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United States · Official source
2,949 records where Sen. Weicker, Lowell P., Jr. [R-CT] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow limited income tax credit for the higher education expenses paid for the taxpayer, his spouse, and his dependents.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1977
Recognizes the outstanding contributions made by President Ford to this Nation and commends him for the manner and integrity with which he carried out his responsibilities.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1977
Natural Gas Act Amendments - Amends the Natural Gas Act to terminate Federal Power Commission authority to regulate sales of new natural gas in interstate commerce. Stipulates that emergency sales of natural gas to curtailed customers who qualify as essential users shall not affect such exempt status. Stipulates that contractual provisions prohibiting sales to such customers shall be suspended and unenforceable for the duration of such emergency sale. Stipulates that prices for offshore sales of new natural gas shall not exceed the ceiling price for sales of new natural gas produced from offshore Federal lands. Stipulates that prices paid for natural gas in transactions between a natural gas company and its affiliates shall not exceed prices paid in comparable sales by persons not affiliated with any natural gas company. Directs the Federal Power Commission to conduct studies and make reports regarding the nature and availability of natural gas reserves. Requires that the Commission keep current information available relating to the estimated natural gas reserves for individual fields. Establishes procedures for the establishment of ceiling prices for new natural gas produced from offshore Federal lands through December 31, 1982. Authorizes the Commission to grant exemptions to price ceilings within high-cost production areas. Establishes procedures for adjustments to price ceilings established pursuant to this Act. Directs the Commission to prohibit the curtailment of adequate supplies of natural gas for essential agricultural purposes. Directs the Commission to prohibit the use of natural gas as boiler fuel where adequate alternatives are available. Authorizes exemptions from such prohibition where necessary to comply with pollution control or environmental protection and safety standards. Stipulates that the provisions of the Natural Gas Act shall extend to synthetic natural gas.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1977
Children and Youth Camp Safety Act - Requires each youth camp operator to provide each camper safe and healthful conditions and adequate supervision to prevent injury. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to promulgate camp safety regulations within nine months of enactment of this Act. Provides that during a two-year period following promulgation and annually thereafter States may assume responsibility for development and enforcement of safety standards. Requires such States to submit plans for such development and enforcement. Grants the Secretary a right of disapproval of such plans. Directs the Secretary to provide technical assistance and consultative services to assist in the development and implementation of State plans. Permits the Secretary to make grants to States for the development of youth camp safety plans, to assist such States with plan initiation and training costs, and for the early operation and improvement of youth camp safety programs. Permits representatives of the Secretary to inspect youth camps and to investigate their records. Requires youth camp operators to file annual reports with the Secretary on accidents resulting in death, injury, and serious illness. Requires the Secretary to provide for the citation of youth camp operators for any violation of any standard, rule, or order promulgated pursuant to this Act. Directs the Secretary to afford an opportunity for a hearing for any youth camp operator issued a citation or notice of a proposed penalty. Permits any youth camp operator adversely affected by the decision of the hearing examiner to obtain a review of the decision in the United States court of appeals. Provides that upon the request of any youth camp operator, director, or staff, or during any inspection the Secretary shall provide consultative services to youth camps in States which do not have in effect a State plan. Sets forth civil penalties for violations of this Act and regulations by youth camp operators. Grants United States district courts and other courts of competent jurisdiction the jurisdiction, upon petition of the State or Secretary as appropriate, to restrain youth camp conditions threatening imminent dangers. Directs the Secretary to establish an Advisory Council on Youth Camp Safety to advise and consult on policy matters relating to youth camp safety. States that this Act or regulations issued under this Act shall not be construed to interfere with the religious activities or any youth camp that is operated by any religious corporation, association, or society or operated for a particular religion.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1977
Designates January 15 of each year as "Martin Luther King Day".
United States · United States Congress · 12 January 1977
Establishes a three-member arbitration board to settle disputes between organizations of supervisory and managerial personnel, and the Postal Service. Requires that disputes concerning a substantial portion of such personnel and dealing with: (1) plans for participating directly in the development of pay policies and other benefit programs; or (2) pay policies and other programs developed after such participation, be referred to the arbitration board. Specifies that if the Postal Service and such organization are unable to agree as to whether or not a particular issue may be referred to arbitration, both parties shall refer the issue to arbitration.
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 1977
Medicare-Medicaid Anti-Fraud and Abuse Amendments - Amends Titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require that Medicare and Medicaid payments be made directly to the physician or other person providing the service involved. Allows payment in accordance with an assignment from the person or institution providing care or service if such assignment is made to a governmental agency or entity or is established by the order of a court of competent jurisdiction or to an agent of such person or institution if the agency does so pursuant to an agency agreement under which the compensation to be paid to the agency for his services or in connection with the billing or collection of payments due such person or institution under the plan is unrelated to the amount of such payments or the billings thereof, and is not dependent upon the actual collection of any such payment. States that the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare shall by regulation (or by contract provision) provide that any entity (other than a public agency) which is a provider or supplier that furnishes or arranges for the furnishing of items or services with respect to which payment is claimed under Title XVIII, Title V (Maternal and Child Welfare), or under Title XIX of the Social Security Act to a party to an agreement with the Secretary under such titles shall promptly comply with any request, specifically addressed to that entity by the Secretary or the Comptroller General of the United States, for information concerning ownership, control, or costs of such entities. Increases the maximum penalty for defrauding the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Authorizes the Comptroller General of the United States to sign and issue subpoenas for the purpose of any audit, investigation, examination, analysis, review, evaluation, or other function authorized by law with respect to any program authorized under this Act. Requires the Secretary to suspend any physician or practitioner from participation in the Medicare or Medicaid programs whenever such individual is convicted of a criminal offense related to their involvement in such programs. Conditions participation in or certification or recertification under the programs established by titles XVIII, XIX, and XX (Grants to States for Services) upon disclosure of the name of any person who: (1) has a direct or indirect ownership or control interest of five percent or more in such provider, institution, organization, or agency; and (2) has been convicted of a criminal offense related to the involvement of such person in any of such programs. Prohibits expenditure under the Medicaid plan to the extent that any agency, organization, or other person (other than a member of the individual's family) would have been obligated by a State law or contract to provide such care or services but for a provision of the State law or contract which limits or excludes such obligation because the individual is eligible for or receives care or services under the plan.
