United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1976
Amends the State Taxation Depositories Act to exempt Guam from the provision prohibiting States from imposing income, receipts, or other "doing business" tax on any federally-insured depository not having its principal office in such State.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1976
Provides that during the consideration of the bill (H.R. 12203) making appropriations for Foreign Assistance and related programs for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1976, and the period ending September 30, 1976, and for other purposes, all points of order against specified provisions in said bill for failure to comply with the provisions of clause 2, rule XXI, are waived.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1976
Energy Research and Development Free Enterprise Act - Title I: Findings, Definitions, and General Provisions - Declares that it is the policy of the Congress that small business concerns and individual inventors should be provided greater opportunities by the Federal Government in the development of energy resources and technology, with special emphasis on solar energy technology and to expand competition and reduce concentration in the energy industries of the Nation. Amends the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974 and the Federal Nonnuclear Energy Research and Development Act of 1974 to offer increased opportunities in Federal energy development programs to small business concerns and individual inventors. Title II: Energy Program Reorganization - Amends the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974 to establish within the Energy Research and Development Administration five additional Assistant Administrators for: (1) small business concerns and individual inventors; (2) planning and analysis; (3) laboratory and field coordination; (4) administration; and (5) international affairs. Requires that no less than 50 percent of the total amount of funds for solar energy technology programs and no less than 20 percent of the total amount of funds for all areas of energy technology be made available to small business concerns and individual inventors. Limits the awarding of energy program contracts to situations where the financial capabilities of non-Federal entities are inadequate to develop such technology without Federal assistance. Authorizes appropriations of $2,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 and each fiscal year thereafter to the Administrator of the Small Business Administration in order to provide consultation services for the preparation of contract proposals by small businesses and individual inventors. Title III: Encouragement of Competition in Energy Programs - Directs the Administrators of the Energy Research and Development and the Small Business Administrations to provide detailed information to potential participants in energy programs. Directs the Administrator of the Energy Research and Development Administration to refrain from awarding contracts which will have an adverse impact on industry or market competition. Directs the Attorney General and the Federal Trade Commission to recommend criteria to the Administration upon which to make such a determination. Prohibits the entering into of any energy contract to any person who has an interest in delaying completion of the contract or altering any research findings in the performance of such contract. Requires the Administrator to transmit to the Attorney General a copy of the proposed contract if the profitmaking enterprise has gross assets exceeding $250,000,000. Prohibits the Administrator from awarding a contract to such an enterprise until the Attorney General's opinion is received. Establishes procedures and requirements for the disclosure of information relating to the awarding of contracts by the Administrator and by program participants. Imposes a fine of $20,000, or the amount of the contract, whichever is greater; and/or imprisonment of up to two years for participants who transmit false, fictitious, or fradulent information.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1976
Declares it to be a finding of Congress, under the National Sea Grant College and Program Act of 1966, that it is in the national interest to encourage the cooperation among and joint participation by local and State agencies of government, industries, and educational institutions in the development of coastal and marine resources. Sets the amount of authorized appropriations for fiscal year 1976 and each subsequent fiscal year under the Act, at not to exceed $50,000,000. Directs the Secretary of Commerce, pursuant to the Act, to initiate and support at sea grant colleges and other facilities, research programs in fields relating to the development of coastal and marine resources. Authorizes the expenditure of funds appropriated under the Act for the payment of day-rate charges for research vessel services directly supporting sea grant programs authorized by the Secretary.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1976
Amends the National Sea Grant College and Program Act of 1966 to authorize appropriations for such Act through September 30, 1979. Authorizes the expenditure of $40,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, $45,000,000 for fiscal year 1978, and $50,000,000 for fiscal year 1979. Provides that provisions of the Act prohibiting the use of funds for the purchase or rental of any land or the rental, purchase, construction, or repair of buildings, docks, or vessels shall not apply to the payment for the services of research vessels and other ocean facilities directly supporting specific sea grant sponsored activities. Redefines "marine environment" to include the seabed and subsoil of submarine areas beyond the Continental Shelf and the natural resources thereof. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to encourage the advancement of other nations relating to the exploration, conservation, and management of marine resources. Gives the Secretary authority to support the funding of education and training of foreign nationals through sea-grant institutions. Authorizes the appropriation of $3,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 1977 through 1979 to carry out such functions. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into contracts with, or grants to, eligible institutions to assist the Secretary in carrying out programs relating to the development, management, and protection of the marine environment.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1976
Defines the term "acquisition indebtedness", under the Internal Revenue Code, to exclude any indebtedness to the extent that it arises out of a tax or special assessment imposed by a State or any political subdivision thereof, for purposes of the tax on unrelated business income.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1976
States that no reduction shall be made in the retired or retainer pay of any person who elects to provide an annuity under the armed forces survivor benefit plan during any full month in which there is no beneficiary eligible to receive such annuity. (Adds 10 U.S.C 1452)
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1976
Reduces the rate of tax imposed under the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 on employees, employers, and the self-employed for the payment of the cost of the old-age, survivors, and disability insurance and the hospital insurance programs of the Social Security Act. Increases by 50 percent the annual Federal contribution to the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund in order to provide that one-third of the costs of the old-age, survivors, and disability insurance program shall be borne by the Federal Government. Increases the amount of an employee's wages or of the income of a self-employed person which will be subject to the social security withholding tax.
