United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1977
Public Participation in Federal Agency Proceedings Act - Entitles any person to recover reasonable attorneys' fees and other costs of participation incurred by such person in any Federal agency proceeding if the participation of such person promotes or can reasonably be expected to promote a full and fair determination of the issues involved in the proceeding and the economic interest of such person in the outcome is small compared to the costs of participation in such proceeding, or such person does not have sufficient resources to participate effectively in such proceeding in the absence of an award under this Act. Requires each agency, whenever practicable, to determine, prior to the commencement of any proceeding, the eligibility of a person for an award under this Act and the amount of such award. Requires payment of such an award, where necessary, prior to the conclusion of such proceeding but in no event later than 90 days after the conclusion of such proceeding. Directs the head of each agency to report annually to Congress with respect to awards made under this Act. Entitles any person who is a party to, or intervenor in, any civil suit or proceeding for judicial review of agency action to costs incurred by such person in litigation if such person is afforded the relief sought in substantial measure, the court determines that such action served an important public purpose, the economic interest of such person in the outcome of such action is small compared with the cost of litigation, and the person does not have sufficient resources to participate effectively in such action absent an an award under this Act. Directs the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to report annually to Congress with respect to awards granted by courts of the United States under this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated for agency awards under this Act, $10,000,000 each year for fiscal years 1978, 1979, and 1980. Authorizes to be appropriated for judicial awards under this Act such sums as may be necessary. (Adds 5 USC 558a; 707)
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1977
Rural Energy Office Act - Establishes within the Department of Agriculture an Office of Rural Energy Assessment and Development whose Director shall be appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture. Makes such Office responsible for identifying, developing, and compiling data pertaining to fuel and other energy needs of persons residing in rural areas. Directs the Office to submit semi-annual reports to Congress containing an accounting of the findings and conclusions of the Office with respect to the following subject matter as it relates to the needs of persons in rural areas: (1) the heating and cooling of residential dwelling units; (2) transportation; (3) the production of agricultural commodities; (4) the energy needs of business and industries; (5) sources of electricity; (6) conservation of energy; and (7) energy research and development. Directs the Office to provide such reports to specified committees of Congress and directs such committees to cooperate in publishing making available to the public every six months a document containing the most recent information provided by the Office. Imposes a civil fine to be assessed against the Director of such Office if the Director fails to submit such reports by the dates specified in this Act. Requires regulations of the Federal Energy Administration, the Energy Research and Development Administration, the Federal Highway Commission, and the Federal Power Commission to be submitted to the Secretary of Agriculture for review where concerning a rural energy matter. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act. Terminates the Office and provisions of this Act in five years.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1977
National Agricultural Research Policy Act - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to coordinate and disseminate all agricultural research information affiliated with the Department of Agriculture, to keep abreast of developments in agricultural research and education and to represent the needs for such research and education within the executive branch of the United States Government. Establishes within the Department of Agriculture the National Agricultural Research Policy Advisory Board. States that the Board's responsibilities shall include: (1) establishing means for evaluating the economic, environmental and social impacts of research and extension programs; (2) reviewing programs, policies and goals of agricultural research agencies; (3) providing a forum for research-sponsoring agencies to exchange information on programs related to agriculture, food and nutrition; (4) recommending national policies, priorities and strategies for agricultural research and education; and (5) reviewing and making recommendations to the Secretary with regard to the allocation of funds for all programs of research and extension carried out by the Department. Directs the Department of Agriculture to establish a Clearinghouse for Federal Human Nutrition Research which shall collect from each Federal agency and report to Congress information pertaining to research with regard to human nutrition. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to land grant colleges and universities eligible for assistance under the First Morrill Act and the State agricultural experiment stations eligibile for assistance under the Hatch Act to carry out mission-oriented basic research. Allows the Secretary to make grants on a competitive basis to Federal agencies, research institutions, organization and individuals for agricultural research. Authorizes appropriations for the competitive grant program of $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1978 and such sums as may be necessary for fiscal year 1979 and fiscal year 1980, the total amount for the three-year period not to exceed $150,000,000. Authorizes appropriations for human nutrition research of $7,500,000 for fiscal year 1978 and such sums as may be necessary for fiscal year 1979 and fiscal year 1980. Authorizes appropriations of $600,000,000 for fiscal year 1978 for those agricultural research programs existing prior to the enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1977
Amends the Soil Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act to revise policy directives for Federal financial assistance to agricultural producers under such Act. Requires that eligibility criteria for the receipt of such assistance take into consideration: (1) the need to control erosion and sedimentation; (2) national environmental policy priorities; (3) encouragement of voluntary compliance to solve nonpoint source pollution problems; (4) conservation measures likely to provide a return in the form of increased production or increased land values; and (5) contribution to the national objective of adequate food and fiber for maintenance of a strong and healthy people and economy. Stipulates that funds appropriated for such purposes may not be utilized to assist drainage on officially-designated wetlands areas. Stipulates that payments shall be allotted to landlords, tenants, and sharecroppers in proportion to the contribution of each group to the cost of conservation and environmental enhancement measures. Repeals: (1) the use of surplus appropriations to expand domestic and foreign markets; (2) permission to use regional associations of producers in lieu of State, county and local committees in the administration of naval stores conservation programs; (3) the $500,000,000 maximum limit on obligations for various soil and water conservation programs for any calendar year; and (4) the provision for making agreements with retiring farmers for the conversion of their farmland to conservation uses. Transfers the administration of various soil and water conservation programs from the Production and Marketing Administration to the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service.