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 1977
Amends the United Nations Participation Act of 1945 to permit enforcement of any executive order restricting the importation of Rhodesian chrome, pursuant to any United Nations Security Council resolution. Requires that steel mill products containing chromium may not be imported while such executive order is in effect without filing a certificate of origin with the Secretary of the Treasury unless such shipment is released by the Secretary. Authorizes the Secretary to prescribe regulations to carry out this provision.
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 1977
Amends Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to decrease from 72 to 65 the age at which earnings limitations are no longer applicable.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1977
Electric Utility Rate Reform and Regulatory Improvement Act - Title I: General Provisions - Declares it the purpose of this Act to reform inequities in the structure of electric utility rates. Title II: Utility Rate Reform - Limits the applicability of this title to sales of electric energy for purposes other than resale by an electric utility, where sales by such utility for purposes other than resale exceed 200 million kilowatt-hours during the second preceding calendar year. Imposes national minimum standards on utility rate structures, to be enforced by State regulatory authorities. Prohibits rate structures which allow lower rates for increased consumption without a showing that such lower rates actually reflect decreased costs. Authorizes State regulatory agencies to eliminate price differentials for residential users of subsistence quantities of electricity. Requires that information regarding utility rate schedules be provided to electric consumers by utilities. Stipulates that promotional and advertising costs, with exceptions, may not be treated by a utility as an operating expense for purposes of rate determination. Requires evidentiary hearings by regulatory authorities on proposed rate increases. Restricts the use of automatic fuel adjustment clauses by requiring an annual review of the use of such clauses by electric utilities. Authorizes State regulatory authorities to prescribe variances upon application by electric consumers or utilities suffering undue hardship due to the requirements of this title. Authorizes State authorities to prescribe loan management techniques to reduce maximum kilowatt demand on electric utilities. Establishes procedures to be followed by States authorities in prescribing methods for determining costs of services to electric consumers. Requires electric utilities to furnish specified information in accordance with procedures to be established by the Federal Power Commission. Establishes an Electric Utility Ratemaking Assistance Office in the Federal Energy Administration to provide information and assistance with respect to ratemaking policies and procedures established by this Act. Establishes procedures governing participation in regulatory proceedings by State agencies and electric consumers. Establishes procedures for initiation of civil actions and judicial review where provisions of this title are involved. Title III: Financial Assistance to State Regulatory Authorities - Authorizes the Electric Utility Ratemaking Assistance Office (established by Title II of this Act) to make grants to State regulatory authorities for the following purposes: (1) to increase the quantity and quality of State regulatory staff; (2) to establish programs to meet Federal consumer representation requirements; and (3) to demonstrate innovative rate structures. Prescribes criteria for the allotment of funds to the States. Authorizes the appropriation of $30,000,000 in any fiscal year for grants to improve staffing. Authorizes the appropriation of $5,000,000 for grants for consumer representation, and $5,000,000 for grants for rate structure innovation.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1977
Requires the following persons to file annual financial disclosure statements with the Comptroller General: (1) the President; (2) the Vice President; (3) Members of Congress; (4) civil or military officers of the Executive Branch; (5) Federal judges and justices; (6) Federal employees and officials earning more than $25,000 per year; and (7) candidates in a general election for Federal office. Specifies information which such statement must contain including: (1) the amount and source of each item of income, and each gift or aggregate of gifts from one source (other than gifts received from a member of his immediate family) received by him or by him and his spouse jointly during the preceding calendar year which exceeds $100 in amount or value; including any fee or other honorarium and the monetary value of subsistence, entertainment, travel, and other facilities received by him in kind; (2) the value of each asset which is in excess of $1,000 held by him or by him and his spouse jointly; and (3) all dealings in securities or commodities which are in excess of $1,000 by him or by him and his spouse jointly. Requires the Comptroller General to make such statements available for public inspection. Requires that all written communications and memorandums of all oral communications made to a Federal agency concerning a case before such agency by any person not affiliated with such agency be made part of the public record of such case.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1977
Sunset Act - Title I: Authorizations of New Budget Authority - Sets forth a five-year schedule for review and reauthorization of all Federal programs according to budget function and subfunction as set forth in the Budget of the United States Government for fiscal year 1977. States that no program not specifically reauthorized by Congress pursuant to this Act shall continue to function after the review date set forth in such schedule. Excepts from the requirements of this Act specified programs such as health care services, general retirement and disability insurance, and Federal employment retirement and disability payments. Permits legislation authorizing Federal program review more often than every five years as required by this Act. Requires the Comptroller General to identify for Congress for each program being reviewed the type of budget authority such program has and those inactive programs for which no outlays have been made during fiscal years 1976 and 1977. Title II: Review of Programs - Requires the authorizing committees of the Senate and House of Representatives to conduct "sunset reviews" of all programs prior to the review date applicable to such program and to issue a report on the findings of such review. Sets forth guidelines for the content of such sunset reviews including the identification of programs with duplicative objectives and an assessment of the impact of eliminating the program or funding it at a lower level. Provides the authorizing committees with assistance from the Government Accounting Office, the Congressional Budget Office, and the Congressional Research Service in carrying out such sunset reviews. Title III: Citizens' Commission on the Organization and Operation of Government - Establishes a Citizens' Commission on the Organization and Operation of Government to study and make recommendations on ways to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the Federal Government. Requires the Commission to submit its final report together with its findings and recommendations no later than September 30, 1980. Requires the Comptroller General to report once a year for two years after submission of the Commission's final report the status of actions taken as a result of the report. Terminates the Commission 90 days after submission of its final report. Authorizes to be appropriated $12,000,000 to carry out the provisions of this title. Title IV: Tax Expenditures - Requires the Joint Committee on Taxation, after consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury and the Budget Committees of the House and Senate, to prepare a reauthorization schedule for all tax expenditures, similar to the schedule set out in Title I for Federal programs, and to report its recommendations to the Committees on Ways and Means and Finance. Requires the Congress to take final action before the end of the 95th Congress on the schedule for tax expenditures. States that, following the adoption of the schedule, the Committees on Ways and Means and Finance are required to conduct "sunset" reviews of tax expenditures according to the schedule. Sets forth guidelines for such reviews similar to those set out in Title II for such programs. Title V: Miscellaneous - Requires executive department agency heads to submit to Congress (after the President has submitted his budget) a statement of that agency's request for new budget authority as transmitted to the Office of Management and Budget. Requires agency heads to furnish the authorizing committees of Congress information regarding supplemental budget requests and supplemental estimates of outlays. Provides for a one-year grace period for programs which have not been specifically reauthorized by the scheduled time.