends such Act to permit the President to waive restrictions on assistance or aid to Turkey to enable Turkey to fulfill defense responsibilities to NATO. Sets forth Congressional findings that involvement of external forces in Angola constitutes a threat to peace. Calls upon the President to seek an agreement to end the hostilities and maintain the United States policy of nonintervention. Prohibits any assistance to military or paramilitary operations in Angola, except under specified conditions. States that Congress views Soviet intervention in Angola and support of Cuban armed forces in Angola as inconsistent with detente and other international agreements. Declares that such intervention should be taken into account in United States foreign policy planning and negotiations. Prohibits military assistance, sales, or sales credits to Chile. Declares it the sense of Congress that the President seek an agreement with the Soviet Union with respect to limiting military forces in the Indian Ocean. Calls upon the President to express concern for United States citizens arrested in Mexico and requires the Secretary of State to submit periodic reports to Congress regarding the status of such citizens and their treatment. Declares it the sense of Congress that the President evaluate the emergency food needs of Portugal and take action to alleviate such emergency. Deplores the civil strife in Lebanon, and requests the President to seek an end to such discord and to preserve the traditional friendly attitude of Lebanon toward the United States. Authorizes the appropriation of $20,000,000 to enable the President to provide relief and rehabilitation assistance of refugees and other needy people in Lebanon. Requires the President to report quarterly on the expenditure of such funds. Requires the President to submit to Congress a report on security and self-sufficiency efforts in Korea. Repeals Indochina assistance under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 and terminates regulations, contracts, and agreements thereof. Title V: Miscellaneous Authorizations - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize for security supporting assistance, appropriations of $1,766,200,000 for fiscal year 1976 and $1,836,500,000 for fiscal year 1977. Sets forth minimum appropriations for Greece and Israel and maximum appropriations for Egypt, Zaire, and Zambia. Authorizes the appropriation for fiscal year 1977 of $25,000,000 for security supporting assistance and economic assistance for countries in southern Africa (other than Zaire and Zambia) affected by the crisis in that region. Authorizes the appropriation of $50,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 and $35,000,000 for fiscal year 1977 for the Middle East Special Requirements Fund. Requires that such funds be utilized for specified purposes relating to the early-warning system in the Sinai, the Agreement of October 10, 1975, and the deficit of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Middle East. Authorizes the appropriation of $5,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 for the contingency fund of the President for supporting assistance, under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. Authorizes the appropriation of $40,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 and $34,000,000 for fiscal year 1977 for international narcotics control, under specified conditions. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize the appropriation of $1,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 and $1,000,000 for fiscal year 1977 for the International Atomic Energy Agency for strengthening safeguards and inspections of nuclear missile facilities and materials. Authorizes interim quarter appropriations for the period from July 1 to September 30, 1976, in amounts equal to one-fourth of the amounts authorized for fiscal year 1976. Title VI: Miscellaneous Provisions - Establishes a procedure for expediting consideration by the Senate of concurrent resolutions of disapproval of certain Presidential certifications under the Arms Export Control Act. Directs the Administrator of the Agency for International Development to report every six months to Congress on the extent small businesses have participated in procurements under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to specify the compensation payable to consultants hired by the Agency for International Development. Amends the Foreign Military Sales Act to require that reports on military exports include data on political contributions, gifts, commissions, and fees paid or offered in connection with sales of military equipment. Requires that civilian contract personnel be used to the maximum extent possible to perform defense services sold under the Foreign Military Sales Act. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to prohibit assistance aggregating more than $100,000,000 for the construction of a productive enterprise, unless the excess is not more than $10,000,000 and is due to cost overruns or inflation. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to permit military and security assistance to economically developed nations when such programs are contained in the annual presentation materials justifying such programs to Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1976
Energy Conservation Act - Directs the Administrator of the Federal Energy Administration to prescribe guidelines for the development and preparation of State energy conservation implementation programs. Requires that States be given an opportunity to participate in the drafting of such guidelines. Establishes eligibility criteria for State energy conservation implementation programs in order to receive Federal assistance under this Act. Imposes a preliminary requirement that the State establish a State energy conservation advisory committee to assist in the formulation of such program. Authorizes the Administrator to provide Federal financial assistance to States whose proposed energy conservation programs meet such criteria. Lists factors to be considered in determining the amount of such assistance. Stipulates that no State shall receive more than ten percent of the national total in each category of financial assistance. Authorizes the appropriation of the following sums to assist eligible State programs: $25,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, and $50,000,000 per fiscal year for fiscal years 