United States · United States Congress · 18 February 1976
Requires that States having agreements entered into under the Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance program of the Social Security Act will continue to make social security payments and reports on a calendar-quarter basis no more frequently than the fifteenth of the second month following the calendar quarter.
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 1976
Includes as creditable service, under the civil service retirement system, periods of service by contract technicians during which such technicians, although hired by private authority, perform services for the Federal Government pursuant to a contract between such private authority and the Federal Government.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1976
National Commission on Regulatory Reform Act - Establishes the National Commission on Regulatory Reform. Directs the Commission to make a full and complete study of such regulatory activities of the independent regulatory agencies of the Federal Government as the Commission determines to be primarily economic in nature and to have a significant effect on the segments of the economy involving transportation, communication, the development and distribution of energy resources, or financial institutions. States that such study shall be undertaken to determine: (1) whether such regulatory activities have limited competition within such segments of the economy, and if they have, what the economic consequences have been; (2) whether such regulatory activities have, in other way, contributed to current economic difficulties, in particular inflation; and (3) whether changes need to be made with regard to such independent Federal establishments and their regulatory activities. Requires that such study shall include, with regard to each independent Federal establishment whose regulatory activities are included in such study: (1) an analysis of the purposes for which it was created, its structure and jurisdiction, the statutory framework governing its operation and activities, and the procedures and policies it has adopted; (2) an assessment of its effectiveness in carrying out its purposes; (3) an analysis of the costs and benefits of its various programs and policies, with particular reference to any adverse economic impact; and (4) an examination of the relationship between its regulatory activities and those of State and local regulatory agencies. Sets forth the membership, powers, and authority of the Commission. Directs the Commission to submit to the President and Congress within one year a report containing: (1) a statement of the status of the study being conducted pursuant to this Act; (2) a detailed statement of any findings made or conclusions reached by the Commission; and (3) any recommendations for legislation or administrative action, or both, deemed appropriate by the Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1976
Authorizes the President to issue annually a proclamation designating the seven-day period commencing on April 30 of each year as "National Beta Sigma Phi Week," to recognize the National Beta Sigma Phi Sorority and its social, cultural, and service programs.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1976
Equal Opportunity and Full Employment Act - Directs the President, with the assistance of the Council of Economic Advisers, to transmit annually a full employment and production program to the Congress. Sets forth a summary of the content to be contained in such annual report. Provides for annual Labor Reports of the President. Requires the Labor Reports to provide detailed attention on a continuing and progressively analytical basis to the changing volume and composition of the American labor supply. Renames the United States Employment Service as the United States Full Employment Service. Creates a Job Guarantee Office in the United States Full Employment Office headed by a Job Guarantee Officer whose responsibility is to provide useful and rewarding employment for any American, able and willing to work but not yet working, unable otherwise to obtain work, and applying to such office for assistance. Directs the Job Guarantee Office to carry out responsibilities under this Act upon the recommendation and approval of the local planning councils. Requires that each Job Guarantee Office in carrying out its responsibilities shall insure that among projects planned that adequate consideration be given to such individuals and groups as may face special obstacles in finding and holding useful and rewarding employment and shall provide or have provided through the coordination of existing programs special assistance including but not limited to counseling, training, and, where necessary, transportation and migration assistance. Provides that such individuals and groups shall include (1) those suffering from past or present discrimination or bias on the basis of sex, age, race, color, religion, or national origin; (2) older workers and retirees; (3) the physically or mentally handicapped; (4) youths to age 21; (5) potentially employable recipients of public assistance; (6) the inhabitants of depressed areas, urban and rural; (7) veterans of the Armed Forces; (8) people unemployed because of the relocation, closing, or reduced operations in industrial or military facilities; and (9) such other groups as the President or the Congress may designate from time to time. Directs that each Job Guarantee Office may, subject to the limitations specified in this Act, enter into agreements with public agencies and private organizations operating on a profit, nonprofit, or limited-profit basis. Requires such agreements to contain assurances that the agency or organization will: (1) provide an annual independent audit to the Job Guarantee Office; and (2) not discriminate on the grounds of sex, age, race, color, religion, or national origin in the administration of any program encompassed within the agreement. Directs the Job Guarantee Office to: (1) refer jobseekers to the private sector and general public sector employment placement facilities of the Full Employment Service (other than as supplemented by this Act); and (2) directly refer jobseekers for placement in positions on projects drawn from the reservoir of public service and private employment projects. Provides that anyone who presents himself or herself in person at the Full Employment Office shall be