United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1976
Imposes specified mandatory minimum sentences on anyone found guilty of assault with intent to commit murder or rape, assault with intent to commit any felony, assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to do bodily harm, assault by striking, beating, or wounding, murder, maiming, voluntary and involuntary manslaughter, attempted murder or manslaughter, rape, robbery, burglary, and kidnapping, where the victim of such offense is 60 years of age or older.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1976
Adopts the following rules of procedure and practice for resolving contested elections for the office of the United States Senator: (1) the Senate shall seat the candidate holding the last certificate of election which is valid on its face; (2) when an individual has been properly certified as elected, the returns are presumed to be correct; (3) in contesting the election to the Senate of an individual properly certified as elected, in accordance with the rules of the Senate, the individuals contesting the election must allege with particularity the grounds for the contest and such allegations must justify the relief sought; (4) an election shall not be declared void on grounds of fraud, irregularity, or mistake in the conduct of the election, unless the party contesting the election proves by clear and convincing evidence facts sufficient to render a determination of the outcome impossible; (5) requires the contesting party to prove by clear and convincing evidence facts sufficient to change the results of the election in favor of such candidate before he shall be seated; and (6) in determining the matters in contest, the Senate shall apply the election law of the State of contest.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1976
Constitutional Amendment - Provides that the Congress shall seek to assure that the total outlays of the Government during any fiscal year do not exceed the total receipts of the Government during such fiscal year. Directs the President to ascertain the total receipts and outlays of the Government during each fiscal year. Provides that if the total receipts are less than the total outlays, the President shall determine the percentage rate of income tax surtax to be imposed to equal the amount by which such total receipts are less than total outlays. Provides that the income tax surtax, which would otherwise be in effect for the year, may be suspended in case of a grave national emergency declared by Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1976
Terminates the authorization for the Tocks Island Reservoirs project in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. Requires that property acquired by the Secretary of the Army pursuant to such authorization be transferred to the Secretary of the Interior for management by the National Park Service. Establishes criteria for administration of such lands by the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to relocate limited States Highway Numbered 209 as part of the authorization for the Deleware Water Gap National Recreation Area in order to reduce the environmental impact on the area.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1976
Prohibits the Federal courts from requiring any Federal, State, or local official to classify persons by race, creed, or color for the purpose of assigning pupils to public schools. (Adds 28 U.S.C. 3101)
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1976
Paperwork Review and Limitation Act - Requires, under the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1970, that each public bill or resolution reported by a Congressional committee must be accompanied by a Paperwork Impact Statement which must assess the amount and character of the information that such bill or resolution will require of private individuals and businesses and the cost or time required of such individual or businesses. Requires each committee of Congress to review annually the reporting requirements (including the number and character of reporting forms issued and withdrawn) of any agency under such committee's jurisdiction. States that no Federal agency may collect information from ten or more persons, other than Federal employees, unless the Director of the Office of Management and Budget has approved the proposed collection and the forms to be used. Limits the Director's approval for the collection of information to one year, and provides that the forms used must indicate when such approval expires, and that such forms must indicate that no response is required if the approval date has expired. Requires each agency to report annually to the Director and Congress concerning all forms such agency has issued or withdrawn during the calendar year. Requires the Director to study the feasibility of requiring a single standard form for collecting information by all Federal agencies and to report the results of such study not later than one year after the enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1976
Expresses the sense of Congress that the negotiations between Southern Railway and Chessie System on one hand and railway labor organizations on the other should be resumed, with the assistance of the Secretaries of Labor and Transportation.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1976