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to terminate Federal financing of Presidential elections. Allows the Federal Election Commission or the Secretary of the Treasury to continue to require repayments from candidates. Provides that amounts remaining in the Presidential Election Campaign Fund after December 31, 1977, shall be covered into the general fund of the Treasury.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1977
Presidential Primary Act - Directs that a national primary for the selection of candidates to run for the office of President shall be held in each State on the first Tuesday in August of each year in which a Presidential election is to be held. Allows any voter eligible to vote for the election of electors of the President and Vice President to vote in the Presidential primary election. Requires that a voter desiring to vote for the nomination of a candidate of a party either be a registered member of such party or not registered with any party. Prohibits an individual from being a candidate of a party outside of his registered affiliation. Requires that an individual must file a petition no later than June 30 of the year in which the Presidential primary is to be held in order to have his name appear on the ballot of each State. Directs that a petition be signed by qualified voters equaling at least one percent of the total vote in a State in the previous Presidential election provided that no such signatures can be of members of a political party different than the party whose nomination the candidate seeks. Declares a candidate receiving 50 percent or more of the total number of votes cast to be the candidate of that party for election as President. Authorizes a run off primary should no candidate receive more than half of the votes. Stipulates that in the case of the death or resignation of the Presidential nominee before the party's nomination of a Vice President, his successor is to be nominated by the convention of that party. Stipulates that if the Vice Presidential nomination process has been completed than the Vice President shall resign the Vice Presidential nomination and become the Presidential candidate of that party. Empowers a national committee to choose the Vice President or both candidates (as the case may be) where the Vice President dies or resigns or if both President and Vice President die or resign. Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act to prohibit the giving or accepting of a contribution for use in the campaign of a candidate for nomination or for election to Federal office before the first day of January of the year of that election.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1977
Standards and Conduct Resolution - Title I: Provisions Relating to the Select Committee on Standard and Conduct - Amends the resolution creating the Select Committee on Standards and Conduct of the Senate to give the Senate power to appoint members of the committee in accordance with the Standing Rules of the Senate. Limits to six consecutive years the length of service of any Member on the committee. Specifies the composition of the six-member committee based on length of service in the Senate. Makes it a duty of the select committee: (1) to receive complaints and investigate violations of any Code of Conduct applicable to Members, officers or employees of the Senate; and (2) to examine all financial statements filed pursuant to this Resolution, and report to the Senate any person who has filed a statement containing any false statement or any person who has failed to file a statement. Sets forth standards for the investigation of complaints filed with the select committee. Requires each complaint to be in writing. Requires a prompt investigation of all complaints. Sets forth procedures to assure the consideration of a complaint on which no action was taken for the first 30-working days after submission. Prohibits a Member from participating in the investigation of his or her own conduct. Provides for the appointment of a substitute for a disqualified select committee member. Authorizes the select committee to employ a counsel, assistant counsel, and investigators. Title II: Financial Disclosure Requirements - Requires each individual who for a period in excess of 90 days during a calendar year is a Senator or an officer or employee of the Senate and is compensated at an annual rate in excess of $20,000 to file a complete financial statement for the preceding year. Requires individuals who seek nomination for or election to the Senate to file a report containing a complete financial statement for the preceding year. Specifies the following information to be disclosed in a financial statement: (1) the amount and source of each item of income, or reimbursement, and each gift or aggregate thereof from a single source which exceeds $100 in amount or value; (2) the fair market value of any item received in kind if such value exceeds $500; (3) the identity and category of value of each asset other than household goods, jewelry, furniture, or personal vehicle having a value in excess of $1,000; (4) the identity and category of amount of each liability owed in excess of $1,000; (5) the identity and category of value of any securities or commodities transaction in excess of $1,000; (6) the identity and category of value of any real estate transaction in excess of $1,000; (7) any patent right held; and (8) a description of any agreement between the person filing the statement and any other person concerning employment after filing the individual's term of office. Requires officers and employees of the Senate to report the identity of any person who paid such officer or employee compensation in excess of $5,000 in any of the five years before the calendar year of filing. Sets forth increments of value to be used in stating categories of value or amount of property or financial dealings. Directs the select committee to make available to the public each report filed with it. Sets forth exceptions to this requirement. Title III: Code of Conduct - Directs the select committee to recommend to the Senate a Code of Conduct for Members of the Senate. Specifies areas for the select committee to consider when developing such Code.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1976