considered prima facie "willing and able" to work. Provides that this stipulation specifically shall include persons with impairments of sight, hearing, movement, coordination, mental retardation, or other handicaps. Directs that this stipulation be implemented by the Job Guarantee Officer, pursuant to regulations issued by the Secretary. Establishes a Standby Job Corps which shall consist of jobseekers registered pursuant to this Act. Provides that such Corps shall be available for public service work upon projects and activities that are approved as a part of community public service work reservoirs established by community boards pursuant to this Act. Directs the Secretary, by regulation, to provide for: (1) a requirement that jobseekers registered in the Standby Job Corps maintain a status of good standing, which status shall include attendance and performance standards; and (2) a system of compensation for Corps members. Provides that no Standby Job Corps members shall be paid less than the minimum wage in effect in the area. Directs the Joint Economic Committee to: (1) annually review the activities of the executive branch under all sections of this Act; (2) regularly conduct on its own behalf, or in cooperation with or through the facilities of the appropriate legislative committees or subcommittees of the Senate and the House, public hearings in as many labor market areas as feasible; and (3) annually report upon, with its own conclusions and recommendations, the development and administration of the policies and programs mandated by this Act. Establishes a National Institute for Full Employment, within the Department of Labor, under a Director to be appointed by the Secretary of Labor, and to operate in continuing consultation with a National Commission for Full Employment Policy Studies. Authorizes and directs the Institute to make, or have made through grants to or contracts with individual researchers and private or public research organizations, universities, and other Government agencies, studies that shall include, but need not be limited to, such subjects as: (1) the policies and programs needed to reduce whatever inflationary pressures may result from full employment to manage any such inflationary pressures through appropriate fiscal policies and indirect and direct controls, and to protect the weaker groups in society from whatever inflationary trends cannot be avoided or controlled; (2) the identification of human potentialities that are hidden, undeveloped, or underdeveloped because of the lack of suitable job opportunities, encouragement, education, or training and of various ways of releasing such potentialities; (3) the forms of education and training needed to help provide people with the skills, knowledge, and values required by existing employment opportunities and technologies and needed to assist in developing such new types of goods, services, technologies, and employment opportunities as may better meet human needs; and (4) the policies and programs needed to substantially eliminate substandard employment, wages, and working conditions and the techniques for establishing standards for employment, wages, and working conditions in accordance with changing levels of national output and resources, and regional variations in output. Authorizes the appropriation for fiscal year 1976, and for each succeeding fiscal year, of such sums as may be needed to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1976
Government in the Sunshine Act - States that this Act applies to the Federal Election Commission and to any agency where the collegial body comprising the agency consists of two or more individual members, at least a majority of whom are appointed to such position by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. Provides that all meetings of such collegial body, or of a subdivision thereof authorized to take action on behalf of the agency, shall be open to the public. Requires such agency to make public announcement, at least one week before the meeting, of the date, place, and subject matter of the meeting, whether open or closed to the public, and the name and phone number of the official designated by the agency to respond to requests for information about the meeting. Exempts meetings when publicity would result in disclosure of matters: (1) necessary to keep secret in the interests of national defense or foreign policy; (2) not warranting an invasion of personal privacy; (3) constituting trade secrets; and (4) other matters the disclosure of which would not be in the public interest. States that the district courts of the United States shall have jurisdiction to enforce the requirements of this Act by declaratory judgment, injunctive relief, or other relief as may be appropriate. Prohibits the making of an ex parte communication relevant to the merits of the proceeding by an interested person outside the agency to anyone involved in the decisional process of the proceedings.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1976
Redefines air traffic controller for civil service retirement purposes to include persons actively engaged in providing preflight, inflight, or airport advisory services to aircraft operators.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1976
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the people of Angola should be allowed to determine their own political future without foreign interference. Expresses support for efforts by the Organization of African Unity to achieve a settlement of the conflict in Angola. Calls upon all countries to terminate military assistance to any group in Angola. States that the President should do his utmost to seek an agreement among the various parties involved in hostilities or in the support of such hostilities in Angola to terminate such hostilities. Directs the President to refrain from providing assistance of any kind, for military activities in Angola, until specifically approved by Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1976
Authorizes increases in the annuities paid under the retired servicemen's family protection plan whenever there is an increase in retired or retainter pay of members of the Armed Forces. (Adds 10 U.S.C. 1434(e))
United States · United States Congress · 20 January 1976
Establishes as a national policy the stabilization of the population of the United States by voluntary means consistent with human rights and individual conscience.