Amends Title XX (Grants to States for Services) of the Social Security Act to increase the Federal share of expenditures for such services to include the entire cost of such services. Increases from 50 percent to 75 percent the portion of the expenditures made to a State for social services which must be spent for families or individuals with incomes below the poverty line as determined for the State or for families or individuals who receive benefits under the programs of aid to families with dependent children, supplemental security income, or medicaid. Eliminates the requirement for Federal standards for State-operated child day care centers. Requires the States to establish and enforce Statewide standards for day care facilities. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to submit to Congress a model law or set of standards recommended for adoption by the States to govern the provision of day care services. Repeals the prohibition against payments to States to cover the cost of educational services provided by the State without regard to cost or to the income of the beneficaries of such services. Authorizes payments to States for services to individuals in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, intermediate care facilities, or foster homes. Continues the prohibition against payments to States for services to individuals in prison. Repeals the prohibition against payments to States for services to individuals who are eligible to receive payments under the medicare program. Repeals the requirement for approval of all State plans for social services by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. Requires States to conduct an annual audit of any plan of services under this Act. Requires an annual assessment of the implementation of such plan by each State. Directs the annual publication of the reports of such audits and assessments. Extends the prohibition against discrimination based on race, color, or national origin under any program receiving Federal financial assistance to include a prohibition on discrimination based on sex.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1976
Establishes a standing committee of the Senate to be known as the Committee on Intelligence Activities, to oversee and make continuing studies of the intelligence activities and programs of the United States Government, and to submit to the Senate appropriate proposals for legislation concerning such intelligence activities and programs. Provides that the Committee shall make every effort to assure that the appropriate departments and agencies of the United States provide the intelligence necessary for the executive and legislative branches to make sound decisions affecting the security and vital interests of the Nation. Provides that the Committee provide oversight of the intelligence activities of the United States. Stipulates that no member or professional employee of the Committee shall serve for more than six years of continuous service. Specifies that all matters relating to the following shall be referred to the Committee: (1) the Central Intelligence Agency and the Director of Central Intelligence; (2) intelligence activities of all other departments and agencies of the Government, including, but not limited to, the intelligence activities of the Defense Intelligence Agency, the National Security Agency, and other agencies of the Department of Defense; the Department of State; the Department of Justice; and the Department of the Treasury; (3) the organization or reorganization of any department or agency of the Government to the extent that the organization or reorganization relates to a function or activity involving intelligence activities; and (4) all authorizations for appropriations for all such organizations and activities. Requires the Committee to make periodic reports to the Senate on the nature and extent of the intelligence activities of the various departments and agencies of the United States. Directs the Committee to obtain an annual report from the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of State, and the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Specifies that such report shall review the intelligence activities of the agency or department concerned and the intelligence activities of foreign countries directed at the United States or its interests. Provides that such report shall be made available to the public. Authorizes the Committee to disclose publicly any information in its possession after a determination that the public interest would be served by such disclosure. States that in any case in which the Committee on Intelligence Activities of the Senate votes to disclose publicly any information submitted to it by the executive branch which the executive branch requests be kept secret, such committee shall notify the President of such vote. Provides that when the members of the Committee shall vote not to disclose such information the decision may be referred to the Senate for reconsideration upon the request of three Committee members. Provides that the Select Committee on Standards and Conduct may investigate any alleged disclosure of intelligence information by a Member, officer, or employee of the Senate which violates this Act. Directs that the records, files, documents, and other materials in the possession of the Select Committee on Governmental Operations with respect to Intelligence Activities shall, upon the expiration of such committee's authority, be transferred to the Committee on Intelligence Activities. Requires the Committee to study the quality, nature, and conduct of intelligence activities, including recommendations for any changes in the law considered desirable by the Committee. Requires that the Committee report its findings to the Senate no later than July 1, 1977.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1976
Program Information Act - Requires the President or an agency head designated by the President to publish a catalog of Federal domestic assistance programs for the use of potential beneficiaries of such programs. States that the catalog, which must be revised quarterly, shall be the single authorative Government-wide compendium of Federal domestic assistance programs, and that any law requiring the publication of similar catalogs is repealed to the extent it conflicts with this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1976