Commercial Fisheries Assistance Act - Title I: Commercial Fisheries Assistance Fund - Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to make loans for the construction, rehabilitation, purchase or operation of fishing facilities and fishing vessels. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants and loans to commercial fishermen to alleviate long-term "forced economic distress." Authorizes the Secretary to make loans for commercial fishing experimentation equipment and for the purchase, construction, or rehabilitation of commercial fishing vessels under five tons. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to establish a commercial fishing training program. Requires the Secretary to submit to the President and the Congress a report on means to survey, enhance, and create markets for fish and fish products. Establishes an Office of Commercial Fisheries Assistance in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to implement this Act under the direction of the Secretary of Commerce. Requires the Secretary to submit to the President a plan to establish a national health and sanitary program for the control of seafood handling, processing, marketing, and sales. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to determine eligibility for loans or grants under this Act upon: (1) the financial need of the applicant; (2) the availability of conventional loans, (3) the present and projected needs of a commercial fishery for facilities, vessels, and equipment; (4) enhancement of commercial fisheries; (5) security for such loans; and (6) the ability of the applicant to operate such vessel or facility. Restricts such loans or grants to citizens or nationals of the United States. Sets forth the criteria by which the citizenship and nationality of a corporation shall be determined for purposes of loan or grant eligibility. Establishes a Commercial Fisheries Assistance Fund to carry out this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of $200,000,000 to such Fund for initial capital for loans and grants. Authorizes the appropriation to such Fund of $1,000,000 for the first three fiscal years after passage of this Act and $1,500,000 for each fiscal year thereafter. Authorizes the appropriations to the Fund: (1) of $250,000 to carry out the sanitary seafood program; and (2) of $2,000,000 for each fiscal year to carry out the commercial fishing training program. Repeals the authorization of the Secretary of the Interior, under the Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956, to make loans for purchasing, constructing, equipping, maintaining, repairing, or operating commercial fishing vessels or gear. Transfers the Fishing Vessel Obligation Guarantee program and the Capital Construction Fund program from the National Marine Fisheries Service to the Office of Commercial Fisheries Assistance. Title II: Fisheries Market Promotion Research Orders - Requires the Secretary of Commerce to establish a Fisheries Board: (1) to research markets for seafood; (2) to research means to increase fishing yields; and (3) to collect and regulate landing fees, among other duties. Requires the Secretary to authorize the Board to assess landing fees at fisheries, such fees to be refunded upon demand by any person assessed who does not support fishery research. Imposes a civil penalty of not more than $1,000 on any person who fails to collect or remit any assessment of such fee, or who violates any order issued by the Secretary of Commerce under this Act. Requires the Secretary to issue orders: (1) to establish landing fees; (2) to establish plans to promote the sale of fish products; (3) to establish commercial fishing research projects; and (4) to disburse funds for such purposes. Sets forth eligibility requirements for fisheries organizations in order to request such order or to participate in nominations to the Fisheries Board. Authorizes the appropriation of $1,000,000 for the establishment and initial operation of the Board. Title III: Fisheries Cooperative Service Assistance - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a pilot program assisting fishing interests in the planning of fisheries cooperative organizations. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to authorize the Farmer Cooperative Service to work with the Office of Commercial Fisheries Assistance to develop fisheries cooperative services for four years. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to provide: (1) assistance to the cooperatives in strengthening the economic position of fishermen and related occupations; (2) consultation with fisheries cooperative leaders and governmental agencies to improve organization, leadership, and operations; (3) help to fishermen in obtaining lower cost supplies and higher prices for their products; (4) encouragement of international fisheries cooperative programs; and (5) research planning for the establishment of new fisheries cooperatives. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, with the Secretary of Commerce to submit to the President and the Congress: (1) an annual report of activities under this title; and (2) a final report, at the end of four years, with recommendations for the establishment of a Fisheries Cooperative Service administered by the Secretary of Commerce. Authorizes the appropriation of $1,000,000 to the Secretary of Agriculture to carry out a four-year pilot fisheries cooperative service program.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 1976
Government Economy and Spending Reform Act - Title I: Authorizations of New Budget Authority - Terminates all budget authority for Federal programs on specified dates according to the functional or subfunctional category of each program as set forth in the fiscal year 1977 budget. Requires the Comptroller General to report to Congress by April 1, 1977, on specified programs with respect to the laws under which such program is carried on, the amount of new budget authority received by such program during the four fiscal years ending before April 1, 1977, and to identify programs for which no outlays have been made during the last two fiscal years ending before April 1, 1977. Prohibits providing new budget authority after the applicable review date set forth in this Act unless the provision of such budget authority is specifically authorized by law or the standing rules of either House of Congress. Title II: Zero-Base Program Review - Sets forth a timetable for Congressional zero-base review of new budget authority. Defines "zero-base review" as an evaluation of a given program to determine the merits of its continuation at a level less than, equal to, or more than its existing level. Requires each congressional committee conducting a zero-based program review to adopt tentative and final review plans, receive reports from the Comptroller General and Federal agencies on the program being reviewed, and report to their respective House the results of such zero-base review of the program. Sets forth minimum objectives of inquiry for such reviews. Requires that any committee reporting pursuant to this Act recommend the extent to which any program reviewed should be continued or eliminated. Title III: Continuing Review - Amends the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1970 to require, whenever the Comptroller General issues a report which discloses any substantial deficiency in the achievement of the objectives of any Federal program, the agency conducting such program to report to specified congressional committees 60 days after such report and every six months thereafter to deliniate the actions taken with respect to such deficiency. Requires that such agency continue to issue such reports until such time as the Comptroller General determines that no purpose is served by their submission. Amends the Budget and Accounting Act, 1921, to require the inclusion in the Budget of a statement of the specific objectives of each Government program, and a comparison, in each subsequent Budget, of the achievement of such objectives for the last completed fiscal year with the planned objectives of such year. Title IV: Citizens Bicentennial Commission on the Organization and Operation of Government - Establishes the Citizens' Bicentennial Commission on the Organization and Operation of Government, an independent agency of 18 members to study Federal agencies. Directs the Commission to make recommendations to the President and Congress for the restructuring of such agencies to improve their efficiency. Requires the Commission to submit its final report by September 30, 1979, and terminate it 90 days thereafter. Authorizes to be appropriated without fiscal year limitation $12,000,000 to carry out the provisions of this title. Title V: Miscellaneous - Requires the Director of Management and Budget to study the feasibility of zero-base budgeting for Federal agencies. Requires the Director of the Congressional Budget Office to study the feasibility of personnel ceilings on employees of the United States and their relationships to alternative methods of carrying out the activities of such employees. Requires that such reports be submitted to Congress. Requires Federal agency heads to report requests for new budget authority to Congress. Requires specified committees to study the effectiveness of the zero-base review procedures required by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1976
Expresses the Senate's gratitude to Mike Mansfield of Montana for his participation in the Government and his service on behalf of the Nation's people.
