State Department Authorization Act

(Measure passed House, amended, roll call #406 (327-22))

State Department Authorization Act - Authorizes the appropriation to the Department of State of (1) $552,455,000 for the administration of foreign affairs, (2) $338,875,000 for international organizations and conferences, (3) $17,069,000 for international commissions, (4) $68,500,000 for educational exchange, and (5) $10,000,000 for migration and refugee assistance for fiscal year 1977.

Authorizes the Secretary of State to use not more than $1,500 each fiscal year for the American Sections, International Joint Commissions, United States and Canada, for representation expenses and official entertainment.

Authorizes the appropriation of $20,000,000 for fiscal year 1977 for assistance to refugees of Russia, Israel, and other Communist countries of Eastern Europe, under the Foreign Relations Authorization Act of 1972.

Authorizes the appropriation for fiscal year 1977 of $1,000,000 for the miniaturization of United States Passport Office records.

Authorizes the appropriation for fiscal year 1977 of $50,000 for expenses incurred in hosting the 22nd annual meeting of the North Atlantic Assembly.

Makes available an ex gratia payment to Lady Catherine Helen Shaw as an expression of concern by the United States Government.

Amends the Foreign Services Buildings Act to authorize the appropriation of $73,058,000. Authorizes the appropriation of $30,000,000 for foreign service building expenses in the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.

Authorizes the appropriation of $12,000,000 for expenses related to the Eighth Pan American Games.

Amends the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961 to permit Federal employees to accept certain grants and types of assistance from foreign governments.

Amends the Foreign Service Act of 1946 to permit the Secretary of State to make supplemental payments to any civil service annuitant who is a former alien employee of the Foreign Service to offset exchange rate losses.

Requires publication in the Congressional Record of the foreign travel expenses of Members of Congress.

Requires that any new Panama Canal treaty negotiated with funds appropriated under this Act must protect the vital interests of the United States in the Canal Zone and in the operation, maintenance, property, and defense of the canal.

Forbids the use of funds under this Act to assist in the negotiation of a contract with a foreign country or company if such a contract discriminates against United States citizens on the basis of race, sex, religion, or national origin.