Transfers from Federal to State courts jurisdiction to enter decrees requiring the transportation of students or teachers to carry out a plan of racial desegregation, when such cases arise within a State. Vests appellate jurisdiction of such cases in the Supreme Court of the United States by writ of certiorari from the highest State or territorial court exercising such jurisdiction. Terminates the order of any Federal court requiring the transportation of students and teachers to carry out a plan of racial desegregation. Directs any State court of appellate jurisdiction to assume jurisdiction of such cases upon application of a party.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1976
Opportunities Industrialization Centers Job Creation and Training Act - States that the purpose of this Act is to provide special authority for the Opportunities Industrialization Centers in order to create and provide job opportunities for specific unemployed persons who were particularly hard hit by the recent economic recession, and to provide opportunities for industry to create additional jobs for the unemployed in rural and urban communities. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to enter into a contract with Opportunities Industrialization Centers, Incorporated (OIC) in order to provide comprehensive employment services and jobs for unemployed persons. Requires each such contract to contain provisions assuring that specific requirements are complied with, including requirements that (1) special consideration in providing jobs will be given to unemployed persons who are most severely disadvantaged in terms of the length of time they have been unemployed; (2) due consideration will be given to persons who have participated in manpower training programs for whom unemployment opportunities would be otherwise unavailable, and (3) the program will to the maximum extent feasible contribute to the elimination of artificial barriers to employment and occupational advancement. Sets forth special conditions to be met prior to providing financial assistance pursuant to a contract entered into under this Act. Requires the programs to contribute, to the maximum extent feasible, to the occupational development or upward mobility of individual participants. Prohibits the Secretary from providing financial assistance unless he determines that: (1) periodic reports will be submitted to him to measure the effectiveness of the programs; (2) there will be no discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, political affiliation, or beliefs within the program, and (3) the participants in the program will not be employed in the construction, operation, or maintenance of sectarian religious facilities. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the provisions of this Act of $150,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, $200,0000,000 for fiscal year 1978, $300,000,000 for fiscal year 1979, and $350,000,000 for fiscal year 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1976
Government Economy and Spending Reform Act - Title I: Authorizations of New Budget Authority - Terminates on specified dates budget authority for all Government programs except health care services, general retirement and disability insurance, and Federal employee retirement and disability programs which are funded by trust funds. Declares out of order in either the Senate or the House of Representatives any legislation which authorizes new budget authority not in compliance with this Act. Requires the Committees on Appropriations and the Committees on the Budget of both Houses of Congress to identify each program's functional and subfunctional category (as so characterized in the Budget of the United States, Fiscal Year 1977, transmitted to Congress by the President on January 21, 1976), the committees having legislative jurisdiction over such program, and whether such program operates under permanent authorizations and budget authority. Makes the budget termination provisions of this Act effective on the first day of the Ninety-fifth Congress. Title II: Early Elimination of Inactive and Duplicate Programs - Requires the Comptroller General of the United States to identify for Congress any programs which have duplicate objectives or for which no outlays have been made for the last two fiscal years. Directs the standing committees of both Houses to consider such programs and report recommendations on such programs before March 15, 1978, if possible. Title III: Quadrennial Program Review and Evaluation - Sets forth a timetable for reviewing the budget of a Government program. Requires review by standing committees of the Congress every four years of each program's cost, effectiveness, and the extent to which such program duplicates or is similar to any other program. States that such review shall include a comprehensive evaluation of the merits of such program to determine if it warrants continuation. Requires justification of any recommendation to fund any program which has objectives similar to or the same as another program's objectives. Directs the Comptroller General and the Congressional Budget Office to provide Congress with information and analysis of programs being reviewed under this Act. Requires the President to similarly review the merits of continuing programs contained in annual Budget and to report the finding of such review prior to transmitting the Budget to Congress. Title IV: Continuing Review and Evaluation - Directs the Comptroller General to report to Congress the result of any audit which shows a substantial deficiency in achievement of the objectives of any Government program. Requires subsequent audits, a report of which must be submitted to Congress, to determine if such deficiency has been eliminated. Title V: Miscellaneous - States that those provisions of this Act which direct the operation of either House are enacted as an exercise of the rulemaking power of such House and recognizes the right of either House to change such rules.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1976