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 1977
Federal Tanker Safety and Marine Anti-Pollution Act - Amends the Ports and Waterways Safety Act of 1972 to require compliance with the mandatory vessel traffic system established by the Coast Guard. Directs the Coast Guard to develop additional monitoring systems and technologies designed to control vessel traffic in congested areas. Requires that vessels contain specified navigational equipment. Requires that vessels be constructed in accordance with specific requirements so as to reduce the possibility of accidents and resultant damage. Establishes procedures for enforcement and inspection by the Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating. Directs the Secretary to establish a coordinated program of experimentation with methods to reduce oil spill incidents and minimize damages. Imposes civil penalties for discharges of oil into the aquatic and terrestrial environment in harmful quantities upon owners and operators of vessels, offshore facilities, and licensees of deepwater ports. Imposes criminal penalties for failure to report oil spills. Imposes strict liability, within specified limits, for cleanup costs incurred in connection with oil spills. Establishes the Federal Oil Pollution Liability and Compensation Administration within the Department of Transportation. Directs the Administration to establish and maintain a Federal Oil Pollution Compensation Fund. Authorizes expenditures from the Fund for: (1) administrative and personnel purposes; (2) cleanup costs resulting from oil spills caused solely by an act of war or by Government negligence; (3) other uncompensated oil spill damages; and (4) research into methods of oil spill prevention and control. Imposes a five-cent per barrel fee on owners of oil at the time of transfer to collect monies for the Fund. Requires that owners or operators of vessels and offshore facilities establish and maintain evidence of financial responsibility. Establishes procedures for adjudication of claims arising under this Act. Authorizes States to impose more stringent requirements. Authorizes the appropriation of $5,000,000 per year for fiscal years 1977, 1978, and 1979, for the administration of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 1977
Establishes within the judicial branch a United States Commission on Sentencing to, among other functions, promulgate and distribute suggested sentencing ranges and guidelines for Federal courts. Specifies factors to be considered by a sentencing court in imposing a term of imprisonment, a fine, or a term of probation, including: (1) the nature and circumstances of the offense and the history and characteristics of the defendant; (2) the need for the sentence to adequately deter criminal conduct; (3) whether other less restrictive sanctions have been applied to the defendant frequently or recently; and (4) any guidelines established by the commission. Requires a court in every case in which it imposes a term of imprisonment to make as part of the record and to disclose in open court to the defendant at time of sentencing a statement of the reasons for the sentence imposed. Provides that in any case in which a sentence has been imposed, with the exception of certain cases involving plea agreements, a petition for review of such sentence may be filed with a United States court of appeals by (1) the United States if the sentence includes a fine or term of imprisonment less than the minimum established by law or the minimum established by the sentencing guidelines of the Commission, or (2) the defendant if the sentence includes a fine or term of imprisonment more than the maximum established by law or the maximum established by the sentencing guidelines. Directs the court of appeals to overturn the sentence if it finds that (1) the Commissions guidelines were properly applied but that the sentence imposed outside the guidelines was otherwise clearly unreasonable, or (2) that the sentence imposed was within the guidelines but was otherwise clearly erroneous.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1977
Sunset Tax Act - Provides for the termination of any law or regulation which allows a special tax exclusion, exemption, deduction, credit, deferral or preferential tax rate after five years, or upon the initial termination date established by the Congress under this Act for each such provision. Requires the House Committee on Ways and Means and the Senate Committee on Finance to review each such provision before its termination date and determine whether renewal should be recommended to the Congress. Provides for supportive and ancillary roles by the Joint Committee on Taxation, the Committees on the Budget, the Department of the Treasury, General Accounting Office, Congressional Budget Office, Office of Technology Assessment and Congressional Research Service.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1977
Federal Oil Pollution Liability and Compensation Act - Prohibits the discharge of oil in harmful quantities (as determined by the President under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act), and assesses a civil fine of up to $10,000 against the owner, operator, or licensee of the discharging vessel or facility. Prescribes criminal penalties for the failure of persons in charge of a vessel to notify the appropriate agency of the United States Government of such discharge. Directs the President to act to remove discharged oil unless he determines that such removal will be done properly and expeditiously by the owner or operator of the vessel, onshore or offshore facility, or deepwater port, from which the discharge occurs. Stipulates that all costs, including administrative, incurred by the President, Secretary, or any other person, of cleanup and other actions to minimize damages resulting from a discharge shall be borne by the owner and operator or licensee of the operation from which the discharge occurred up to $150 per gross ton of the responsible vessel. Imposes strict liability on owners and operators of vessels at onshore and offshore facilities and deepwater ports, for damages caused by oil spills, unless it can be shown that such discharge was caused by an act of war. Limits the liability of owners or operators of onshore and offshore facilities and licenses of deepwater ports to the following amounts: (1) $50,000,000, in the case of an onshore facility; (2) $50,000,000, in the case of an offshore facility; and (3) $100,000,000, in the case of a deepwater port. Establishes in the Department of Transportation an agency to be known as the Federal Oil Pollution Liability and Compensation Administration to establish and maintain the Federal Oil Pollution Compensation Fund and to act as trustee of the natural resources of the marine environment. Authorizes disbursement of monies from the Fund for payment of damage not actually compensated under this Act, cleanup costs, and research into methods to prevent, contain, and remove discharges. Stipulates monies shall be deposited into the Fund through the levy and collection by the Administration of a 5-cent-per-barrel fee imposed on the owner of oil when the oil is transferred between: (1) a vessel and an onshore or offshore facility; (2) offshore or onshore facilities; or (3) a vessel and a deepwater port. Requires each owner or operator of a vessel or an onshore or offshore facility and each licensee to establish and maintain under rules and regulations prescribed by the Administrator, evidence of financial responsibility based on the tonnage of the vessel, the capacity of the facility or deepwater port, and other relevant factors. Directs the Administrator to prescribe and from time to time to revise regulations for the filing, processing, settlement, and adjudication of claims for cleanup costs and damages resulting from the discharge of oil. Sets forth procedures for public access to information concerning any communication, document, report, or information transmitted between any official of the Federal Government and any person concerning liability and compensation for damage resulting from the discharge of oil. Authorizes the appropriation of the following sums for the administration of this Act: $2,500,000 for fiscal year 1977; $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1978; and $5,000,000 per year for fiscal years 1979 and 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1977
Restores the applicability of the general statute of limitations (five years) for the prosecution of violations of Federal criminal law to the prosecution of violations of the Federal Election Campaign Act by repealing the special statute of limitations in such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1977
Amends Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to increase to $5,040 the amount of outside earnings which is permitted an individual each year without any deduction from benefits. Directs that if an eligible widow or widower marries, such individual's insurance benefit shall be reduced over a five-year period, commencing with the year following the year of such marriage, until such insurance benefit equals one-half of the primary insurance amount of the deceased individual on whose wages and self-employment income such benefit is based.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1977