United States · United States Congress · 31 August 1976
Save the Whales Act - Prohibits the importation of fish or fish products produced by any foreign nation which: (1) is engaged in the killing or capturing of whales, and (a) is not a member of the International Whaling Commission, or (b) violates certain Commission regulations; or (2) transfers equipment for the killing or capturing of whales to any other enterprise which engages in certain activities concerning the killing or capturing of whales within ten years of such transfer. Permits the killing or capturing of whales by any aboriginal group for subsistence. Directs the Secretary of Commerce: (1) to determine, with the assistance of any other Federal agency, if any enterprise is engaged in such prohibited activities; (2) to publish the name of such enterprise or otherwise inform the enterprise of such a finding; and (3) to hold hearings upon objections to such a finding. Sets forth procedures for the prohibition of fish imports under this Act and the termination of such prohibition. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to take actions necessary to administer such import prohibition. Directs the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Commerce to consider such import prohibitions in the administration of the Fishery Conservation and Management Act of 1976 with respect to the allocation to each foreign nation of the total allowable level of foreign fishing subject to exclusive fishery management authority of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 27 August 1976
Designates the extension of the Senate Office Building presently under construction pursuant to the Supplemental Appropriations Act, 1973, as the "Philip A. Hart Office Building."
United States · United States Congress · 26 August 1976
Urges the President to direct United States Ambassadors abroad to seek the consideration by foreign governments of suspension of their air service to any foreign nation aiding or abetting terrorism. States that the President should undertake international discussions and negotiations which would strengthen the current minimum safety standards established pursuant to the Convention on International Civil Aviation. Urges the President to end air transportation between the United States and any foreign nation which violates such act; services violating nations; or does not maintain transportation security sufficient to meet the minimum security standards established pursuant to the Convention.
United States · United States Congress · 10 August 1976
Provides civil penalties for violations of the Federal Hazardous Substances Act, the Refrigerator Safety Act, the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, and the Poison Prevention Act by amending such Acts. Authorizes the Consumer Product Safety Commission to require any person to submit such reports and answers to questions as the Commission may reasonably prescribe under the Flammable Fabrics Act. Gives the same authorization to the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare under the Federal Hazardous Substances Act. Makes the appointment of the Director of the Bureau of Compliance by the Chairman of the Consumer Product Safety Commission, under the Consumer Product Safety Act, subject to the approval of the other Commissioners. Provides that whatever level of lead is determined safe under a Lead-Based Paint Poisoning Prevention Act proceeding will be considered the highest permissible level of lead in paint and other articles bearing such paint regulated under the Federal Hazardous Substances Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1976
Disapproves the deferral of budget authority for operating grants to the National Railroad Passenger Corporation as reported by the Comptroller General of the United States to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives in his letter dated July 29, 1976.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1976
Quality Educational Assistance Act - Declares it to be the purpose of this Act to make unconditional grants to States to provide increased resources for the improvement of the quality of education in the public elementary and secondary schools and to increase the quality of educational opportunity. Authorizes appropriations of $1,500,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 1977 through 1981 to carry out the provisions of this Act. Directs that at least three percent of such sums be alloted to the American Territories. Specifies the allocation of the remaining amounts among the States. Sets forth the requirements which a State educational agency must include in its application for funds under this Act. Directs State educational agencies to distribute payments under this Act to local educational agencies. States that whenever the Commissioner, after giving reasonable notice and opportunity for hearing to a grant recipient under this Act, finds that the program or activity of which such grant was made no longer complies with the provisions of this Act or that in the operation of such program there has been a failure to comply substantially with any such provision, no further payments may be made until such noncompliance has been, or will promptly be, corrected.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1976
National Meals-on-Wheels Act - Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to allow States to distribute Federal funds for the establishment of: (1) projects to provide home-delivered meals to qualified homebound elderly persons; (2) an information and referral system for homebound individuals receiving such meals; and (3) an operation to seek volunteer personnel for the delivery of such meals and to compensate such personnel for related transportation expenses. Authorizes the appropriation of specified sums in fiscal years 1977 and 1978 for the purpose of providing home-delivered meals under this Act. Directs the Commissioner of the Administration on Aging to conduct a demonstration project involving at least three States to determine the feasibility of using the meals system designed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration for the elderly as a component of, or substitute for, regular nutrition projects assisted under the Older Americans Act of 1965. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary in fiscal year 1977 to carry out this project.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1976
International Contribution, Payments, and Gifts Disclosure Act - Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to require any issuer of a registered security to submit to the Securities and Exchange Commission information on an annual basis regarding foreign political contributions, payments to employees of foreign governments, and payments to employees of foreign businesses. Requires such issuer to maintain records of such payments for five years. Sets forth penalties of $25,000 fine and imprisonment for not less than one month nor more than two years for knowing failure to file a required statement, filing a false statement, or failure to obtain complete information for such statement, unless prevented by foreign law. Requires that such information be made public unless the President determines that such disclosure will impair United States foreign policy. Requires the Secretary of State to submit an annual foreign policy analysis of the contributions, payments and gift information collected by the Securities and Exchange Commission under this Act, to the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and the International Relations Committee of the House of Representatives. Directs each company reporting under this Act to disclose aggregate contributions, payments, and gift information in its annual report to shareholders. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make such contributions, payments, and gifts nondeductible for tax purposes when made by a foreign corporation or a domestic international sales corporation. Requires establishment of an audit committee on the Board of Directors of each company to investigate company operations arising from this Act. Requires such committee to report any investigation to the shareholders and the Securities and Exchange Commission. Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to grant a cause of action to a shareholder for actual damages arising from such contributions, payments, or gifts or failure to comply with this Act. Grants a cause of action to a competitor for actual business damages arising from such contributions, payments, or gifts, if the complaining party has not made such prohibited contributions in a relevant time period. Encourages the President to obtain international agreements for the establishment of standards for international government procurement and sales.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1976
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Senate make every effort to reach, by July 2, a final passage vote on Watergate reform, tax privacy, and intelligence oversight legislation.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 1976
Electric Utility Rate Reform and Regulatory Improvement Act - Title I: General Provisions - Declares it the purpose of this Act to reform inequities in the structure of electric utility rates. Defines terms used in the Act. Title II: Utility Rate Reform - Defines terms as used in this title. Limits applicability of this title to sales of electric energy for purposes other than resale by an electric utility, where sales by such utility for purposes other than resale exceed 200 million kilowatt-hours during the second preceding calendar year. Imposes national minimum standards on utility rate structures, to be enforced by State regulatory authorities. Prohibits rate structures which allow lower rates for increased consumption without a showing that such lower rates actually reflect decreased costs. Authorizes State regulatory agencies to eliminate price differentials for residential users of subsistence quantities of electricity, unless the Governor of the State has determined that an adequate alternative means to alleviate the burden to low-income residential consumers has been implemented. Stipulates that promotional and advertising costs, with exceptions, may not be treated by a utility as an operating expense for purposes of rate determination. Requires evidentiary hearings by regulatory authorities on proposed rate increases. Restricts the use of automatic fuel adjustment clauses by requiring an annual review of the use of such clauses electric by utilities. Authorizes State regulatory authorities to prescribe variances upon application by electric consumers or utilities unduly hardshipped by the requirements of this title. Directs State authorities to prescribe load management techniques to reduce maximum kilowatt demand on electric utilities. Establishes procedures to be followed in determining marginal costs of services to electric consumers. Establishes an Electric Utility Ratemaking Assistance Office in the Federal Energy Administration to provide information and assistance with respect to ratemaking policies and procedures established by this Act. Title III: Financial Assistance to State Regulatory Authorities - Authorizes the Electric Utility Ratemaking Assistance Office (established by Title II of this Act) to make grants to State regulatory authorities for the following purposes: (1) to increase the quantity and quality of State regulatory staff; (2) to establish programs to meet Federal consumer representation requirements; and (3) to demonstrate innovative rate structures. Prescribes criteria for the allotment of funds to the States. Authorizes the appropriation of $30,000,000 in any fiscal year for grants to improve staffing. Authorizes the appropriation of $5,000,000 for grants for consumer representation, and $5,000,000 for grants for rate structure innovation.