1978, 1979, and 1980. Amends the Energy Conservation and Insulation of Buildings Act of 1976 to authorize additional appropriations of $25,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, $50,000,000 per fiscal year for fiscal years 1978 and 1979; and $100,000,000 for fiscal year 1980 to assist low-income persons under the provisions of such Act. Amends the National Housing Act to authorize the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to assist in the financing of energy conservation measures. Authorizes the appropriation of the following amounts for such assistance payments: $100,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, and $200,000, 000 per fiscal year for fiscal years 1978, 1979, and 1980. Amends the Small Business Act to empower the Small Business Administration to make loans to small business concerns for implementation of energy conservation measures. Limits the total amount of such loans under the Act of $300,000,000. Stipulates that the total amount of such payments to lending institutions under the Act shall not exceed $60,000,000. Authorizes the Administrator to guarantee loans and other obligations issued to finance energy conservation measures consistent with the purposes of this Act. Limits the aggregate amount of outstanding guarantees under this Act to $10,000,000,000. Requires annual reports to the Congress on actions taken to implement the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1976
Provides, under the Federal Trade Commission Act, that exclusive territorial arrangements in any franchise agreement, or any trademark licensing contract or agreement, for the manufacture, distribution, and sale of a trademarked soft drink product shall not be deemed unlawful, provided: (1) that such product is in substantial and effective competition with products of the same general class distributed or sold by others; (2) the licensee is in substantial and effective competition with vendors of other products of the same general class; and (3) the licensor retains control over the nature and quality of such product in accordance with the provisions of the Trademark Act of 1946.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1976
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Secretary of Agriculture should assess the whey supply situation and advise the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry of his findings. Directs the Department of Agriculture to begin a research program to utilize whey more efficiently.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1976
Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act Amendments - Includes frozen potato products within the definition of "perishable agriculture commodity" for purposes of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act. Makes it unlawful for a commission merchant, broker, or dealer to extend to a grower or other person undue, unjust, or unreasonable preference or advantage in any respect whatsoever; or to subject or cause to be subjected any grower or other person to any undue, unjust, or unreasonable prejudice or disadvantage in any respect whatsoever. Prohibits the disclosure of any identifying information about one complaining of any violation of such Act. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to inspect the accounts of anyone determined to have violated such Act to assure that such violator is paying all reparations required by, and is otherwise complying with, such 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 · 26 April 1976
Authorizes the government of the Virgin Islands to levy a surtax on future income taxes payable to itself which will not exceed ten percent. Authorizes $15,000,000 in loan funds to be appropriated for the government of the Virgin Islands' operating expenses. Authorizes $61,000,000 to be appropriated for loans for the capital improvement program of the Virgin Islands. States the conditions for extension and repayment of such loans. Empowers the Secretary of the Interior to place stipulations on such loans as he deems necessary.
United States · United States Congress · 14 April 1976
Authorizes Federal financial assistance under the Emergency School Aid Act for programs and projects for: (1) construction and operation of "magnet" schools; (2) the pairing of schools and programs with specific colleges and universities and with leading businesses; (3) the development of plans for and construction of "neutral site" schools; (4) the construction and development of education parks; and (5) education programs designed to improve the quality of education in inner city schools and the general use of "education magnetism. Authorizes appropriations of $250,000,000 for the period beginning on July 1, 1976 and ending September 30, 1976 and $1,000,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 1977 and 1978 to carry out the provisions of the Emergency School Aid Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 April 1976
Authorizes a taxpayer, under the Internal Revenue Code, to elect to treat qualified architectural and transportational barrier removal expenses which are paid or incurred during the taxable year as expenses which are not chargeable to capital account. Deems such expenses so treated as allowable tax deductible expenditures.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 1976
Authorizes the appropriation of $12,075,000 to the Secretary of State to be made available to the Recreational Development Company of Puerto Rico for expenses of the Eighth Pan American Games.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 1976
Employee Stock Ownership Fund Act - Exempts employee stock ownership trust funds from the restrictions on payments to employee representatives or labor organizations under the National Labor Relations Act. Prohibits the expenditure of trust funds for any expenses other than corporate stock with voting rights for which a registration statement has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and reasonable administrative costs. Sets forth further limitations on employee trusts, including a requirement that the employer contribution may not be withdrawn prior to three years from the date upon which such employee commences participation in such trust, and that after three years an employee shall have a nonforfeitable right to 100 percent of the securities bought and held by trustees as a result of employer contributions to the employee's account.