Small Business Administrative Review Act - Title I: Establishes a Small Business Administrative Review Court as an independent agency within the Executive Branch. Outlines the organization of the Court, its divisions and sessions. Grants to the court jurisdiction over any fine, citation or order issued by a department or agency of the Federal Government to any citizen or resident alien of the United States, such fine, citation, or order having a dollar value of $2,500 or less. Allows the court to rescind any such fine, citation or order, based on its findings. Requires the Court to issue a report on each proceeding. Title II: Describes the rules of procedure and service of process of the court. Title III: Requires the chief judge of the court to submit to the President and the Congress not later than four years after the enactment of this Act a report including an assessment of the success of the court in fulfilling its functions.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1977
Amends Title II (Old-Age, Survivors', and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to increase to $4,800 the amount of outside earnings which is permitted an individual each year without any deduction from benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1977
Sunset Act - Title I: Authorizations of New Budget Authority - Sets forth a five-year schedule for review and reauthorization of all Federal programs according to budget function and subfunction as set forth in the Budget of the United States Government for fiscal year 1977. States that no program not specifically reauthorized by Congress pursuant to this Act shall continue to function after the review date set forth in such schedule. Excepts from the requirements of this Act specified programs such as health care services, general retirement and disability insurance, and Federal employment retirement and disability payments. Permits legislation authorizing Federal program review more often than every five years as required by this Act. Requires the Comptroller General to identify for Congress for each program being reviewed the type of budget authority such program has and those inactive programs for which no outlays have been made during fiscal years 1976 and 1977. Title II: Review of Programs - Requires the authorizing committees of the Senate and House of Representatives to conduct "sunset reviews" of all programs prior to the review date applicable to such program and to issue a report on the findings of such review. Sets forth guidelines for the content of such sunset reviews including the identification of programs with duplicative objectives and an assessment of the impact of eliminating the program or funding it at a lower level. Provides the authorizing committees with assistance from the Government Accounting Office, the Congressional Budget Office, and the Congressional Research Service in carrying out such sunset reviews. Title III: Citizens' Commission on the Organization and Operation of Government - Establishes a Citizens' Commission on the Organization and Operation of Government to study and make recommendations on ways to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the Federal Government. Requires the Commission to submit its final report together with its findings and recommendations no later than September 30, 1980. Requires the Comptroller General to report once a year for two years after submission of the Commission's final report the status of actions taken as a result of the report. Terminates the Commission 90 days after submission of its final report. Authorizes to be appropriated $12,000,000 to carry out the provisions of this title. Title IV: Tax Expenditures - Requires the Joint Committee on Taxation, after consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury and the Budget Committees of the House and Senate, to prepare a reauthorization schedule for all tax expenditures, similar to the schedule set out in Title I for Federal programs, and to report its recommendations to the Committees on Ways and Means and Finance. Requires the Congress to take final action before the end of the 95th Congress on the schedule for tax expenditures. States that, following the adoption of the schedule, the Committees on Ways and Means and Finance are required to conduct "sunset" reviews of tax expenditures according to the schedule. Sets forth guidelines for such reviews similar to those set out in Title II for such programs. Title V: Miscellaneous - Requires executive department agency heads to submit to Congress (after the President has submitted his budget) a statement of that agency's request for new budget authority as transmitted to the Office of Management and Budget. Requires agency heads to furnish the authorizing committees of Congress information regarding supplemental budget requests and supplemental estimates of outlays. Provides for a one-year grace period for programs which have not been specifically reauthorized by the scheduled time.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1977
Constitutional Amendment - Provides that the people of the several States, and the District of Columbia, shall elect the President and Vice President. Requires each elector to cast a single vote for two persons who shall have consented to the joining of their names as candidates for the offices of President and Vice President. Requires the electors of President and Vice President in each State to have the qualifications requisite for electors of the most numerous branch of the State legislature, except that for electors of President and Vice President, the legislature of any State may prescribe less restrictive residence qualifications and for electors of President and Vice President the Congress may establish uniform residence qualifications. Provides that the pair of persons having the greatest number of votes for President and Vice President shall be elected, if such number be at least 40 percent of the whole number of votes cast for such offices. Provides that if no pair of persons has such number, a runoff election shall be held in which the choice of President and Vice President shall be made from the two pairs of persons who received the highest numbers of votes. Requires the days for such elections to be determined by Congress and to be uniform throughout the United States. Requires Congress to prescribe by law the time, place, and manner in which the results for such elections shall be ascertained and declared. Allows Congress to provide for the case of the death, inability, or withdrawal of any candidate for President or Vice President before a President and Vice President have been elected, and for the case of the death of both the President-elect and Vice President-elect.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1977
Nuclear Waste Management Act - Establishes the Radioactive Waste Authority as an independent executive agency to establish (1) temporary and permanent nuclear waste facilities, (2) programs for nuclear waste treatment; and (3) fees or user charges for nuclear waste treatment or storage facilities. Establishes in the Treasury of the United States a Nuclear Waste Management Fund to furnish financial assistance for nuclear waste management. Authorizes the Executive Director of the Authority to issue fund bonds in denominations of $100,000 to finance eligible programs in accordance with conditions prescribed by this Act. Transfers all functions, powers, and duties of the Energy Research and Development Administration with regard to nuclear waste disposal to the Authority. Stipulates that nothing in this Act shall be construed as transferring research functions from the Administration to the Authority. Stipulates that licensing and regulatory authority shall remain with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Directs the Executive Director of the Authority to appoint a commission to recommend sites as repositories for nuclear waste. Stipulates that any such site: (1) should be deemed safe for long-term storage of nuclear waste until such time as such wastes are harmless to the environment; and (2) should be acceptable for such use by local authorities. Directs that such study consider sites on a worldwide basis.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1977
Amends the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act to increase from $250,000 to $1,000,000 the maximum amount of estimated Federal contribution to a small watershed project which will exempt the project from Congressional review and approval procedures. Increases the total amount of loans or advancements the Secretary of Agriculture may make to carry out works of improvement from $5,000,000 to $10,000,000. Stipulates that construction work which covers 15,000 acre feed or less and does not require channelization shall be exempt from filing environmental impact statements under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1977