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 1975
Declares it to be the policy of the United States that the population be stabilized by voluntary means consistent with human rights and individual conscience.
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 1975
Declares that Congress would support the President in a declaration of policy against United States manufacture or possession of lethal chemical weapons. Urges an international treaty banning the manufacture and possession of lethal chemical weapons.
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 1975
Requires the President to transmit to Congress copies of each Presidential proclamation and Executive order no later than two days after the issuance of such proclamation or order.
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 1975
Authorizes appropriations for grants and loans for the development, construction, and operation of an exhibition of Polynesian culture as part of the commemoration of the American Revolution Bicentennial in the city of Philadelphia.
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 1975
Freedom of Information Act Amendments - Prescribes guidelines and limitations for the classification of information which the President or head of an agency determines require limited dissemination in the interest of national defense. Prohibits the classification of information in order to conceal incompetence, inefficiency, wrongdoing, or administrative error, to avoid embarrassment to any individual or agency, to restrain competition or independent initiative, or to prevent or delay for any reason the release of information the dissemination of which will not damage the national defense. Provides that, except as otherwise provided by law, no designation other than "Defense Data" may be used to classify information in the interest of national defense. Enumerates the circumstances which justify the classification of information as "Defense Data". States that official information may be classified as Defense Data by the heads of the following agencies or designated personnel: the Department of State; the Department of Defense and the military departments; the Department of Transportation; the Energy Research and Development Administration; the Central Intelligence Agency; the National Aeronautics and Space Administration; and such offices within the Executive Office of the President as he may designate by Executive Order. Subjects to the regulations concerning authority to classify, and material which may be classified, that information originated or acquired by an agency and classified as "Confidential," "Secret," or "Top Secret. Sets forth regulations with respect to the declassification of material classified "Defense Data". States that such material including that originally classified as "Confidential," "Secret," or "Top Secret" shall be declassified automatically three years after its classification. Provides for the deferral of such automatic declassification when the sensitivity of the information involved is determined to require continued protection. Directs the heads of agencies who have the authority to classify or declassify official information to promulgate regulations with respect to the classification and declassification of information within their agencies. Directs the Comptroller General of the United States to monitor the actions taken by the agencies to implement this Act. Requires the Comptroller General to report semiannually to the Committees on Government Operations of the Senate and the House of Representatives on the results of agency actions. Prohibits the withholding of information or material from Congress, any committee or Member thereof, or any United States court on the basis that such information or material is "Defense Data". States that this Act shall not affect any requirement made under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 regarding "Restricted Data" as defined in that Act.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 1975
Provides that upon the adoption of this resolution it shall be in order to move, clause 2(1) (6) of rule XI to the contrary notwithstanding, that the House resolve itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union for the consideration of the bill (H.R. 7897) to authorize funds for assistance to local educational agencies for the education of Cambodian and Vietnamese refuges, and for other purposes. States that after general debate, which shall be confined to the bill and shall continue not to exceed one hour, to be equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Education and Labor, the bill shall be read for amendment under the five-minute rule. Provides that it shall be in order to consider the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Education and Labor now printed in the bill as an original bill for the purpose of amendment under the five-minute rule. Directs that, at the conclusion of such consideration, the Committee shall rise and report the bill to the House with such amendments as may have been adopted, and any Member may demand a separate vote in the House on any amendment adopted in the Committee of the Whole to the bill or to the committee amendment in the nature of a substitute. Provides that the previous question shall be considered as ordered on the bill and amendments thereto to final passage without intervening motion except one motion to recommit with or without instructions. States that after the passage of H.R. 7897, it shall be in order int the House to take from the Speaker's table the bill S. 2145 and to move to strike out all after the enacting clause of the said Senate bill and insert in lieu thereof the provisions contained in H.R. 7897 as passed by the House.
United States · United States Congress · 12 December 1975
Denies Members of Congress any increase in their rate of pay under any law passed, or plan or recommendation received, during a Congress unless such increase is to take effect not earlier than the first day of the next Congress. Makes such prohibition retroactive to apply to those laws passed after June 30, 1975, and to plans and recommendations regarding pay transmitted by the President after such date.