Emergency Food Stamp Vendor Accountability Act - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, under the Food Stamp Act of 1964, to prescribe regulations to be followed by food coupon vendors with respect to the depositing of funds received for such coupons and the accounting for such funds to the State and Federal Governments. Requires vendors to deposit such funds weekly in accordance with Department of Agriculture regulations. Requires more frequent deposit of balances of $1,000 or more. States that vendors act as fiduciaries of the Federal Government when receiving food coupon funds. Prohibits the use of such funds by vendors for the benefit of anyone other than the Federal Government. Requires vendors to report periodically to State and Federal Government agencies the amount of funds deposited. Establishes criminal penalties for the violation of the regulations established in accordance with this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 December 1975
Requires approval by the Director of the Office of Management and Budget of the use of new or revised forms by the Internal Revenue Service. (Amends 44 U.S.C. 3507)
United States · United States Congress · 10 December 1975
Social Research and Development Oversight Act - Declares it to be the purpose of this Act to establish oversight procedures and to coordinate and reduce duplication of social research and development by Federal agencies. Defines "social research and development" as research, experimentation, demonstration, program evaluation, policy analysis, statistical data gathering and analysis, or synthesis and dissemination of any of the above involving primarily the application of one or more of the social sciences of economics, sociology, education, psychology, statistics, political science and public administration. Forbids the obligation by any agency of $25,000 or more for any such activity unless: (1) the agency has submitted to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget a statement describing any such activity, including such information as the Director may request; and (2) the Director has informed the agency in writing that he does not disapprove. Requires, under the Budget and Accounting Act, inclusion of information regarding all such planned social research and development in the budget. Prescribes that such information shall include: (1) total estimated outlays for all social research and development activities; (2) estimated outlays for each of the following: research, experimentation and demonstration, program evaluation, other social research and development activities; and (3) a listing and description of any such activity with estimated outlays of $25,000 or more. Requires each agency to maintain at its principal office public documents in the form of summaries of any contracts, grants, and records of such activity, together with information as to where requests may be made for inspection of such records.
United States · United States Congress · 9 December 1975
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the signing in Helsinki of the Final Act of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe did not change in any way the longstanding policy of the United States on non-recognition of the Soviet Union's illegal seizure and annexation of the three Baltic nations of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.
United States · United States Congress · 8 December 1975
Removes, under the Communications Act, specific limitations on cable television systems operating in smaller television markets in any State which does not have a commercial television broadcasting station.
United States · United States Congress · 3 December 1975
Permits, under the Internal Revenue Code, an individual to deduct amounts paid by that individual for retirement savings for the benefit of his spouse, within specified limitations.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1975
Regulatory Limitation Act - Provides that the rules and regulations implementing the public laws of the United States shall not take effect before 60 calendar days of continuous session of Congress after the date on which the rule was published in the Federal Register. Directs that such regulations shall not be implemented if either House of Congress passes a resolution disapproving them.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1975
Revises rule XIV of the Standing Rules of the Senate to provide that it shall not be in order to consider any bill or joint resolution authorizing new budget authority exceeding $1,000,000 in its five-year cost unless the report accompanying such bill contains assessments by the Comptroller General of the United States of the language of such bill and joint resolution in relation to legislative goals.
United States · United States Congress · 11 November 1975
Directs the President to reduce Federal travel expenses by at least ten percent. Requires that steps be taken to allocate the reductions so as not to disrupt vital governmental services. Provides that the President shall report to the Congress within thirty days on his actions pursuant to this concurrent resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 11 November 1975
Condemns the resolution adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations which equates Zionism with racism. Opposes participation by the United States Government in the Decade for Action to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination. Calls for reconsideration of the Zionism resolution. Directs the Committee on International Relations and the Committee on Foreign Relations to begin hearings immediately to reassess the United States' further participation in the United Nations General Assembly.