Home Buyers' Assistance Act - Title I: Homeownership Opportunities - Authorizes lending institutions to offer alternative mortgage loans, which are made to finance the purchase of one-to four-family dwellings and which offer any combination of the following features: (1) varied monthly payment amounts; (2) adjustable maturity dates; (3) flexible interest rates; and (4) adjustable loan-to-value ratios. Protects home buyers from abusive lending practices by enacting measures, including: (1) providing advance disclosure of each contract's projected monthly payments to the prospective purchasers; (2) prohibiting prepayment penalties; and (3) requiring that the lender give 60 days' advance disclosure of any change in interest rates where the purchaser has chosen a variable rate mortgage. Amends the National Housing Act and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Act to permit the Federal National Mortgage Association and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation to purchase 95 percent mortgages. Amends the Home Owners' Loan Act to permit the Federal Home Loan Bank Board to authorize Federal savings and loan associations to issue long-term securities as conditions require. Overrides State usury limits as they apply to residential mortgage lending in order to facilitate varying interest rate mortgages. Amends the National Housing Act to limit the experimental mortgage insurance program to 15 percent of the outstanding aggregate amount of principal of mortgages which are insured under this program. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide, in the case of individual taxpayers, an exclusion from gross income of interest and dividends earned on savings accounts. Title II: Uniform Application of the Tax Laws to All Financial Institutions - Uniform Tax Treatment of Financial Institutions Act - Defines the term "bank" for purposes of the general rules applicable to banking institutions under the Internal Revenue Code. Amends the rules for the determination of the reserve for losses for financial institutions for each taxable year. Provides for nonrecognition of gain or loss as a result of foreclosure on any property which was security for the payment of any indebtedness. Provides that the foreclosing party's basis in such property shall be the amount of the indebtedness for which the property was secured, plus costs of acquisition. Provides new rules for the treatment of distributions of stock to shareholders by domestic building and loan associations where such distribution does not qualify as a deduction for dividends paid on deposits. Authorizes a deduction for the repayment of loans made before September 1, 1951, by the United States on any mutual fund established pursuant to the laws of any State to financial institutions as defined in this Act. Provides for separate taxation under Subchapter L (relating to the taxation of insurance companies) of the life insurance business of a mutual savings bank where such life insurance business is conducted separately from the other business or a mutual savings bank. Allows a deduction for dividends paid on deposits in banking organizations qualifying as such for purposes of the term "bank" as defined in this Act. Redefines the terms "domestic building and loan association" and "cooperative bank" for the purposes of the Internal Revenue Code. Allows a credit against income tax of 3.83 percent (1.5 percent in the case of an individual) of the amount of interest received or accrued from qualifying residential mortgage loans if at least 80 percent of the total assets of such corporate taxpayer are qualifying residential loans. Defines the term "qualifying residential loan" for the purposes of this Act. Provides that if such credit (together with other specified tax credits allowable) exceeds the income tax for such taxable year, the taxpayer will be allowed to carry such credit back to the three taxable years preceding the unused credit year; and to the seven taxable years following the unused credit year. States that in the case of estates and trusts, and in the case of small business corporations electing taxation directly to shareholders under Subchapter S, the interest from qualifying residential mortgage loans shall be allocated among the parties in the same proportion as the income received by such entities is distributable to the beneficiaries or shareholders.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to limit the application of the Tax Reform Act's elimination of the sick pay exclusion for persons who have not retired on total disability, to taxable years beginning after December 31, 1976.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1977
Employment Resources Act - Title I: Employment Resources Program - Amends the Employment Act of 1946 to state that it is the policy of the Federal Government to provide work opportunities to all able adult Americans and to promote economic expansion at a rate designed to reduce unemployment in the United States by one-and-one-half percent each year. Directs the President, to design policies so as to assure that the unemployment rate does not exceed five percent by the end of 1978. Requires that the Economic Report annually transmitted by the President pursuant to the Employment Act set forth the level and composition of Federal expenditures, tax policy, and monetary policy consistent with, and in promotion of, the goals and policies contained in this Act. Directs the Federal Reserve Board to report to the President and Congress on the extent to which its intended policies will support those of this Act. Directs the President, upon determining that the policies of the Board are inconsistent with this Act, to make recommendations to the Board and Congress to insure closer conformity. Requires that the Economic Report also include a comprehensive set of anti-inflation programs. Directs the President to develop proposals to strengthen provisions of the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act of 1973 relating to public service employment of long-term unemployed persons. Authorizes the President to establish experimental programs to provide sheltered or supported work for individuals with special employment problems, particularly ex-criminal offenders, drug addicts, severely handicapped individuals, school dropouts, and the mentally ill. Directs the Secretary of Labor to develop programs and projects for elderly persons forced to retire and for women in the home who require part-time employment. Establishes in the Executive Office of the President a National Occupational Assessment Center, which is authorized to conduct a continuing assessment of employment and the need for new occupations and to supervise, at the request of the President, such projects and activities as will contribute to the identification of new career fields and new occupations. Establishes the office of Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans' Affairs. States that the Assistant Secretary shall be responsible for all employment and training programs relating to veterans. Title II: Youth Employment Program - Establishes within the Department of Labor a Youth Employment Agency. Directs such Agency to make grants to, and to enter into contracts with, eligible governmental agencies and private institutions to pay the costs of community service programs to be carried out by youths who either: (1) reside with a family with an income less than the lower living standard budget; or (2) if not living at home, have an income less than the lower living standard budget and do not attend school on more than a half-time basis. Lists assurances regarding projects and working conditions which grant applicants must make in order to receive funds. Authorizes the Secretary, acting through the Agency, to conduct demonstration projects with eligible applicants under which wage supplements are paid on behalf of youths employed pursuant to the program established in this title. Authorizes the Secretary, acting through the Agency: (1) to develop improved counseling and placement services for youth; (2) to review and recommend changes in the manpower programs designed to assist youths under the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act of 1973; and (3) to develop, in cooperation with private business concerns, employment opportunities for youth. Establishes in the United States Employment Service of the Department of Labor a Youth Employment Service. Authorizes the Secretary, acting through the Service, to make grants to State employment services to establish youth employment guidance and job placement programs. Amends the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act of 1973 to direct the Secretary to encourage State and local governments to eliminate provisions of law and regulations that are unnecessary and prohibit or inhibit ex-criminal offenders from obtaining gainful employment. Amends the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 to require the Director of ACTION to encourage the use of youth volunteers in the VISTA program and to take steps to assure that each such youth volunteer is provided with an individual plan designed to furnish an opportunity job advancement or for transition to a situation leading to gainful employment. Amends the Act which established the Youth Conservation Corps to direct the Secretaries of Agriculture and Interior to jointly extend the Youth Conservation Corps so as to make possible the year-round employment of young adults. States that individuals employed as Corps members under this Act shall be either between the ages of 18 and 24 exclusively or school dropouts who are at least age 16; shall meet applicable physical standards; shall be given preference for employment if they reside in counties in which the unemployment rate was equal to or in excess of six percent for three consecutive months; and may be employed for a total of not more than 12 months. Specifies guidelines to be followed by the Secretaries in administering this Act, including those relative to the types of jobs and projects to be given preference and the wages to be paid Corps members. Extends the program under which grants are made to States to assist them in meeting the cost of projects for the employment of young people to develop and maintain non-Federal public lands and waters. Designates a time period during which the Secretaries are to develop a plan to carry out the activities authorized by this Act and prepare the site location, facilities, and equipment selected in such plan. Directs the Secretaries, in performing such functions, to plan for a capacity of the extended Corps to employ 100,000 young adults during the first fiscal year of operation, 200,000 during the second, and 300,000 during the third.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1977