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 1976
States that the Senate deplores and condemns the conduct of a specified group toward Governor Wallace of Alabama and Senator Henry Jackson of Washington.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1976
Amends the Department of Transportation Act and the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 to reduce the amount authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of Transportation to the Secretary of Transportation for acquiring and utilizing space in suitable buildings of historic or architectural significance and for planning for the conversion of railroad passenger terminals into intermodal transportation terminals and civic and cultural centers. Amends the National Foundation on the Arts and Humanities Act of 1965 to authorize appropriation to the National Endownment for the Arts of the amounts representing such reduction, to be used for the same purposes. Amends the Department of Transportation Act to repeal the requirement that the Secretary of Transportation preserve railroad passenger terminals that have a reasonable likelihood of being converted or otherwise maintained pending the formulation of plans for reuse.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1976
Extends the authorization for contracts for annual contribution under the United States Housing Act of 1937. Authorizes an additional $850,000,000 to be appropriated in public housing contract authority for fiscal year 1977 and an additional $1,350,000,000 in such authority for fiscal year 1978 and beyond. Requires that at least $250,000,000 of the new public housing contract authority will be made available to finance the construction of new public housing units. Authorizes $60,000,000 to be appropriated for modernization of existing public housing units. Authorizes $600,000,000 per year to be appropriated for operating subsidies for conventional public housing.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1976
Ocean and Coastal Resources Act - Title I: Marine Sciences and Technology Policy - Establishes, within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration the Office of Marine Resources, Science, and Technology to develop and implement a program for marine resources and to develop and promote cooperative research and development projects. Requires the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration with the assistance of the Office to prepare a six year national plan for research and development in marine science and technology and for the demonstration and practical implementation of marine science and technology developments. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to submit such plan to the Congress and the President. Provides that the Office shall operate and maintain a service to be known as the National Ocean and Coastal Advisory Service. States that the service shall impart useful information, knowledge, and technique to organizations and individuals employed or otherwise interested in the assessment, development, and/or conservation of ocean and coastal resources. Provides that the service shall be headed by a Director. Sets forth the responsibility of the Director which includes coordination of all advisory service programs relating to ocean and coastal resources, and formulation of a comprehensive plan for the production and delivery of advisory services regarding ocean and coastal resources. Authorizes the appropriation of $3,750,000 for the fiscal transition period ending September 30, 1976; and $15,000,000 for fiscal years 1977, 1978 and 1979. Requires the Secretary to submit an annual report to the Congress and the President. Specifies that such report shall provide an evaluation of the status and prospects for marine science and technology. Gives the National Advisory Committee on Oceans and Atmosphere the opportunity to review each such report. Establishes a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration distinguished research award for outstanding achievements and contributions in problem-oriented research related to ocean and coastal resources which meets international, national, and/or regional needs. Title II: National Sea Grant Program Amendments - National Sea Grant Act - Provides that there shall be maintained within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration a program of research, education, training, and advisory services to be known as the national sea grant program. Directs that the program shall be administered by the Office of Marine Resources, Science, and Technology. States that the program shall be designed and administered to further research, education, training, and advisory services in ocean and coastal resource development, assessment, and conservation, including relevant research, education, and training in marine science. Requires the program to include the making of grants and contracts in accordance with specifically identified national needs and problems. Authorizes the appropriation of $3,750,000 for the fiscal transition period ending September 30, 1976; $15,000,000 for fiscal years 1977, 1978, and 1979, for the purpose of making such grants and contracts. Provides for the appointment of a Director of the national sea grant program who shall establish long-range planning guidelines for the administration of the program, advise the Associate Administrator of existing expertise and capabilities within the program, and provide support for sea grant fellowships through institutions of higher education for educational and training assistance to persons in fields related to marine and coastal resource understanding. Authorizes the Secretary to designate, through the national sea grant program, sea grant colleges, and sea grant regional consortia. Provides that such institutions shall initiate, conduct, and support programs of research, education, training, and advisory services in disciplines and fields that are relevant to the development, utilization, and conservation of ocean and coastal resources. Establishes a sea grant review panel which shall supercede the sea grant advisory panel. Provides that the panel shall function as an advisory body to the Director of the national sea grant program. Authorizes the appropriation of $8,750,000 for the fiscal transition period ending September 30, 1976; and $35,000,000 for fiscal years 1977, 1978 and 1979 to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1976
Toxic Substances Control Act - Provides that if the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency finds that testing of a chemical substance in accordance with a test protocol for such substance is necessary to protect against unreasonable risk to health or the environment, he may by rule require that testing be conducted on such substance to develop data with respect to the health and environmental effects for which there is an insufficiency of data. States that a rule requiring the testing of a chemical substance or mixture must include: (1) identification of the substance or mixture for which testing is required; and (2) standards for the development of test data for such substance. Requires persons intending to manufacture or process the substance to perform the necessary tests. Directs the Administrator upon receipt of the test results to promptly publish in the Federal Register the test data, the intended uses of the substances, and the nature of the tests. Establishes a committee to recommend to the Administrator the chemical substances and mixtures to which the Administrator should give priority consideration for testing. States