United States · United States Congress · 28 October 1975
Public Safety Officers' Benefits Act - Provides that a public safety officer who dies in the line of duty from injuries directly and proximately caused by a criminal act, or an apparent criminal act, shall be entitled to $50,000 as specified in this Act. Allows for an interim payment of $3,000 to the persons entitled to receive a benefit. Provides that under specified circumstances no benefit shall be paid including (1) intentional misconduct of the public safety officer and (2) voluntary intoxication of the officer. Defines terms as used in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1975
Spending Control Act - Provides that expenditures and net lending during the fiscal year beginning October 1, 1976, under the budget of the United States Government, shall not exceed $395,000,000,000.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 1975
Lobbying Act - Declares it to be the purpose of this Act to provide for the disclosure to the Congress, the executive branch, and to all members of the public of the efforts of organizations and individuals who are paid to engage in efforts to influence issues before Congress or the executive branch, without intefering with the right of the people of the United States to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. Defines terms used in this Act. States that the term "lobbying" means the making of "lobbying communications" or "lobbying solicitations", as such terms are defined in this Act. Defines the term "lobbyist" to mean any person or organization which receives any income other than personal travel expenses and other specified income: (1) to make or for making in any quarterly period one or more lobbying communications; or (2) to make or for making in any quarterly period one or more lobbying solicitations which refer to the same issue or issues before the Congress or the executive branch and which reach, or may reasonably be expected to reach, a total of five hundred or more persons. Makes a further definition of the term "lobbyist" to include any organization which conducts specified activities designed to affect the outcome of legislation. Requires each person to register with the Comptroller General of the United States not later than 15 days after becoming a lobbyist. States that such registration shall contain the identification of the lobbyist, and the identification of the subject matter of each category of issues before the Congress or executive branch, which the lobbyist expects to seek to influence. Requires each lobbyist to disclose each organization from which he received income during the 12-month period preceding the filing. Requires voluntary membership organizations to approximate the number of persons who are members of the organization, and to describe the methods which the organization expects to use. States that such registrations shall also include: (1) an identification of each person on whose behalf the lobbyist's services have been retained; (2) a description of the financial terms and conditions under which the lobbyist is retained by each such person; and (3) an identification of each individual to whom, as of the date of filing, the lobbyist expects to provide income (other than personal travel expenses) to make one or more lobbying communications. States that such registration shall be effective for 12 months. Requires each lobbyist and person retaining a lobbyist to maintain such financial and other records as the Comptroller General shall prescribe. States that such records shall be subject to examinations by the Comptroller General. Requires each lobbyist to file quarterly reports with the Comptroller General covering the lobbyist's activities during that period. Sets forth the information required to be included in such report. Enumerates the powers of the Comptroller General pursuant to the enforcement of the provisions of this Act. Grants the Comptroller General the power to subpena witnesses and documentary evidence. Sets forth the duties of the Comptroller General pursuant to this Act. States that the Comptroller General shall make available to the public the information contained in the registration and reports filed by lobbyists under this Act. Directs the Comptroller General, in response to a written request by any person, to render an advisory opinion with respect to the recordkeeping, registration, or reporting requirements of this Act. Directs the Comptroller General to investigate any apparent violation of this Act when it appears that any person has engaged, or is about to engage in, any acts or practices which would constitute a violation of this Act. Authorizes the Comptroller General to correct such violations by informal means, or, that failing, by legal action. Sets forth rules of procedure with respect to legal actions brought to enforce the provisions of this Act. Establishes civil penalties consisting of fines of up to $10,000 per day for each day of violation of the provisions of this Act. Requires the Comptroller General to report to the President and to Congress annually with respect to its activities and functions under this Act. Repeals the Federal Regulation of Lobbying Act. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 1975
Calls upon the President's Special Representative for Trade Negotiations and other officials to develop a code of conduct and specific trading obligations among governments, together with suitable procedures for dispute settlement.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 1975
Federal Assistance Program Consolidation Act - Defines the term "Federal assistance program" to mean any assistance provided by an agency in the form of grants loans, loan guarantees, property, contracts (except those for the procurement of goods and services for the Government of the United States), or technical assistance, whether the recipients are State or local governments, their agencies, including school or other special districts created by or pursuant to State law, or public, quasi-public, or private institutions, associations, corporations, individuals, or other persons. States that the President, after finding that a consolidation of Federal assistance programs is necessary to: (1) promote better administration and improve planning; (2) improve coordination; (3) eliminate overlapping and duplication; and (4) promote economy and efficiency; shall prepare a plan for such consolidation and submit it to the Congress for review. Requires each plan to place responsibility for administration of the consolidated program in a single agency, and to specify the conditions under which the Federal assistance programs included in the plan shall be administered. Prohibits the inclusion within a consolidation plan of Federal assistance to programs which are not in the same area. States that any such plan shall become effective after 60 calendar days of continuous session of Congress after submission of the plan to Congress. Provides for Congressional disapproval of such plan within the 60-day period.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 1975
Establishes the National Commission on Executive Secrecy to study all laws, and executive branch rules, regulations, orders, and procedures relating to the classification and protection of information for the purpose of determining their consistency with the efficient operation of the Government, including the proper performance of its duties by the Congress. Sets forth the powers and duties of the Commission. Authorizes to be appropriated the sums necessary to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1975
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the President should, upon his visit to the People's Republic of China, request that the Chinese officials use their offices to obtain an accounting of members of the United States Armed Forces missing in action and confined as prisoners of war in Southeast Asia.