Amends the Tariff Schedules of the United States to direct the President to establish an allocation and licensing program among importers of certain residual fuel oils and middle distillates which may be entered or withdrawn from warehouse for duty-free consumption. Specifies the percentage of 1976 imports of such products which may be entered or withdrawn from warehousing by importers. Increases the duty on certain crude petroleum products, middle distillate fuel oils, residual fuel oils, motor fuels, napthas, mineral oil, petroleum lubricants, and liquid hydrocarbon petroleum derivatives. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to pay the amount of such duties collected on certain petroleum products to the State in which such products are first sold, based on importer reports made to the Federal Energy Administration.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1977
Civil Rights Improvements Act - Declares the right to enjoy one's reputation as a right secured by the due process clause of the fourteenth amendment for purposes of provisions authorizing civil suits against persons depriving others under color of law of their constitutional and Federal statutory rights. Renders a State, unit of local government, or agency thereof, liable for damages and subject to injunctions for acts of its agents which result in the deprivation of such rights if: (1) the official directly responsible for the employee who committed such violation either directed or encouraged the violation or failed to act to remedy a pervasive pattern of unconstitutional or unlawful conduct by the employee; or (2) the party seeking relief establishes that one or more government officers engaged in grossly negligent conduct in violation of his rights but cannot identify, or prove causation with regard to, any such officer. Renders a prosecuting officer of a State, municipality, or other unit of local government liable for damages or subject to an injunction for failure to disclose to the defendant in any criminal proceeding, upon the request of such defendant or his counsel, all material evidence which such officer knows or reasonably should know is exculpatory to the defendant. Prohibits a Federal court from refusing to proceed in a civil action for the deprivation of civil rights by persons acting under color of law on the ground that either: (1) the action contains an undecided issue of State law the resolution of which could make unnecessary a decision on the Federal issues; or (2) the plaintiff has failed to exhaust State remedies. Prohibits, except under extraordinary circumstances, a Federal court from proceeding in a civil action for the deprivation of civil rights by a person acting under color of law if there is pending in a State or local court a criminal action against the plaintiff based on the same facts. Authorizes the Federal court to enjoin such a criminal action if such a civil action is pending at the time of its institution. Prohibits a Federal court from refusing to hear a civil action for the deprivation of constitutional or Federal statutory rights by persons acting under color of law or res judicata or collateral estoppel grounds based upon State or local proceedings, but limits relief which a Federal court may grant under such circumstances.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1977
Bill of Rights Procedures Act - Title I: Confidentiality of Financial, Toll, and Credit Records - Prohibits any United States entity or representative from obtaining copies of, or access to, information contained in the financial records, toll records, or credit records of any customer of a financial institution, communication common carrier, credit card issuer, or consumer reporting agency. Lifts such prohibition if: (1) the records are described with sufficient particularity; and (2) the customer has authorized disclosure, the disclosure is obtained in response to an administrative subpoena, search warrant, or judicial subpoena, or disclosure is in compliance with specified provisions of the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Sets forth procedures for obtaining customer authorization, administrative subpoenas and summons, search warrants, and judicial subpoenas. Requires financial institutions, communication common carriers, credit card issuers, and consumer reporting agencies to keep records of all examinations of customer records, including the identity of the person examining such records, the governmental agency or department such person represents, and a copy of the authorization. Directs that copies of, or the information contained in, financial, toll, or credit records obtained pursuant to this Act not be used for other than the specific statutory purpose for which the information was originally obtained and that such information or records not be provided to any other Government department or agency or other person except where the transfer of such information is specifically authorized by statute. Stipulates that any action under this title may be brought in any appropriate U.S. district court without regard to the amount in controversy, or in any other court of competent jurisdiction, within three years from the date on which the violation occurs or the date of discovery of such violation, whichever is later. Imposes liability on any person or entity who knowingly obtains or discloses information in violation of this title, making such person or entity liable to the customer to whom the disclosed information relates for actual damages, such punitive damages as the court may allow if the violation was willful, and the costs of litigation. Makes injunctive relief available to any person aggrieved by a violation or threatened violation of this Act. Title II: Mail Covers - Defines "mail cover" as the procedures by which a systematic record or inspection is made of any data appearing on the outside cover of any mail matter. Prohibits the initiation of any mail cover without the written authorization of specified postal officials and good cause to believe, on the basis of an affidavit setting forth the specific reasons for the proposed mail cover, that such procedure is necessary to the investigation of the commission or the attempted commission of a felony or is necessary to aid in locating a fugitive. Permits a mail cover to be conducted for 30 days, with extensions to be granted as specified. Requires any mail cover conducted for more than one year to be judicially authorized. Allows the chief postal inspector or a regional chief postal inspector to issue an emergency authorization for a mail cover on the basis of an oral request from specified law enforcement officials, if such request is supported by an affidavit within 45 days and on condition that no data from such mail cover be made available to the requesting authority until authorization according to regular procedures has been granted. Stipulates that the subjects of mail covers shall be given notice of such cover within 90 days of its termination, unless notice is judicially waived due to possible jeopardizing of continuing investigations. Requires that the chief postal inspector submit to Congress an annual report including the number of requests for mail covers, the identity of the law enforcement agencies making such requests, and a list of the offenses for which mail cover requests were received. Specifies civil remedies for violation of this title. Title III: Amendments to Chapter 119, Title 18, United States Code - Sets forth procedures and restrictions governing the interception of wire or oral communications for purposes of supervisory observing by communication common carriers and others. Requires each communication common carrier to submit an annual report to the Federal Communications Commission detailing the interceptions made by it for the protection of its service against theft of service, the nature and frequency of communications intercepted, the number of persons whose communications were intercepted, the length of such interceptions, and the number of hours of recording of intercepted communications. Prohibits the manufacture, distribution, possession, and advertising of devices for theft of communication common carrier services. Stipulates that any such device may be seized and forfeited to the United States. Title IV: Penalties - Subjects officers, agents, or employees of the United States who violate any provision of title I or title II of this Act to a fine of not more than $1,000, imprisonment for not more than one year, or both. Title V: Congressional Subpoenas - Stipulates that nothing in this Act shall apply to Congressional subpoenas.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1977