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 · 31 March 1976
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President shall seek the elimination of surety deposit requirements on vegetable protein products imposed by the European Economic Community. Provides that if the President shall fail to eliminate such requirement, he shall obtain full compensation for such actions under article XXIII of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 1976
Solar Energy Act - Title I: Findings, Policy, Purpose and Definitions - Declares it the policy of the United States to reduce national reliance on crude oil imports as an energy source by demonstrating the reliability of solar energy generation facilities. Title II: Solar Energy Fiscal Year 1977 Suggested Budget Outlays for Operating Expenses, Plant and Equipment, and Construction - Recommends budget outlays for fiscal year 1977 in the following areas: solar heating and cooling, agricultural and industrial process heat, solar-thermal electric, photovoltaic, ocean-thermal, wind, solar crop irrigation, resource assessment and technology utilization, and other areas of solar energy research. Includes recommended budget outlays for specific projects. Title III: Responsibilities of the Administration - Amends the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974 to direct the Administrator of the Energy Research and Development Administration to: (1) insure, to the maximum extent possible, that procurement under such Act be on a cost-sharing basis with private business; (2) consult with the Administrator of the Small Business Administration before granting or contracting of any demonstration projects under the Act; and (3) report to the President and the Congress by September 30, 1977 on the integration of existing electric utility systems with decentralized solar-electric generation systems.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1976
Terminates the duty of the Secretary of Commerce to take agricultural censuses every five years and censuses of irrigation and drainage every ten years. Directs the Secretary to continue the statistical classification of farms which was in effect on January 1, 1975, until June 30, 1976. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to collect information on agriculture, irrigation, and drainage on a sample basis, which is comparable to the information previously collected evey five years in the agricultural census. Allows the Secretary, when sampling methods would be inappropriate, to use other statistical methods to collect information relating to the classification of farms. (Amends 13 U.S.C. 142)
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1976
Coal Substitution Incentive Act - Authorizes the Administrator of the Federal Energy Administration to make and guarantee loans to assist industries in the purchases and installation of air pollution control devices for coal-fired boilers and heating devices. Limits the aggregate amount of outstanding loan guarantees to $5,000,000,000. Limits the aggregate amount of outstanding loans to $1,000,000,000. Establishes additional criteria and limitations on the making of such loans and guarantees. Stipulates that no such commitments shall be made after January 1, 1975. Authorizes the appropriation of $200,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1977 through 1981 for the purposes of this Act. Stipulates that priority consideration be given to requests for assistance by facilities in receipt of coal conversion orders issued by the Administrator under the Energy Supply and Environmental Coordination Act of 1974.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1976
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the United States is willing to participate in efforts to provide financial assistance to Italy through the proposed OECD Special Financing Facility with the assistance of other friends and allies of Italy.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1976
Expresses the sense of the Senate that Radio Free Europe should be granted the same privileges granted to other news organizations concerning the Olympic games.
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 · 18 March 1976
State and Local Fiscal Assistance Act Antidiscriminination Amendments - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to terminate revenue sharing payments made under the State and Local Fiscal Assistance Act of 1972 to any State or local government which denies the benefits of such funds to any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, or sex.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1976
Housing for the Elderly Act - Increases by $2,500,000,000 the amount authorized to be appropriated under the Housing Act of 1959 for the loans for housing for the elderly program.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1976
Provides for the printing as a Senate document of "The Annual Federalism Report" which shall include the policy statements of the National Governors' Conference, the National League of Cities, the United States Conference of Mayors, the Conference of State Legislatures, and the National Association of Counties.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1976
Energy Conservation Research and Development Act - Declares it the purpose of this Act to establish an energy conservation program through the development of new technologies designed to reduce consumption by small energy consumers and organizations that influence energy consumption. Title I: State Energy Conservation Research and Development Institutes - Authorizes the Administrator of the Energy Research and Development Administration to assist the States in establishing and operating energy research, development, and demonstration institutes. Authorizes the expenditure of additional funds to the institutes for special projects which would not otherwise be undertaken, provided such funds are matched on a dollar-for-dollar basis by non-Federal sources. Lists requirements and qualifications for such institutes. Authorizes the Administrator to establish additional rules and regulations, and to encourage cooperation between the institutes and other organizations. Directs the Administrator to submit an annual progress report to Congress with regard to projects financed under this title. Title II: Cooperative Energy Conservation Extension Service - Directs the Administrator to submit to Congress a cooperative energy conservation plan, including the creation of a Cooperative Energy Conservation Service. Details requirements for such a plan, including a list of services to be offered by the Conservation Service. Requires congressional action before the plan becomes finalized. Title III: Authorizing Appropriations - Authorizes the appropriation of $100,000 to each State for the establishment of the institutes during fiscal year 1977. Authorizes $250,000 to each State for each of the fiscal years 1978 through 1980, inclusive, for such purposes. Authorizes the appropriation of the following sums for special energy conservation projects of such institutes: $5,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, $6,000,000 for fiscal year 1978, $7,000,000 for fiscal year 1979, and $7,500,000 for fiscal year 1980. Authorizes the appropriation of $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1977 and 1978, for the establishment of the Cooperative Energy Conservation Extension Service.