United States · United States Congress · 16 September 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 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 with the Office of Taxpayer Services, in such form, manner, and at such time as the Secretary or his delegate shall by regulations prescribe, 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 such 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, or imprisonment for up to 2 years or both) for investigations into or surveillance over the beliefs, associations, or activities of any individual or organization which are not directly related to such revenue laws. Provides 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 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 taxpayers' rights under this Act; (5) inspection by States; (6) inspection by Committees of Congress; and (7) disclosure to persons having 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 · 10 September 1975
Provides an additional personal exemption of $1,000 to the taxpayer under the Internal Revenue Code for each senior citizen whose principal place of abode is in the principal residence of the taxpayer, unless the taxpayer is allowed a deduction for trade or business expense for the housing of such senior citizen.
United States · United States Congress · 3 September 1975
Expresses the sense of the Senate that Members of the Senate should be briefed upon the full extent of American obligations to Israel and Egypt as a result of Middle East accords. Calls for information on the likelihood that Americans stationed in the Sinai Desert will be involved in any conflict.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1975
Increases the value of exemptions for taxable estates under the Internal Revenue Code from $60,000 to $200,000 of the value of the gross estate. Increases the limitation on the aggregate marital deduction to 50 percent of the adjusted gross value of the estate, plus $100,000. Allows an executor to value farmland, woodland, and scenic open land at its current use value rather than at its fair market value.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1975
States that whenever any officer in the executive branch of the Federal Government proposes to prescribe any rule or regulation, or change any existing rule or regulation, such rule or regulation must be submitted to each House of Congress together with a report containing a full explantion thereof. Provides that no such rule shall become effective if the Congress disapproves it within a sixty-day period. Specifies that the provisions of this Act shall not apply to regulations dealing with national security, foreign affairs, agency management, or personnel matters.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1975
National Commission on School Busing Act - Establishes a fifteen-member commission to be known as the National Commission on School Busing. Provides that the members be appointed by the President from representatives of concerned parents and from the field of education and law. Directs the Commission to make an investigation with respect to school busing compelled by order of the court or by a plan approved by the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. Requires the Commission to submit a final report to the President and Congress not later than March 1, 1976. Calls upon the Commission to consider the feasibility of a constitutional amendment to prohibit compulsory school busing, a modification of court orders and plans formulated by the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare and alternatives to achieving quality education. Authorizes the Commission to hold hearings and issue subpenas as necessary to carry out this resolution. Provides for the appointment of and compensation for the members and their staff. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums, but not to exceed $1,000,000, as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this joint resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1975
Expresses the sense of Congress that compulsory school busing be discontinued until such time as an adequate study of the effects of such busing and alternatives to it is completed.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1975
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the United States should not seek a normalization of relations with the Government of Cuba until the following issues are resolved: (1) acceptance of fundamental human rights; (2) acceptance of the standard of international law; (3) acknowledgement of claims for compensation for confiscated American property; (4) cessation of terrorist activities in Puerto Rico; and (5) acceptance of principles set down in the charter of the Organization of American States.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1975
National Productivity and Quality of Working Life Act - Title I: Findings, Purpose, and Policy Definitions - Declares it to be the finding of Congress that the rate of productivity growth has declined during four of the past six years in the United States, and that such decline is detrimental to the social and economic welfare of the American people. States that there is a national need to identify the factors which affect adversely the productivity growth, to improve productivity, and to increase employment security. Declares it to be the purpose of this Act: (1) to establish a national policy which will encourage productivity growth consistent with needs of the economy, the natural environment, and the needs, rights, and best interests of management, the work force, and consumers; and (2) to establish as an independent establishment of the executive branch a National Center for Productivity and Quality of Working Life to focus, coordinate, and promote efforts to improve the rate of productivity growth. Title II: National Center for Productivity and Quality of Working Life Established - Creates as an independent establishment of the executive branch of the Government the National Center for