Repeat Offenders Prosecution and Prison Improvement Act - Title I: Financial Assistance for Career Criminal Prosecution Programs - Authorizes the Administrator of the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration to provide grants and technical assistance to certain units of local government having populations of at least 250,000 for the establishment and operation of programs designed to identify and expedite the prosecution of career criminal offenders. Sets forth requirements for grant applications and limits on payments to any single local government. Establishes within the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration of the Department of Justice an Office of Repeat Offenders to administer, disseminate information, and report to the President and Congress on the grant and assistance programs created in this title. Title II: Federal Regional Prison System - Directs the Attorney General to construct five Federal regional prisons to be managed by the Bureau of Prisons. States that not more than 25 percent of the prisoners confined in any such prison may be persons convicted of Federal crimes, the balance of the inmates to consist of State offenders who would otherwise qualify for imprisonment in a Federal medium or maximum security institution and are assigned to a regional prison pursuant to a State contract with the Attorney General. Subjects State prisoners confined in prisons built under this Act to the same discipline and treatment as Federal prisoners and to the same parole standards as State prisoners in the State in which the prisoner was convicted.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1977
Standards and Conduct Resolution - Title I: Provisions Relating to the Select Committee on Standard and Conduct - Amends the resolution creating the Select Committee on Standards and Conduct of the Senate to give the Senate power to appoint members of the committee in accordance with the Standing Rules of the Senate. Limits to six consecutive years the length of service of any Member on the committee. Specifies the composition of the six-member committee based on length of service in the Senate. Makes it a duty of the select committee: (1) to receive complaints and investigate violations of any Code of Conduct applicable to Members, officers or employees of the Senate; and (2) to examine all financial statements filed pursuant to this Resolution, and report to the Senate any person who has filed a statement containing any false statement or any person who has failed to file a statement. Sets forth standards for the investigation of complaints filed with the select committee. Requires each complaint to be in writing. Requires a prompt investigation of all complaints. Sets forth procedures to assure the consideration of a complaint on which no action was taken for the first 30-working days after submission. Prohibits a Member from participating in the investigation of his or her own conduct. Provides for the appointment of a substitute for a disqualified select committee member. Authorizes the select committee to employ a counsel, assistant counsel, and investigators. Title II: Financial Disclosure Requirements - Requires each individual who for a period in excess of 90 days during a calendar year is a Senator or an officer or employee of the Senate and is compensated at an annual rate in excess of $20,000 to file a complete financial statement for the preceding year. Requires individuals who seek nomination for or election to the Senate to file a report containing a complete financial statement for the preceding year. Specifies the following information to be disclosed in a financial statement: (1) the amount and source of each item of income, or reimbursement, and each gift or aggregate thereof from a single source which exceeds $100 in amount or value; (2) the fair market value of any item received in kind if such value exceeds $500; (3) the identity and category of value of each asset other than household goods, jewelry, furniture, or personal vehicle having a value in excess of $1,000; (4) the identity and category of amount of each liability owed in excess of $1,000; (5) the identity and category of value of any securities or commodities transaction in excess of $1,000; (6) the identity and category of value of any real estate transaction in excess of $1,000; (7) any patent right held; and (8) a description of any agreement between the person filing the statement and any other person concerning employment after filing the individual's term of office. Requires officers and employees of the Senate to report the identity of any person who paid such officer or employee compensation in excess of $5,000 in any of the five years before the calendar year of filing. Sets forth increments of value to be used in stating categories of value or amount of property or financial dealings. Directs the select committee to make available to the public each report filed with it. Sets forth exceptions to this requirement. Title III: Code of Conduct - Directs the select committee to recommend to the Senate a Code of Conduct for Members of the Senate. Specifies areas for the select committee to consider when developing such Code.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Amends rule III of the Standing Rules of the Senate to permit the suspension of the reading of the Journal by motion without debate when the Senate is proceeding under cloture.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Amends rule XXII of the Standing Rules of the Senate to allow a motion that no nongermane amendments be added to a bill or resolution that has been pending for three or more hours on each of two or more calendar days. Requires that on the next meeting following the day on which such a motion was made, upon the ascertainment that a quorum is present, a yea-and-nay vote be taken. States that an affirmative vote by two-thirds of the Senators present and voting shall carry the motion.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Amends rule XXII of the Standing Rules of the Senate to direct that, except by unanimous consent, no amendment shall be in order after the vote to bring the debate to a close, unless the same has been presented and read prior to that time.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1976
Permits the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to initiate a civil action to enforce Federal prohibitions against discriminatory housing practices. Allows Federal courts to award private plaintiffs bringing suit to enforce such prohibitions reasonable attorney fees whether or not such individuals are finally able to bear the cost.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 1976
Establishes a Compact of Permanent Union between Puerto Rico and the United States. Delineates the legal and political framework for this union. Recognizes the right of the people of Puerto Rico to govern themselves according to their own Constitution and laws, and the right of the United States Government to exercise authority and powers specified in the Compact. Reserves all other political and governmental authority to Puerto Rico or to the people of Puerto Rico. Recognizes the Supreme Court of the United States as the final adjudicator of this Compact, including the decision as to whether the laws of the United States or of Puerto Rico conform to this compact and applicable provisions of the Constitution of the United States. Grants the United States responsibility for foreign affairs and defense affecting Puerto Rico. Provides that Puerto Rico may conclude educational, cultural, health, sporting, professional, industrial, agricultural, financial, commercial, scientific, and technical agreements with foreign countries and may participate in specialized agencies of international organizations dealing in these matters. Makes all persons born in Puerto Rico citizens of the United States with all attenuant rights, privileges, and immunities, as well as duties. Grants United States citizens residing in Puerto Rico the same rights, privileges and immunities as well as duties established by the Constitution and laws of Puerto Rico. States that the currency of the United States shall be the exclusive currency of Puerto Rico, and all United States law relating to currency, coinage, gold, and silver are applicable to Puerto Rico. Directs that economic, trade, and commercial relations between the United States and Puerto Rico shall be conducted within the framework of the common market between the two entities. Prohibits tariffs, customs, or duties on trade between the two countries and makes provisions for regulating proceeds of customs, duties, licenses and tariffs collected in or in respect to imports into Puerto Rico from other countries. Directs the United States to take into account Puerto Rico's stage of economic development in all international trade negotiations, and to protect and promote Puerto Rico's economic interests. Makes all property acquired in Puerto Rico by the United States under the