United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1976
Amends the Ominbus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to authorize the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration to make grants to eligible units of general local government to enable such units to maintain levels of essential law enforcement and criminal justice personnel which would otherwise be reduced because of bona fide budgetary problems.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1976
Ocean Shipping Act - Amends the Shipping Act of 1916 to include controlled carriers within the coverage of such Act. Defines "controlled carrier" as one which is directly owned, or whose operating assets are directly owned, by any government other than a government whose vessels by treaty are accorded most-favored-nation treatment or national treatment by the United States. Directs that no controlled carrier shall maintain rates or charges or structures of rates or charges in its tareffs filed with the Commission that are above or below a level which is just and reasonable. Provides that in determining whether rates are reasonable, consideration shall be given to whether the rates or charges are below a level which is fully compensatory or above the level of rates or charges applicable to non-United States ports in countries adjacent to the United States so as to encourage diversion of cargo from United States ports. Requires controlled carriers filing rates or charges or structures of rates or charges to designate and retain a registered agent within the United States. Forbids any controlled carrier to establish rates or charges which have the purpose or the effect of diverting or selectively diverting cargo from a United States port to or through a non-United States port in a country adjacent to the United States in order to avoid the provisions of this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of $1,950,000 to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1976
Condemns the oppression of minorities in Rumania by the Country's Communist regime. Directs the President of the United States and the appropriate committees of the Congress to take this situation into consideration before taking further action on most-favored-nation trade status of Rumania.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1976
Establishes in the House of Representatives a select committee to be known as the Select Committee on Narcotics Abuse and Control. Provides that the select committee shall conduct a continuing comprehensive study and review of the problems of narcotics abuse and control and shall review any recommendations made by the President, or by any department or agency of the executive branch of the Federal Government, relating to programs or policies affecting narcotics abuse or control. Authorizes the select committee to conduct field investigations or inspections. Requires the select committee to submit an annual report to the House which shall include a summary of the activities of the select committee during the calendar year to which such report applies.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1976
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States Postal Service shall not close or suspend the operation of any post offices, unless there is a clear and compelling need to do so. Encourages the service to continue cost-cutting programs which do not affect levels of service.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1976
Amends the Canal Zone Code to provide a method for computing interest due on funds invested in the Panama Canal Company by the United States. Provides that no depreciation shall be allowed on the investment of the United States for lands, titles, treaty rights, and excavations.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1976
Amends the District of Columbia Police and Firemen's Salary Act to establish a separate salary schedule for the officers and members of the United States Park Police. Stipulates that the compensation of such personnel shall be adjusted in accordance with Federal civil service pay comparability provisions. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish a United States Park Police Retirement and Relief Board to carry out the responsibilities of the Mayor of the District of Columbia with respect to retirement and disability determinations regarding Park Police.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1976
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the United States reaffirms a sympathetic interest in Italian democracy and democratic institutions. States that the United States is willing to participate in efforts to provide financial assistance to Italy with the assistance of other friends and allies of Italy.
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 1976
Grants, under the Immigration and Nationality Act, an immigrant visa to any alien who is a resident of the Friuli region of Italy and whose residence or place of business was destroyed in the earthquake that occurred on May 6, 1976. Grants an immigrant visa to an alien spouse, child, or parent of such Italian national if such relative is not in the United States and resides with such Italian national. Requires all persons covered by this Act to apply for such visas within one year after the enactment of this Act. Makes their entrance not chargeable against any immigration quota.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1976
Removes all limits on the number of home health visits for which payments may be made under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act. Authorizes appropriate health professionals, as well as physicians, to establish home health services plans under the Medicare program. States that when such services are planned by a health professional other than a physician, such services shall include nutritional counseling, and "periodic chore services," and "hospital outreach services" as are defined in this Act. Includes within the term "medical and other health services" as defined in title XVIII: (1) annual, comprehensive physical examinations; (2) examinations for eyeglasses; (3) examinations for hearing aids; (4) dental services; (5) foot care services; and (6) the provision of eyeglasses, hearing aids, and dentures. Includes "outpatient rehabilitation services" within the medical and other health services for which payment will be made under the Medicare program. Defines the term "outpatient rehabilitation services. Includes, within the class of medical and other health services for which payment will be made under the Medicare program, health and supportive services furnished by, or under the direction of, health professionals in elderly day care centers. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to publish regulations governing the provision of such services. Extends the scope of the review functions of professional standards review organizations under title XI (General Provisions) of the Social Security Act to include the review of health care services at skilled nursing homes, intermediate care facilities, and other long-term care providers, and the performance of nurses, social workers, guidance counselors, and other health care professional, as well as physicians. Declares it to be the policy of the United States that all Federal and federally supported health programs include comprehensive home health care to the same extent as it is provided for under the Medicare program.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1976