that the committee shall give priority attention to chemical substances known or suspected of causing or contributing to cancer, gene mutations, and birth defects. Sets forth the membership of the committee. Specifies that upon the receipt of any test data which indicates that a chemical substance or mixture has the potential to induce in human beings cancer, gene mutations, or birth defects, the Administrator shall take action within 180 days to limit human exposure. Requires manufacturers to give 90 day notice to the Administrator of their intent to manufacture a new chemical substance, and to submit data developed in accordance with the requirements of this Act. Directs the Administrator to establish within six months criteria defining a significant new distribution in commerce, use, or disposal of a chemical substance. States that in establishing such criteria, the Administrator shall take into account: (1) the projected volume of production; (2) the projected increase in magnitude and duration of human and environmental exposure; and (3) the human health and environmental effects thereof. Prohibits manufacture or distribution of a chemical substance identified by the Administrator in a rule as a significant new distribution or use unless the manufacturer submits notice of his intention to do so and the data required under this Act. Exempts from this requirement persons who satisfactorily demonstrate that the proposed substance or activity will not cause an unreasonable risk of injury to human health or to the environment. Specifies that substances manufactured or intended to be manufactured only in small quantities solely for scientific experimentation or analysis or for chemical research shall be exempted from the requirements of this Act, unless the Administrator, by rule, specifies otherwise. Authorizes the Administrator, upon a finding that a chemical substance is dangerous or potentially dangerous, to prescribe rules to: (1) prohibit the manufacture or distribution of a substance or limit the amount which may be produced or distributed; (2) prohibit particular use or uses of such a substance; and (3) require an adequate warning with regard to the use or disposal of the substance. Provides the Administrator with criteria for formulating such rules. Permits the Administrator to formulate quality control rules if he has good cause to believe processing or manufacturing permits or causes dangerous adulteration of a chemical substance. Provides that the Administrator shall conduct hearings to determine if quality control rules are necessary. Provides that the Administrator may file an action for temporary or permanent relief in a U.S. district court against an imminently hazardous chemical substance for its seizure or against any person who is a manufacturer, processor, or distributor of such chemical substance. Authorizes the Administrator, by rule, to require reports of all manufacturers and processors of chemical substances where appropriate to ascertain the nature, quantity and uses of substances produced. Prohibits the Administrator from taking action under this Act if any risks to health or environment could be prevented by employing existing Federal law. Permits the Administrator to inspect and examine the records and properties of persons to the extent that such records and properties relate to the manufacture, processing, or distribution in commerce of chemical substances subject to this Act. Provides that this Act shall not apply to any chemical substances which are to be used solely for export from the United States. Provides that the Secretary of the Treasury shall refuse entry into the United States of any chemical substance or article containing such substance offered for entry which fails to conform with rules promulgated under this Act. Provides that all information reported to, or otherwise obtained by, the Administrator or his representative which contains or relates to trade secrets shall be considered confidential. Makes it unlawful to refuse to comply with any provision of this Act or any rule promulgated under the authority of this Act. Provides a $25,000 a day civil penalty for each day of violation. Declares that the Administrator shall waive compliance with this Act upon request of the Secretary of Defense and upon a determination by the President that the requested waiver is necessary in the interest of national defense. Authorizes appropriations for carrying out this Act of $11,100,000 for fiscal year 1976, $2,600,000 for the transitional period, and $10,100,000 for fiscal year 1977. Stipulates that no part of the funds so authorized to be appropriated shall be used to construct any research laboratories. Requires the Administrator to prepare and submit annually to the President and the Congress a comprehensive report on the administration of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1976
Denies the benefits of the foreign tax credit, under the Internal Revenue Code, to any taxpayer, or a member of a controlled group which includes the taxpayer, who is determined by the Secretary of the Treasury to have participated in or cooperated with the boycott of Israel, with respect to income, war profits, or excess profits taxes paid or accrued to any country which requires such participation or cooperation as a condition of doing business within that country. Denies DISC benefits to any DISC that the Secretary of the Treasury determines has participated in or cooperated with the boycott of Israel. Requires taxpayers with foreign sources within a country which requires participation in or cooperation with the boycott of Israel as a condition of doing business with or within such country to report such fact to the Secretary of the Treasury, who shall make a determination whether the taxpayer participated in or cooperated with the boycott of Israel for the taxable year.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1976
Increases to 80 percent the Federal share of financial assistance to community action agencies under the Community Services Act of 1974.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1976
Fair Representation for Small Business Act - Declares the finding of Congress that economic, governmental, and other pressures are mounting on small businesses, that small and medium-sized businesses should be taken into account when Federal agencies formulate policy, and such businesses are essential to the health and well-being of the Nation's economy. Requires, under the Federal Advisory Committee Act, that all advisory bodies of the Federal Government which are concerned with matters affecting the economy or business must contain a fair representation of the small business sector of the economy. (Adds 44 U.S.C. 3513)
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1976
Directs the head of each executive department and agency to designate at least one employee of that agency to act as liaison with the small and independent business community in matters of policy relating to small businesses, and to conduct an analysis of the effect of department or agency policies on independent businesses.
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
Requires the Chief Justice of the United States to appoint to the National Study Commission on Records and Documents of Federal Officials a member of the Federal judiciary in lieu of a member of the Supreme Court as is presently provided by law. Allows all members of the Commission the same per diem travel and transportation expenses allowed other Federal agency officials. Extends the life of the Commission until March 31, 1977.