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 · 11 March 1976
Excludes dividends received from domestic corporations from the terms "foreign oil and gas extraction income" and "foreign oil related income", for purposes of taxation under the Internal Revenue Code.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1976
Requests the Secretary of Agriculture to increase the price support level for milk, wheat, corn, feed grains and soybeans to 90 percent of the parity price.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1976
National Technology Development Corporation Act - Declares the findings of Congress that Federal support of technological research is ineffective and that such research should be encouraged to solve the Nation's multifarious housing, transportation, and environmental, and other technologically oriented problems. Declares it the purpose of this Act to consolidate Federal Government efforts to stimulate technological research, to speed conversion of outdated facilities to meet current needs, and to aid the economy. Title I: National Technology Development Corporation; Definitions - Establishes the National Technology Development Corporation as a permanent corporate instrumentality of the United States. Establishes a Board of Directors to manage the Corporation. Establishes a Technical Advisory Panel of 15 persons to determine categories of technological research and development within which applications for assistance by the Corporation will be considered. Gives either House of Congress the power to eliminate categories or add to the categories selected by the Panel. Authorizes the Corporation to make loans to any applicant to carry out the purposes of this Act if the program has a reasonable probability of success and the applicant was unable to obtain reasonable financing from any other source. Authorizes the Corporation to guarantee loans and purchases up to 50 percent of the capital stock of any applicant to carry out the purposes of this Act. Specifies means by which the Corporation may secure loans it makes including allowing the Corporation to agree with the recipient to share in the equity or royalties of the recipient. Limits all loans, guarantees, or investments (except those provided to small business concerns) to the lesser of 75 percent of the investment required for the project or one-third of the recipient's total paid-in capital and supplies. Prohibits loans to a corporation with assets or gross sales greater than $1,000,000,000 or to a corporation controlling 25 percent of the appropriate market. Requires publication of all loans, guarantees, or investments over $50,000,000. Gives either House of Congress power to disapprove such transaction within 30 days of such publication. Exempts the Corporation from all taxes except Federal, State and local tangible property taxes. Authorizes the Corporation $5,000,000,000 of capital stock all of which may be purchased by the Secretary of the Treasury upon request of the Board. Authorizes the Corporation to borrow funds. Allows the Secretary of the Treasury to purchase the Corporation's notes and other obligations in an aggregate amount not to exceed $5,000,000,000. Sets forth regulations respecting the appointment of officers and employees, conflicts of interests, general corporate powers, and the establishment of principal and branch offices. Requires that at least ten percent of the total amount of all assistance provided under this Act in each fiscal year must be available only for small business concerns. Requires the Corporation to assist small businesses to obtain government contracts and to obtain the benefits of long-range and short-range research and development. Authorizes the Corporation, after consultation with the Attorney General and the Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission, to assist and encourage small firms to undertake joint research and development programs, if the Corporation finds that such joint program will maintain and strengthen the free enterprise system. Prohibits discrimination in employment by any applicant for assistance under this Act on the grounds of race, creed, or sex. Directs the President of the Corporation to report annually to Congress concerning the Corporation's operations. Authorizes to be appropriated the sum of $250,000,000 for each of the first 20 fiscal years beginning with fiscal year 1976, to the Secretary of the Treasury to finance the purchase of Corporation stock. Authorizes to be appropriated, without fiscal year limitation, such sums as may be necessary to pay the interest paid by the Corporation on its obligations that exceeds the amount of interest received by the Corporation on its loans. Authorizes to be appropriated a sum up to $10,000,000 to provide for initial operating and administrative expenses of the Corporation. Title II: Transfer of Functions - Permits the President to transfer to the Corporation any functions of any other agency of the United States which relate primarily to programs or activities which encourage technological development. Provides that such transferred functions will operate within the Corporation just as they did before their transfer.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1976