Productivity and Quality of Working Life. Sets forth provisions for the establishment of the Board of Directors of the Center. Includes specified cabinet members and Federal officials ex officio, and provides for the appointment of other members by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. Enumerates the functions of the Center, including: (1) the development and establishment of a national policy for productivity growth in the public and private sectors of the United States; (2) the stimulation of the maximum participation of the public and private sectors of the Nation's economy in efforts to improve the rate of productivity growth; (3) the recommendation of legislation and revision of regulations as appropriate to achieve the purposes of this Act; and (4) the dissemination of information collected through surveys and studies conducted under this Act. Defines the powers of the Center, including the power to organize and contract for studies pursuant to the purposes of this Act. Requires the Center to report annually to the President and to the Congress on its activities during the preceding fiscal year. Title III: Federal Agency Coordination and Liaison with Center - Directs each department, agency, and independent establishment of the Federal Government to designate an individual to serve as liaison with the Center. Directs such offices to keep the Center informed of all programs and initiatives relevant to this Act, and to provide the Center with any information and material which it may request. Title IV: Administrative Provisions - Authorizes the Executive Director of the Center to carry out such actions as are necessary for effective operation pursuant to this Act. Title V: Evaluation by the Comptroller General - Directs the Comptroller General of the United States to audit, review, and evaluate the implementation of the provisions of this Act by the Center and to report the results of such inspection to Congress within 30 to 36 months of the enactment of this Act. Title VI: Repeal and Transfer - Transfers the functions and staff of the National Commission on Productivity and Work Quality to the Center. Title VII: Authorization of Appropriations - Authorizes the appropriation of funds to carry out the purposes of this Act for fiscal years 1976, 1977, and 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 1975
Congressional Right to Information Act - Requires the head of every Federal agency: (1) to keep each committee and subcommittee of Congress fully informed with respect to all matters relating to the agency which are within the jurisdiction of the committee or subcommittee; and (2) to provide the Congress, its committees and subcommittees, with all information requested. Requires all officers or employees of the United States, when summoned to testify or to produce evidence before Congress or a committee or subcommittee thereof, to appear as requested, and to furnish all information required. Provides for the withholding of such information by instruction of the President. Provides for the subpena of an officer or employee of the United States or of information requested by Congress, when such officer fails to appear or such information is withheld. Provides for the bringing of a civil action to enforce such subpena. Sets forth rules for the treatment of any resolution introduced in Congress to enforce a subpena issued pursuant to this Act. Grants to the United States District Court for the District of Columbia the original jurisdiction over actions brought to enforce a subpena issued pursuant to this Act. Directs the Congress, and each committee and subcommittee thereof to take measures to insure the confidentiality of any information made available to it under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1975
Expresses the disapproval of the United States Senate of attempts to expel Israel for the United Nations. States that if Israel is expelled the Senate will review United States commitments to the Third World nations involved in the expulsion and will consider the implication of continued membership in the United Nations.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1975
Utility Regulatory Improvement Act - Declares it to be the finding of Congress that the increasing complexity of regulatory decisions has severely overburdened State utility commissions and has prevented consumers from participating in the regulatory proceedings of such commissions. Declares it to be the purpose of this Act to assist such State commissions in the performance of their duties. Defines terms used in this Act. Establishes within the Federal Energy Administration an Office of State Regulatory Assistance. Authorizes the Director of the Office: (1) to provide financial assistance to State regulatory commissions to improve staffing of such commissions; (2) to provide financial assistance to States to provide for the establishment of offices of consumer services to assist consumers in their presentations before State regulatory commissions; (3) to provide financial assistance to encourage State regulatory commissions to develop innovative rate structures; and (4) to provide technical assistance, including audit, management, and financial management assistance. Authorizes appropriations for each fiscal year through fiscal year 1980 for the assistance provided under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1975
Establishes a Select Committee of the Senate on Federal Responsiveness and Accountability to study the problems of accountability and responsiveness at all levels of the Federal Government. Limits the expenses of the committee to an amount not to exceed $400,000 before February 29, 1976.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1975