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 · 26 February 1976
Strikes the present restriction upon the authority for the leasing for military purposes of structures and their associated real property in foreign locations which limits such authority to the Secretaries of the military departments. (Amends 10 U.S.C. 2675)
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1976
Modifies the project for hurricane-flood protection at New London, Connecticut, to (1) delete the Powder Island-Bentleys Creek hurricane protection barrier; and (2) authorize construction of the Shaw Cove hurricane protection barrier in accordance with the revised plan of the Chief of Engineers. Requires that appropriate non-Federal interests agree to specified conditions relating to operation and construction of the project. Stipulates that the non-Federal share shall amount to 30 percent of the total first cost for the project.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1976
Authorizes and requests the President to designate the fourth week in June as "National Tennis Week".
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1976
Tax Credits and Allowances Act - Title I: Personal Credits Allowances for Basic Living Expenses, and other Tax Provisions - Repeals the personal exemption and provides, in lieu thereof, a credit against tax equal to the personal credits granted by this title. Provides a $225 credit for the taxpayer, and additional credits of $225 each for the taxpayer's spouse and each dependent. Authorizes prepayment of estimated personal credits to recipients of allowances for basic living expenses. Repeals the low income allowance. Provides for a standard employment expense deduction of: (1) ten percent (but not to exceed $500) of the earned income received by the lesser compensated spouse; and (2) ten percent (but not to exceed $1,000) of the earned income of the head of a household. Provides an allowance for basic living expenses. Specifies the requirements to be met for eligibility for receipt of such allowance, and sets forth the maximum amounts of such allowance. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to promulgate regulations for the administration of this Act. Defines the terms used in the Act. Provides special rules with respect to the filing status of individuals under this Act. Provides for the coordination of allowances and credits authorized by this Act with those authorized under the educational opportunity grant program of the Higher Education Act of 1965. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out the provisions of this title. States that gross income does not include, for the purposes of this title, amounts received by recipients as allowances for basic living expenses. Title II: Public Assistance and Welfare Reform - Amends the Social Security Act to require State supplementation of income to families receiving aid for dependent children in the amount that the income of such families is reduced by the provisions of this Act. Provides that supplementary payments made by States under this title shall be made for a maximum period of 24 months. Changes the eligibility requirements for benefits under the supplemental security income programs of aid to aged, blind, or disabled individuals to prevent reduction of benefits recieved by such individuals by virtue of the provisions of this Act. States that until such time as a comprehensive program of services for families and children is developed and placed into effect, the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare shall provide a transitional program of specified services to such families. States that the Secretary shall develop a comprehensive program of such services within one year of the effective date of this title. Authorizes optional state supplementation of social security income benefits to ameliorate the effects of the provisions of this Act on families with disabled children. Title III: Miscellaneous and General Provisions - Provides that the total amount of State supplementation payments made under this Act may be used as an allowance offset for purposes of income taxation where the application of the provisions of this Act results in a net reduction of its basic living expense allowance or its supplemental security income benefit. Prohibits Federal assistance to child-care facilities which impose income-related fees. Makes technical and conforming amendments in other specified laws. Repeals the Food Stamp Act of 1964. Provides that obligations of the United States shall be subject to garnishment and similar proceedings to meet court-ordered alimony, child-support, and rent obligations.
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 1976
Requires the United States Postal Service to consider specified factors in determining the need for an existing third- or fourth-class post office. Sets guidelines relating to such determinations.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1976
Alaskan Natural Gas Pipeline Authorization Act - Expresses the intent of Congress that the Alaskan natural gas pipeline be constructed promptly, without further administrative or judicial delay or impediment. Declares that the most efficient and economical method available for the transportation of Alaskan natural gas is a pipeline system from northern Alaska, across Canada, to the lower forty-eight States. Directs the Federal Power Commission to issue all necessary permits and authorizations in order to expedite the construction and operation of such pipeline within 60 days of the date of enactment of this Act. Grants the holders of such permits the powers of eminent domain under the Natural Gas Act. Directs the Secretary of the Interior and other appropriate Federal officials to issue all necessary permits and to take appropriate action within 60 days to expedite the enforcement of all rights-of-way related to the construction and operation of such pipeline. Requires compliance with requirements of the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920 relating to rights-of-way for pipelines through Federal lands. Exempts such pipeline from requirements concerning (1) environmental protection, (2) technical and financial capacity of applicants, (3) public hearings, (4) licensing requirements for crude oil under the Export Administration Act of 1969, and (5) furnishing of specified information and reports. Authorizes the Secretary and the Commission to waive procedural requirements of Federal law where desirable to accomplish the purposes of this Act. Declares that (1) the actions of Federal officers and agencies under this Act and (2) the legal or factual sufficiency of any environmental statement relative to such pipeline under provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, shall not be subject to judicial review by the Courts. Allows for claims that (1) this Act is unconstitutional; (2) actions under this Act will deny Constitutional rights; and (3) actions taken are beyond the scope of authority conferred by this Act, provided that such claims are filed within sixty days following the date of the challenged action. Declares that exclusive jurisdiction shall be vested in the United States district courts, and that review of any final order shall be had only upon direct appeal to the United States Supreme Court. Declares that the district court shall not have the power to issue injunctive relief against the issuance of any certificate, except in cases where a final judgment is entered. Recognizes that approval by the Government of Canada is necessary in order to construct such pipeline. Declares it to be in the national interest of the United States to cooperate with Canada should such approval be forthcoming. Declares that authorizations issued pursuant to this Act shall grant no immunity from Federal antitrust laws.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1976
Provides that the time of delivery of the final system plan required by the Regional Rail Reorganization Act shall be March 12, 1976, and may be extended to a date not more than 30 days thereafter, prescribed in a notice filed by the United States Railway Association not later than February 17, 1976, with the Special Court and the Congress of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1976
Recognizes the fiftieth anniversary of the birth of American commercial aviation. Requests that all concerned governmental agencies join in participating in appropriate national and local ceremonies celebrating such anniversary.
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 · 3 February 1976
Authorizes the President to issue a proclamation designating the week beginning May 9, 1976, as "National Small Business Week", in recognition of the achievements and contributions which small and independent family-farmers and business men and women have made to American society.