United States · United States Congress · 2 December 1975
Balanced Economic Growth Act - Title I: Rules and Procedures for Congressional Review of Balanced Economic Growth Plans - Sets forth rules and procedures by which the standing committees of the Senate and the House of Representatives, each joint committee, and the Joint Economic Committee shall consider each balanced economic growth plan submitted to the Congress for review by the President. Requires each proposed balanced economic growth plan transmitted to Congress to be referred to the Joint Committee . Title II: Development, Transmission, and Implementation of Balanced Economic Growth Plans - Declares it to be the finding of Congress that the failure to develop a long-term national economic policy with the goal of full employment has created fundamental imbalances in the economy. States that the United States has no single governmental body engaged in the systematic and comprehensive formulation of national economic goals and policies. Declares it to be the purpose of this Act to provide for the development biennially of a balanced economic growth plan, embodying full employment and other long-term economic goals and identifying the policies and actions that would be required to attain such goals and the costs to the Nation in lost production and tax revenues of failure to attain such goals and to provide for appropriate participation by State and local governments and other interested groups and organizations, in the development of such plan. Directs the President, by April 1, 1977, and biennially thereafter, to transmit to Congress a proposed long-term balanced economic growth plan prepared by the Council of Economic Advisers. Requires the plan to pay paramount attention to the goal of full employment. Requires the President to submit with the plan a report containing supporting data and analysis. Directs the Council of Economic Advisers to establish procedures for obtaining the views and opinions of State and local governments and regional organizations; and of agricultural, business, labor, consumers, and other interested groups and organizations, in the preparation of each balanced economic growth plan. Directs the Joint Economic Committee, in considering the proposed plan, to establish procedures for obtaining the views and opinions of State and local governments and regional organizations, and of agriculture, business, labor, consumers, and other interested groups and organizations. Requires the President and the Council to take appropriate actions to insure that executive departments and agencies will carry out their programs and activities so as to further the objectives of any approved balanced economic growth plan. Establishes a Division of Balanced Growth and Economic Planning within the Congressional Budget Office. States that the Division shall provide information as required for the development and consideration of plans pursuant to this Act. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act. Establishes a Division of Economic Information in the Council of Economic Advisers. Authorizes such Division to secure information, data, estimates, and statistics directly from various executive departments and agencies. Directs the Division to disseminate information to State and local governments, businesses and the Federal Government to enable those bodies to make informed economic decisions and to participate effectively in the planning process carried out under this Act. Requires the Division to report to Congress such economic data, statistics and information as specified in this Act at the time of the submission of the first proposed plan to Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1975
Recognizes the right to a nutritionally adequate diet as a cornerstone of United States policy in areas such as trade, assistance, monetary reform and military spending. Seeks to improve food assistance programs in the United States. Calls for an increase in this nation's assistance for self-help development among the world's poorest people. Sets a target of one percent of our total national production to be spent for such assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 14 November 1975
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior, in consultation with the heads of other departments affected by this Act, to issue and revise regulations from time to time, relating to the trapping and capturing of animals and birds. Imposes a fine of $500 and/or imprisonment of up to one year for violations of this Act. Establishes an advisory commission of 7 members to consult with the Secretary and make recommendations with respect to regulations concerning trapping and capturing of animals and birds. Imposes a fine of $5,000 and/or imprisonment or of one year, for the sale, shipment, or transport, of any unapproved trap or any animal skin or hide or bird feathers taken in violation of this Act. Outlines those trapping regulations specifically applicable to Federal lands. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into cooperative agreements with any affected State pursuant to which the Secretary shall assist such State to enable it to comply with the provisions of this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 November 1975
Includes as an unlawful employment practice, under the Civil Rights Act discrimination against an individual by any employer, employment agency, or labor organization because of the individual's prior drug abuse.