Amends the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to include in the Renewable Resource Program, national program recommendations which take into account specified policy objectives. Requires the Secretary to provide for public participation in the formulation and review of proposed land management plans for units of the National Forest System. Directs the Secretary to promulgate regulations that set out processes for the development and revision of land management plans. Requires that such regulations specify procedures to insure that plans are prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act and guidelines. Authorizes the Secretary to appraise and sell so much of the trees and other forest products found upon National Park System lands as may further the policies set forth in the Multiple Use and Sustained Yield Act and the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources and Planning Act. Repeals the requirement that such forest products be sold for use only in the State or territory in which the timber reservation from which such products were taken is located. Increases to $10,000 in appraised value the maximum value of timber and cord wood which the Secretary may sell without advertisement.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1976
Expresses the advice and consent of the Senate to the ratification of the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation between the United States of America and Spain, signed at Madrid on January 24, 1976, subject to the declaration that: (1) the United States intends this treaty to support Spanish progress towards democracy; and (2) the United States looks forward to Spain's full cooperation with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1976
Amends the Truth in Lending Act to prohibit a credit card issuer from providing any records or information relating to a cardholder's use of that issuer's credit card to a third party without the consent of the cardholder. Requires that a credit card issuer notify the cardholder of the receipt of a subpena before it can provide any information pursuant to such subpena.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1976
United States Grain Standards Act - Declares the policy of the Congress to: (1) provide for the establishment of official United States standards for grain; (2) promote the uniform application of such standards by official inspection personnel; (3) provide for an official inspection system for grain and to regulate the weighing; and (4) provide for the certification of the weight of grain shipped in interstate or foreign commerce with the objectives that grain may be marketed in an orderly manner and that trading of grain be facilitated. Defines terms for purposes of this Act. Establishes within the Department of Agriculture the Federal Grain Inspection Agency. States that the Administrator of such Agency shall be appointed by the President and shall be responsible for the administration of this Act. Authorizes the Administrator to establish: (1) standards of kind, class, quality, and condition of specified grains; and (2) standards for accurate weighing and certification procedures of grain shipped in interstate and foreign commerce and procedures for the supervision of the weighing of such grain. Requires the Administrator to publish notice of any proposal to establish, amend or revoke any standards under this Act to give interested persons an opportunity to present views and arguments regarding such proposal. Forbids the shipment of grain from the United States to any other place unless such lot is officially inspected in accordance with established standards on the basis of official samples and unless a valid official certificate showing the official grade designation and certified weight of the lot of grain has been provided by an official inspection. Allows the Administrator to waive such requirement when it is impracticable to provide such official inspection. Requires the official grade designation be used in any advertising, sale, bill of lading, or other document with respect to such grain. States that trademarks or brand names which do not resemble an official grade designation shall not be deemed to be a description of grain of any grade. Forbids the description of any grain shipped outside the United States by any official grade designation or description which is false or misleading. Includes in the regulations provided by the Administrator provisions for: (1) reinspections and appeal inspections; (2) cancellation and surrender of certificates superseded by reinspections and appeal inspections; and (3) the use of standard forms for official certificates. Declares that certificates issued under this Act shall constitute prima facie evidence of the truth of the facts in such certificate. Requires such inspections to be performed by official inspection personnel employed by the Federal Grain Inspection Agency. Authorizes the Administrator to provide for the inspection of grain loaded at any interior point in the United States on a carrier from which such grain is to be transported outside the United States. Authorizes the Administrator to enter into contracts with any State or person for the conduct of all or specified functions involved in an official inspection (except appeal inspections) if such State or individual meets specified criteria. Forbids the Administrator from entering into such contracts with any person or business entity currently engaged in the merchandising of grain. States that any such contract entered into shall expire within five years and may be renewed in accordance with the criteria specified in this Act. Allows the Administrator to revoke any inspection contract when the contractor has failed to meet the criteria specified in this Act, has been convicted of any Federal law involving the handling, weighing, or inspection of grain, or has not complied with any provision of this Act. Allows suspension of such contract for 30 days without a hearing when the Administrator has reason to believe there is cause for revocation. Provides for the inspection of American grain in Canadian ports. Directs the Administrator to cause continuous supervision of the weighing of grain transferred in or out of an export elevator. Authorizes the