cession of Spain in the treaty of peace of December 10, 1898, and not subsequently disposed of, the property of Puerto Rico. Permits the United States to use for public purposes all property which is now being used for such purposes. Allows the President of the United States to convey from time to time to Puerto Rico any lands, buildings, or interests in lands or other property of the United States within the territorial limits of Puerto Rico which are deemed no longer necessary for the purposes of the United States. Limits the applicability of United States income tax laws to residents of Puerto Rico to that income derived from United States or foreign sources. Establishes full reciprocity between the United States and Puerto Rico and other bodies politic of the United States. Establishes a voting Representative from Puerto Rico in the United States House of Representatives who shall be elected according to the laws of Puerto Rico. Declares that such a Representative shall have all rights, privileges and immunities of such members as are compatible with the Constitution of the United States and as provided by the House of Representatives. Applies all Federal laws to Puerto Rico which are presently applicable. Sets forth methods for objecting to and denying applicability of future legislation which affects Puerto Rico. Permits the assignment of Federal functions to Puerto Rico which would otherwise be vested in the Government of the United States by law. Sets forth the procedures through which such transfers may occur. Places the primary responsibility for protecting and improving the environmental quality of Puerto Rico with Puerto Rico. States that environmental regulations promulgated by Puerto Rico shall be presumptively valid, and not disapproved or superceded by Federal regulations unless they are determined to be clearly injurious to the health and safety of the Puerto Rican people. Creates a Joint Commission on United States-Puerto Rico Relations to assist in bringing the legal and administrative relations between the United States and Puerto Rico into further conformity with the fundamental objectives of this Compact. Enumerates tasks of the Joint Commission, including: (1) to study desirability of retaining, modifying or eliminating application of specified Federal laws to Puerto Rico, and methods of implementing Commission policy decisions; (2) to study other possible transfers of Federal functions to agencies of Puerto Rico, and methods of implementing such transfers; and (3) to study the desirability of recommending a system of contributory payments from the Government of Puerto Rico to the Treasury of the United States in such ways as to not impede the socio-economic development of Puerto Rico. Establishes a United States district court for Puerto Rico and grants this court the same powers as other U.S. district court. Sets forth the procedures and jurisdiction of the U.S. district court for Puerto Rico in general. Applies all immigration laws, rules, regulations, and procedures of the United States to Puerto Rico. States that in order to become effective, this Compact must be approved by the Congress of the United States and by the electorate of Puerto Rico in a special referendum called for that purpose by the Legislative Assembly of Puerto Rico. Establishes an amending procedure to this Compact, which may be modified only by mutual agreement between the Government of the United States and the Government of Puerto Rico with the approval of the electorate of Puerto Rico.
United States · United States Congress · 21 September 1976
Permits the Veterans' Administration to guarantee home mortgages for the purchase of homes which have been converted from a rental to a condominium form of ownership.
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 · 20 September 1976
Government Economy and Spending Reform Act - Title I: Authorizations of New Budget Authority - Terminates all budget authority for Federal programs on specified dates according to the functional or subfunctional category of each program as set forth in the fiscal year 1977 budget. Requires the Comptroller General to report to Congress by April 1, 1977, on specified programs with respect to the laws under which such program is carried on, the amount of new budget authority received by such program during the four fiscal years ending before April 1, 1977, and to identify programs for which no outlays have been made during the last two fiscal years ending before April 1, 1977. Prohibits providing new budget authority after the applicable review date set forth in this Act unless the provision of such budget authority is specifically authorized by law or the standing rules of either House of Congress. Title II: Zero-Base Program Review - Sets forth a timetable for Congressional zero-base review of new budget authority. Defines "zero-base review" as an evaluation of a given program to determine the merits of its continuation at a level less than, equal to, or more than its existing level. Requires each congressional committee conducting a zero-based program review to adopt tentative and final review plans, receive reports from the Comptroller General and Federal agencies on the program being reviewed, and report to their respective House the results of such zero-base review of the program. Sets forth minimum objectives of inquiry for such reviews. Requires that any committee reporting pursuant to this Act recommend the extent to which any program reviewed should be continued or eliminated. Title III: Continuing Review - Amends the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1970 to require, whenever the Comptroller General issues a report which discloses any substantial deficiency in the achievement of the objectives of any Federal program, the agency conducting such program to report to specified congressional committees 60 days after such report and every six months thereafter to deliniate the actions taken with respect to such deficiency. Requires that such agency continue to issue such reports until such time as the Comptroller General determines that no purpose is served by their submission. Amends the Budget and Accounting Act, 1921, to require the inclusion in the Budget of a statement of the specific objectives of each Government program, and a comparison, in each subsequent Budget, of the achievement of such objectives for the last completed fiscal year with the planned objectives of such year. Title IV: Citizens Bicentennial Commission on the Organization and Operation of Government - Establishes the Citizens' Bicentennial Commission on the Organization and Operation of Government, an independent agency of 18 members to study Federal agencies. Directs the Commission to make recommendations to the President and Congress for the restructuring of such agencies to improve their efficiency. Requires the Commission to submit its final report by September 30, 1979, and terminate it 90 days thereafter. Authorizes to be appropriated without fiscal year limitation $12,000,000 to carry out the provisions of this title. Title V: Miscellaneous - Requires the Director of Management and Budget to study the feasibility of zero-base budgeting for Federal agencies. Requires the Director of the Congressional Budget Office to study the feasibility of personnel ceilings on employees of the United States and their relationships to alternative methods of carrying out the activities of such employees. Requires that such reports be submitted to Congress. Requires Federal agency heads to report requests for new budget authority to Congress. Requires specified committees to study the effectiveness of the zero-base review procedures required by this Act.
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 · 13 September 1976
Amends the District of Columbia Self-Government and Governmental Reorganization Act to direct that payments authorized or required to be made by or pursuant to any Act of congress which authorizes the issuance of obligations for college and university facilities be made without further authorization or approval.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 1976
Establishes an Antitrust Review and Revision Commission to study the antitrust laws of the United States, their applications, and their consequences, including the effect of antitrust laws on: (1) price levels, product quality and service; (2) employment, productivity, and profits; and (3) economic growth. Specifies the membership, method of appointment, and manner of compensation of the members of the Commission. States that the Commission shall make a report of its findings and conclusions no later than two years after its first meeting, and that the Commission shall cease to exist 60 days after the submission of such report. Authorizes appropriations in such amount as may be necessary to carry out the activities of the Commission. States the effective date of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 September 1976
Federal Physicians Comparability Allowance Act - Entitles physicians employed by the Federal Government to a professional allowance in addition to basic pay. Authorizes Federal agencies to enter into service agreements with prospective government physicians whereby the physician is paid a bonus of up to $5,800 per annum in return for agreeing to work a specified number of years in such agency.