United States · United States Congress · 14 November 1975
Rice Production Act - Title I: Rice Allotments and Price Support - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, under the Agricultural Adjustment Act, to establish for each of the 1976 and 1977 rice crops a national acreage allotment of 1,800,000 acres. States that the national acreage allotment shall be apportioned, for each crop of rice, by the Secretary to farms and producers on the basis of allotments established for the 1975 crop. Provides for reserving a portion of the rice allotment for apportionment to new rice farms and new rice producers. Sets forth criteria for reducing or withdrawing entirely the rice allotment of a farm or producer which plants to rice less than the total acreage allotted to it for that crop. Defines exceptions to such criteria. Authorizes the Secretary to transfer for any year because of natural disaster all or a part of such rice acreage for any farm in the county or in any other nearby county on which one or more producers on the farm from which the transfer is to be made will be engaged in the production of rice and will share in the proceeds in accordance with such regulations as the Secretary may prescribe. Directs the Secretary to permit the owner and operator of any farm for which a farm acreage allotment has been established to sell or lease all or any part to any other owner or operator of a farm in the same administrative area, or to transfer all or any part of such allotment to any other farm owned or controlled by him in the same. Provides for the apportionment among the heirs of a rice producer of a farm rice acreage allotment of such producer in States in which the allotment is based on past production of rice. Provides for apportionment of acreage upon dissolution of a partnership in such States. Provides for the voluntary surrender to the county committee of a portion of a farm's rice acreage allotment. States that any acreage planted to rice in excess of the farm or producer acreage allotment in the crop years 1975 and 1977 shall not be taken into account in establishing farm or producer acreage allotments in any year following such period. Establishes, under the Agricultural Act, the price to be used in making payments on rice under the price support program. Sets the price for the 1976 crop at $8 per hundredweight, adjusted for economic and agricultural factors. Directs the Secretary to make loans and purchases on the 1976 rice crop available to producers who are in cooperation with the rice acreage allotment at a rate of $6 per hundredweight, as adjusted for economic and agricultural factors. Bases 1977 loans and purchases on the price paid in 1976 as adjusted. Directs the Secretary to make payments available to cooperators for each of the 1976 and 1977 rice crops. Sets forth criteria for determining the rate of such payments and the total amount of such payments to a cooperator. Directs the Secretary to provide for a set-aside of cropland for a rice crop if an excessive supply of rice for the marketing year under consideration is predicted. Authorizes the raising of specified crops other than rice on set-aside acreage. Limits to $55,000 the total amount of payments which a person shall be entitled to receive during a crop year under this rice program. Makes inapplicable to the 1976 and 1977 crops of rice those provisions of the Agricultural Adjustment Act which regulate the apportionment of the national acreage allotment and marketing quotas with respect to rice. Title II: Rice Research - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to carry out regional and national research programs with respect to rice for specified purposes, including: (1) to reduce fertilizer and herbicide usage in excess of production needs; (2) to develop varieties of rice utilization; and (3) to improve the resistance of rice plants to disease and to enhance their conservation and environmental qualities. Authorizes the appropriation of up to $1,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 to carry out such research. Title III: Miscellaneous - Provides, under the Agricultural Act, that for the 1976 and 1977 crops of rice, a cooperator shall be a person who has a rice acreage allotment, and, if a set-aside is in effect, who has set aside the acreage required.
United States · United States Congress · 11 November 1975
Directs that in computing the total number of civilian personnel authorized in any fiscal year for the Department of Defense or any military department thereof, there shall be excluded from such computation civilian personnel engaged in industrially funded activities.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 1975
Provides, that upon the adoption of this resolution it shall be in order to move, section 303 (a) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 (Public Law 93-344) to the contrary notwithstanding, that the House resolve itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union for the consideration of the bill (H.R. 8529) to establish improved programs for the benefit of producers and consumers of rice. Directs that after general debate, which shall be confined to the bill and shall continue not to exceed two hours, to be equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Agriculture, the bill shall be read for amendment under the five-minute rule by titles instead of by sections. Provides that, at the conclusion of the consideration of the bill for amendment, the Committee shall rise and report the bill to the House with such amendments as may have been adopted, and the previous question shall be considered as ordered on the bill and amendments thereto to final passage without intervening motion except one motion to recommit.
United States · United States Congress · 5 November 1975
Provides that upon the adoption of this resolution it shall be in order to move that the House resolve itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union for the consideration of the bill (H. R. 9924) to direct the National Commission on the Observance of International Women's Year, 1975, to organize and convene a National Women's Conference, and for other purposes. Directs that after general debate, which shall be confined to the bill and shall continue not to exceed one hour, to be equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Government Operations, the bill shall be read for amendment under the five-minute rule. Provides that, at the conclusion of the consideration of the bill for amendment, the Committee shall rise and report the bill to the House with such amendments as may have been adopted, and the previous question shall be considered as ordered on the bill and amendments thereto to final passage without intervening motion except one motion to recommit.
United States · United States Congress · 4 November 1975
Excludes industrially funded personnel in computing the total number of civilian personnel authorized by law for the Department of Defense in any fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 4 November 1975
Authorizes appropriations for grants and loans for the development, construction, and operation of an exhibition of Polynesian culture as part of the commemoration of the American Revolution Bicentennial in the city of Philadelphia.