Emergency Mortgage Relief Payments Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to make emergency mortgage relief payments to morgagees on behalf of distressed homeowners. Sets forth as conditions for making such payments: (1) the holder of the mortgage has indicated his intention to foreclose; (2) mortgage payments have been delinquent for at least two months; (3) the mortgagor has incurred a substantial reduction in income as a result of involuntary unemployment or underemployment due to adverse economic conditions and is fanancially unable to make the full payments; (4) there is a reasonable prospect that the mortgager will be able to make the adjustments necessary for a full resumption of mortgage payments; and (5) the mortgaged property is the principal residence of the mortgagor. States that mortgage relief payments may be made in amounts up to $250 per month for up to twelve months with an extension of up to an additional twelve months. States that the payments shall be repayable with an annual interest rate not exceeding eight percent. Directs the Secretary and the Federal supervisory agencies with respect to financial institutions to take steps to encourage forebearance in residential mortgage loan foreclosures, and to request all mortgagees to give such agencies at least 30 days notice prior to instituting foreclosure proceedings. Authorizes to be appropriated for the purposes of this Act not to exceed $500,000,000. States that mortgage relief payments shall not be made after July 1, 1976. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress within sixty days after enactment and at sixty-day intervals thereafter on the action taken under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1975
National Food Stamp Reform Act - Defines the term "income" as used in the Food Stamp Act as the monthly gross income of all members of a household, including any in-kind payment, and the total value of any publicly funded assistance payments which supplement food and housing needs. Excludes specified individuals from the definition of "household. Provides for the distribution of federally donated foods to households upon the request by a political subdivision that such distribution be made to all eligible households in lieu of food stamps. Excludes households from eligibility for food stamps: (1) if the monthly household income exceeds the poverty index level of income established by the Office of Management and Budget; or (2) if the market value of liquid and nonliquid resources of a household consisting of one individual exceeds $1,500 or the resources of a multiple-member household exceed $2,250 exclusive of specified resources. Excludes from eligibility households which include an able-bodied adult between the ages of 18 and 65 who is enrolled in an institution of postsecondary education and such enrollment is a substitute for fulltime employment. Declares that a refusal to work at a plant or site because of a strike or other labor dispute shall be deemed a refusal to work which makes the household of the nonworking individual ineligible for food stamps. Rejects as an excuse for refusal to accept work a condition of employment which requires an individual to join, resign from, or refrain from joining any labor organization. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to require each household receiving benefits under this Act to report its income at least once each month. Requires food coupons to be designed with a space for the recipient to sign upon receipt and again at redemption. Requires one member of each eligible household to be issued a photo-identification card with color photograph. States that such card must be presented at redemption at a food store. Sets forth specific instructions to provide control and accountability over the distribution of food coupons to State agencies. Ties the value of the coupon allotment to the overall retail cost-of-living index. States that the "nutritionally adequate diet" as used to determine the amount of the coupon allotment shall mean the low-cost food plan developed by the Agricultural Research Service of the Department of Agriculture. Establishes as the charge a household shall pay for its coupon allotment the lesser of: (1) the percentage of its income which would be expended for food by an average household of its size and income range in the same region of the country; or (2) 30 percent. Provides, under the requirements for State plans for the administration of the food stamp program, for closer State supervision of eligibility by households. Requires the State agencies administering the program to conduct nutrition education programs for recipients. States that the United States Postal Service shall serve as a food stamp issuing agency upon the request of a State food stamp administration agency. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to pay the States 100 percent of the costs of providing food stamps to eligible aliens, and 75 percent of the costs of State investigations, prosecutions, collections of claims and other State activities related to retrieving food stamp losses. Provides for payment by the Federal Government to the States of a share of the difference between the face value of the coupon allotment and the amount charged eligible households for the allotment. Sets forth the method of determining and paying the Federal share. Directs the transfer of all functions of the Secretary of Agriculture under the Food Stamp Act to the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1975
Inflation Adjustment Act - Provides, under the Internal Revenue Code, for an inflation adjustment based on the percentage difference in the price index for an inflation year and the price index for the base period (October 1973 - September 1974), in the rates of tax, the standard and personal exemption deductions, and the income tax collected at the source. Requires that the adjustment in effect for calendar year 1978 shall remain in effect.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 1975
Disallows the use of Federal funds for first-class air travel by all Federal employees, including Members of Congress and congressional staff employees.
![Official portrait of Sen. Roth Jr., William V. [R-DE]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/r000460_200.jpg)