United States · United States Congress · 8 September 1976
Amends the District of Columbia Police and Firemen's Salary Act to direct the Secretary of the Interior to make adjustments in the pay of members and officers of the United States Park Police based upon Federal employee comparability pay adjustments. Directs the Secretary to report on the feasibility and desirability of enacting as part of the United States Code those provisions relating to the Park Police which presently are compiled in the District of Columbia Code.
United States · United States Congress · 31 August 1976
Rural Energy Office Act - Establishes within the Department of Agriculture an Office of Rural Energy Assessment and Development whose Director shall be appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture. Makes such Office responsible for identifying, developing, and compiling data pertaining to fuel and other energy needs of persons residing in rural areas. Requires the Office to submit biennial reports to Congress containing an accounting of the findings and conclusions of the Office with respect to the following subject matters as they relate to the needs of persons in rural areas: (1) the heating and cooling of residential dwelling units; (2) transportation; (3) the production of agricultural commodities; (4) the energy needs of businesses and industries; (5) sources of electricity; (6) conservation of energy; and (7) energy research and development. Requires the Office to provide such report to specified committees of Congress and directs such committees to cooperate in publishing and making available to the public every six months a document containing the most recent information provided by the Office. Establishes a civil fine to be assessed against the Director of such Office if the Director fails to submit such reports by the dates specified in this Act. Requires specified executive departments and independent regulatory bodies to submit a copy of any proposed regulation which relates to an energy matter referred to in this Act, to the Secretary of Agriculture for such Secretary's comments and recommendations. Authorizes appropriations in such amounts as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act. Terminates the Office and provisions of this Act in five years.
United States · United States Congress · 27 August 1976
Amends the Disaster Relief Act of 1974 to provide that the Administrator of the Small Business Administration or the Secretary of Agriculture shall cancel the outstanding principal, not in excess of $2,500, of any loan made with respect to a disaster occurring on or after September 24, 1975, but prior to September 27, 1975. Sets the interest rate at three percent per annum on any unpaid and uncanceled balance of such loan.
United States · United States Congress · 27 August 1976
Designates the extension of the Senate Office Building presently under construction pursuant to the Supplemental Appropriations Act, 1973, as the "Philip A. Hart Office Building."
United States · United States Congress · 26 August 1976
Urges the President to direct United States Ambassadors abroad to seek the consideration by foreign governments of suspension of their air service to any foreign nation aiding or abetting terrorism. States that the President should undertake international discussions and negotiations which would strengthen the current minimum safety standards established pursuant to the Convention on International Civil Aviation. Urges the President to end air transportation between the United States and any foreign nation which violates such act; services violating nations; or does not maintain transportation security sufficient to meet the minimum security standards established pursuant to the Convention.
United States · United States Congress · 24 August 1976
Earth Resources Information Satellite System Act - Title I: Earth Resources Information System Policies and Management - Declares it the policy of the United States to establish an Earth Resources Information System to aid in the effective management and utilization of the Earth's resources through the use of earth satellites and other observation sources. Title II: Establishment of the Earth Resources Information System - Establishes the Earth Resources Information System, to be implemented immediately by the President in a manner consistent with the purposes of this Act. Title III: Federal Coordination, Planning and Regulation - Establishes an Office of Earth Resources Policy in the Executive Office of the President to aid in the planning, coordination, and review of all phases of the development of the Earth Resources Information System. Directs the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to continue research and development activities and to consult with and assist the Earth Resources Satellite Corporation in order to fulfill the purposes of this Act. Title IV: Creation of an Earth Resources Satellite Corporation - Authorizes the establishment of the Earth Resources Satellite Corporation if the President determines that a corporation is required to operate the domestic ground segment in order to achieve the purposes of this Act. Directs the Corporation to manage the commercial domestic data handling segment of the Earth Resources Information System. Authorizes the Corporation to contract for research and development and services necessary for its operation. Title V: Miscellaneous Provisions - Requires that notification of negotiations between private entities and any foreign businesses, with respect to facilities; operations; or services authorized by this Act, be given to the State Department. Authorizes judicial relief in the United States district court for actions taken which violate any of the provisions of this Act. Directs the President to transmit an annual report to Congress on Federal activities taken to achieve the objectives of this Act. Directs the Corporation to submit annual reports of its activities to the President and Congress. Authorizes the appropriation of $1,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 to implement the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1976
Expresses the pride and gratitude of the Senate of the United States for the conduct and achievement of the athletes, coaches, trainers, and committee members of the 1976 United States Olympic Team for their excellent performance at the XXI Olympiad.
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 1976
Includes Charles County, Maryland, within the National Capital region for purposes of comprehensive planning relating to the location of Federal agencies. Requires that specified proposed leases within the National Capital region by executive departments and agencies or by the United States Postal Service be submitted to the National Capital Planning Commission. Empowers the Commission to veto any such proposed lease.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1976
Establishes the Temporary Joint Congressional Committee on Financial Oversight of the District of Columbia. Directs the committee to select persons to develop and assist in the implementation of plans for improving the financial planning, reporting, and control systems of the District of Columbia government. Requires such person entering into a contract under this Act to establish an ongoing training program for appropriate District of Columbia personnel. Lists reporting requirements for contractors. Authorizes the Comptroller General, after consultation with the Mayor of the District of Columbia, the Council of the District of Columbia, and the joint committee, to approve, disapprove, or modify plans submitted under this Act. States that each plan so approved or modified shall be deemed part of the financial operating procedures of the District of Columbia government. Directs the joint committee to initiate a balance sheet audit of the financial position of the District of Columbia as of September 30, 1977, and an audit of the financial position and results of operations for fiscal years 1978 and 1979. Requires the government of the District of Columbia to conduct similar audits with respect to each fiscal year beginning with 1979. Establishes the Audit Control Commission of the District of Columbia. Directs such commission to consult with accounting firms conducting audits under this Act on behalf of the District of Columbia.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1976
Establishes an Office of Maritime Affairs Coordinator in the Executive Office of the President to promote the development of the United States merchant marine. Creates the position of Maritime Affairs Coordinator to head the Office. Provides that it shall be the responsibility of the Coordinator to: (1) develop and recommend to the President and the Congress a national maritime strategy program; (2) coordinate all Federal maritime research programs; and (3) represent maritime interests in national transportation planning.
![Official portrait of Sen. Mathias, Charles McC., Jr. [R-MD]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/m000241_200.jpg)