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 1975
Provides that upon the adoption of this resolution it shall be in order to move that the House resolve itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union for the consideration of the bill (H.R. 6346) to make permanent authorization of appropriations for carrying out title V of the Rural Development Act. Directs that after general debate, which shall be confined to the bill and shall continue not to exceed one hour, to be equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Agriculture, the bill shall be read for amendment under the five-minute rule. Provides that it shall be in order to consider the amendment recommended by the Committee on Agriculture now printed in the bill beginning on page 2, line 1, through page 3, line 5, notwithstanding the provisions of clause 5, rule XXI. Directs that, at the conclusion of the consideration of the bill for amendment, the Committee shall rise and report the bill to the House with such amendments as may have been adopted, and the previous question shall be considered as ordered on the bill and amendments thereto to final passage without intervening motion except on motion to recommit.
United States · United States Congress · 28 October 1975
Federal Taxpayers' Rights Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to prepare pamphlets which set forth in nontechnical terms (1) the rights and obligations of a taxpayer and the Internal Revenue Service during an audit; (2) the procedures by which a taxpayer may appeal any adverse decision of the Service (including administrative and judicial appeals); (3) the procedures for prosecuting refund claims and filing of taxpayer complaints; and (4) the procedures which the Service may use in enforcing the internal revenue laws (including assessment, jeopardy assessment, levy and distraint, and enforcement of liens). Establishes within the Internal Revenue Service an office to be known as the Office of Taxpayer Services to be under the supervision and direction of an Assistant Commissioner of Internal Revenue who shall assist taxpayers in obtaining easily understandable tax information and answering questions on tax liability, among other functions. States that, upon application filed by a taxpayer, the Assistant Commissioner for Taxpayer Services may issue a Taxpayer Assistance Order if, in the determination of the Assistant Commissioner, the taxpayer is suffering from an unusual, unnecessary, or irreparable loss as a result of the manner in which the internal revenue laws are being administered by the Secretary or his delegate. Authorizes the President of the Legal Services Corporation to establish Taxpayer Representation Offices in four cities (selected by the President) for purposes of providing legal assistance to individuals in connection with: (1) any audit by the Service of any return made by or on behalf of the individual with respect to any tax imposed by chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, or (2) an assessment or collection from any such individual of any tax imposed by such chapter. Provides for show cause hearings with respect to jeopardy assessments and termination of taxable years. Increases the monetary value of specified items to be exempt from levy. Provides criminal penalties (a fine of up to $10,000, imprisonment for up to 2 years, or both) for investigation into or surveillance over the beliefs, associations, or activities of any individual or organization which are not directly related to such revenue laws. Prohibits a civil cause of action for damages or an injunction, or both, for such violations. Prohibits inspection of tax returns pursuant to a criminal investigation unless a search warrant has been issued upon probable cause to believe that no alternative source of necessary information is available. Provides rules for civil investigation related to: (1) payment of Social Security and Railroad Retirement Taxes; (2) pension administration; (3) census information; (4) enforcement of taxpayer's rights under this Act; (5) inspection by States; (6) inspection by a Committee of Congress; and (7) disclosure to persons having a substantial interest (agents of partnerships and corporations, and shareholders of corporations). Provides a civil action for damages for unauthorized disclosure of tax information.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 1975
Condemns the resolution adopted by the Third Committee of the United Nations General Assembly which equates Zionism with racism, and urges the U.N. General Assembly to disapprove such resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 21 October 1975
Provides that upon the adoption of this resolution it shall be in order to move that the House resolve itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union for the consideration of the bill (H.R. 1753) to amend section 141 of title 13, United States Code, to provide for the transmittal to each of the several States of the tabulation of population of that State obtained in each decennial census and desired for the apportionment or districting of the legislative body or bodies of that State, in accordance with, and subject to the approval of the Secretary of Commerce, a plan and form suggested by that officer or public body having responsibility for legislative apportionment or districting of the State being tabulated, and for other purposes. Directs that after general debate, which shall be confined to the bill and shall continue not to exceed one hour, to be equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Post Office and Civil Service, the bill shall be read for amendment under the five-minute rule. Provides that, at the conclusion of the consideration of the bill for amendment, the Committee shall rise and report the bill to the House with such amendments as may have been adopted, and the previous question shall be considered as ordered on the bill and amendments thereto to final passage without intervening motion except one motion to recommit.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 1975
Administrative Rulemaking Control Act - States that it is the purpose of this Act to establish a procedure whereby Congress may review certain rulemaking activities of executive agencies, thereby exercising greater control and oversight over the operations of such agencies. Provides that an administrative rule, the violation of which subjects an individual to a criminal penalty, shall take effect only: (1) if published in the Federal Register; (2) after the expiration of 30 days of continuous session of Congress after the date on which the rule was published; and (3) if neither House of Congress passes a resolution disfavoring such a rule. Sets forth procedures governing the consideration of such rules by the Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 1975
Excludes industrially funded personnel in computing the total number of civilian personnel authorized by law for the Department of Defense in any fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1975
Authorizes the President to issue a proclamation designating the week in November which includes Thanksgiving Day in each year as "National Family Week."