Administrator to prescribe procedures for the inspection and testing of all weights and scales used in the weighing and certification of weight of grain shipped in interstate or foreign commerce. Forbids any person from using weights or scales disapproved by the Administrator. Allows the Administrator to enter into agreements with a State for such activities with respect to elevators and warehouses subject to such State's jurisdiction. Requires that the representatives of the Administrator be afforded access to grain elevators, warehouses, and all the facilities therein for weighing grain. Directs the Administrator to charge and collect reasonable fees for the performance of official inspection and official supervision of weighing. States that such fees and any proceeds from the sales of samples obtained for purpose of official inspection which become the property of the United States shall be deposited in a fund for the expenses of the Agency in providing official inspection services. Authorizes the Administrator to issue licenses to individuals employed by an official inspection contractor or employee of the Agency for the inspection and supervision of the weighing of grain. Forbids any person from performing any official inspection or supervision functions unless such individual holds a valid license or authorization from the Administrator under this Act. States that all such licenses shall terminate triennially and shall be suspended automatically when the licensee ceases to be employed under an official inspection contract or agreement under this Act. Provides for the rotation of supervisory personnel at export areas for the purpose of preserving the integrity of the inspection system. Provides for the suspension, revocation, or non-renewal of any license issued under this Act based on specified conditions. Allows the Administrator to refuse to provide official inspection under this Act with respect to grain if the individual has violated any of the prohibited acts enumerated in this Act or has been convicted of any violation involving the handling, weighing, or inspection of grain. Provides for a civil penalty not to exceed $100,000 for each violation of any prohibited conduct under this Act. Allows the Administrator to temporarily refuse to provide official inspection without a hearing whenever there is reason to believe there is a cause for such refusal. Requires a hearing within seven days after such refusal. Prohibits any person licensed, authorized, or employed by the Administrator to perform any functions under this Act to be financially interested in, employed by, or accept gratuities from, any business entity owning or operating any grain elevator or warehouse or engaged in the merchandising of grain. Requires any person performing inspection functions under this Act to maintain samples of inspected grain and to keep such records as the Administrator may require. Requires owners or operators of grain elevator or warehouses or persons engaged in the merchandising of grain to maintain records of purchases, sales, storage, and handling of grain. Enumerates prohibited actions under this Act. Sets forth criminal penalties for engaging in such prohibited conduct. Declares that the act, omission, or failure of any employee of an association, partnership, or corporation within the scope of such person's employment shall be deemed the act, ommission, or failure of the employer entity. Authorizes the Administrator to conduct investigations and prescribe such rules and regulations as are deemed necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act. Authorizes the Administrator to monitor grain in foreign countries which was imported from the United States to determine if such grain is of comparable quality and quantity as was certified within the United States. Grants the power of subpoena to the Secretary of Agriculture in any investigation relating to the provisions of this Act. Sets forth criminal penalties for any person refusing to comply with such subpoena. Directs the Administrator to report to specified committees of Congress regarding the effectiveness of the grain inspection system along with recommendations for legislative changes necessary to accomplish the purposes of this Act. Requires the Administrator to notify such committees of complaints received by the Agency and the resolution of such complaints from foreign purchasers of grain. Authorizes such appropriations as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act. Directs the Administrator to study current grain standards and make such changes as are deemed necessary and appropriate. Sets forth the effective dates of the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1976
Guatemala Relief and Rehabilitation Act - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize the President to make available assistance for the relief of victims of the recent earthquakes in Guatemala. Authorizes the appropriation of $30,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 for such relief. Requires that such assistance be distributed to the maximum extent practicable through United States voluntary relief agencies and international relief and development organizations. Requires the President to transmit reports to the Committees on Foreign Relations and Appropriations of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives regarding programming of funds under this Act. Expresses Congressional recognition that such assistance is an expression of humanitarian concern of the people of the United States.
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
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.
![Official portrait of Sen. Humphrey, Hubert H. [D-MN]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/h000953_200.jpg)