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1975
Provides optional coverage for householders under title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act. Defines "householder" as meaning any individual who (1) maintains or participates in the maintenance of a household and conducts or supervises its affairs, not for a wage or salary, during a coverage quarter, (2) is not less than 18 years of age at the beginning of any coverage quarter, and (3) does not perform employment or engage in self-employment during any coverage quarter. Permits individuals qualifying as householders to elect to be covered, under the Internal Revenue Code, as a self-employed individual under the title II insurance system with respect to householder services performed by him or her during the taxable year. Makes the amount of weekly earnings from householder status equivalent to the minimum hourly wage multiplied times 40.
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 1975
Construction Industry Collective Bargaining Act - States that the purpose of this Act is to revise the framework of collective bargaining in the construction industry. Creates, in the Department of Labor, the Construction Industry Collective Bargaining Committee comprised of ten management representatives, ten labor representatives, and up to three neutral members, appointed by the President. Provides that one of the neutral members shall be appointed Chairman. Requires that the Director of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service and the Secretary of Labor shall be ex officio members. Provides that the management, labor, and neutral members shall be appointed after consultation with the national organizations. Requires local labor organizations affiliated with the standard labor organizations in the industry to give 60 days notice to their national unions before the expiration or reopening of agreements, and contractors or associations engaged in collective bargaining with them are similarly required to notify either the national organizations with which they are affiliated, or the Committee directly if there is no national affiliation. Directs standard national labor organizations and the national contractor associations engaged in collective bargaining to forward such notices to the Committee. Authorizes the Committee to take jurisdiction of the matter, in which case any strike or lockout is deferred for up to 30 days past the expiration or reopening date. Allows the Committee to decide to refer a matter to a national craft board or to the national machinery established by a branch of the industry, on which national unions and national contractor associations are represented, in an effort to assist the parties to reach agreement. Authorizes the Committee to elect to meet with the parties itself. Provides that the Committee may request the standard national labor organizations and the national contractor associations whose members are directly involved to participate in the negotiations. Directs that in that event, any new or revised collective bargaining agreement shall be approved by the standard national construction labor organization with which the local labor organization, or other subordinate body, is affiliated in order for the agreement to be of any force or effect. Prescribes that in the event the standard national labor organization or national contractor association participates in such negotiation, it shall not suffer any criminal or civil liability arising out of such participation; nor shall the standard national labor organization be subject to any civil or criminal liability arising out of its approval, or failure to approve, a collective bargaining agreement. Specifies the standards which the Committee shall take into account in taking jurisdiction of a matter and requesting the participation of the standard national labor organizations and the national contractor associations. Authorizes the Committee to make studies of collective bargaining in the industry and to make general recommendations with regard to negotiating structures, improvement of productivity, stability of employment, differentials among branches of the industry, dispute settlement procedures, and other related matters. Provides that this Act shall run for a term of five years. Directs the Committee to submit annual reports to the Congress and, six months in advance of the five-year limit, the Committee shall make recommendations with regard to the extension of the legislation.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1975
Provides that upon the adoption of this resolution it shall be in order to move that the House resolve itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union for the consideration of the bill (H.R. 9500) to stabilize labor- management relations in the construction industry, and for other purposes. Directs that after general debate, which shall be confined to the bill and shall continue not to exceed one hour, to be equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Education and Labor, the bill shall be read for amendment under the five-minute rule. Provides that it shall be in order to consider the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Education and Labor now printed in the bill as an original bill for the purpose of amendment under the five-minute rule. Requires that, at the conclusion of such consideration, the Committee shall rise and report the bill to the House with such amendments as may have been adopted, and any Member may demand a separate vote in the House on any amendment adopted in the Committee of the Whole to the bill or to the committee amendment in the nature of a substitute. Provides that the previous question shall be considered as ordered on the bill and amendments thereto to final passage without intervening motion except one motion to recommit with or without instructions.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 1975
Increases to $825 under title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act the maximum amount of the lump-sum death payment thereunder.