Prohibits any nursing home or skilled nursing facility which is participating in the hospital insurance program of title XVIII (Medicare) or in the medical assistance program of title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act from requiring any patient to turn over to it any social security benefit check to which the patient is entitled after such patient has given 30 days written advance notice of his intention to leave such home or facility.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1976
Older Americans Health Services Act - Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to increase the amounts authorized to be appropriated in fiscal year 1976 through 1978 for purposes of informational exchange on the subject of restraining programs for older Americans. Allows the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants under such Act to cover the cost of administering and operating multipurpose senior centers. Declares it the sense of Congress that any Federal legislation establishing a national health insurance program should include specified provisions relating to the availability of home health services for older persons.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1976
Amends the National Housing Act to direct the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to give special emphasis to insuring mortgages covering medical practice facilities which are primarily for the purpose of providing preventive, diagnostic, and treatment services to elderly outpatients. Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to entitle a grant recipient to an additional grant if such recipient plans to use such additional grant for the construction or maintenance of a senior center providing recreational, health, and nutritional services. Directs the Secretary to insure mortgages made in connection with senior centers offering health, nutritional, recreational, and social facilities to elderly persons, regardless of whether such centers offer housing facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1976
Amends the Legal Services Corporation Act to direct the Corporation to provide financial assistance to qualified programs designed to furnish legal assistance to eligible older persons in connection with any determination relating to eligibility or payment for home health services or specified health-related hearings under the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1976
Establishes within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare a Home Health Clearinghouse. Directs such Clearinghouse to establish and maintain a computer system to gather information on services and benefits available to the elderly through public and private agencies. Directs the Clearinghouse to publish and keep current a publication describing services and benefits available to the elderly under Federal law. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as are necessary to establish and maintain the Clearinghouse. Creates in the Department an Assistant Secretary for Elderly Health, to perform specified duties, including the coordination of Department policy relating to the health of the elderly and coordination of the interagency task force on long-term home and institutional care of the elderly.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1976
Medicare Long-Term Care Act - Repeals existing provisions for post-hospital home health services under Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act. Establishes, within the hospital insurance program of such Title, a program of long-term care benefits to be provided for aged and disabled individuals including all recipients of supplemental security income benefits and to be financed without additional cost to such individuals, through the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund, from funds appropriated by the Federal Government. States that the benefits provided to an individual by such program shall consist of: (1) home health services; (2) homemaker services; (3) nutrition services; (4) long-term institutional care services; (5) day care and foster home services; and (6) community mental health center outpatient services. Requires that, to the maximum extent possible, such benefits shall be provided by or through community long-term care centers, as defined in this Act; and, in any case where a State has an agency which performs the functions of planning and developing such centers and overseeing their operation the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare shall make grants to the State or State agency to reimburse it for expenses incurred in the performance of such functions. Directs the Secretary to pay 75 percent of the amount expended by a State for the operation of a State long-term care agency. Enumerates the functions of such an agency. Declares that a community long-term care center shall: (1) provide the items and services listed in this Act to each individual (i) who is eligible for benefits under this part, (ii) who resides in the area served by such center and (iii) who is certified as requiring such services; (2) evaluate and certify the long-term care needs of an individual for whom such care may be required in order to maintain such individual in an independent living arrangement which is reasonable given such individual's state of health and other circumstances (but not including such individual's economic circumstances); (3) maintain a continuous relationship with (and periodically evaluate not less than annually) each individual who is receiving any of the items and services listed in this Act; (4) provide full opportunity for such individual and his family to participate in the determinations and functions under this Act; (5) provide an organized system for making its existence and location known to all individuals in its service area who are eligible for benefits under this part, and for making known to such individuals the method or methods by which they may most efficiently obtain and use the services which it makes available; and (6) perform such other functions as the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare may by regulation prescribe in order to have such center most effectively carry out the purposes of this Act. Defines terms used in this Act, including the services to be provided by community long-term care centers. Directs the Secretary to develop and promulgate to community long-term care centers one or more methods of obtaining payment for the benefits covered under this Act. Requires the Secretary to prescribe regulations setting forth the standards of care for homemaker and nutritional services. Establishes the Federal Advisory Council on Long-Term Care. Sets forth the qualifications of the five members of such Council. States that it shall be the duty and function of the Council to provide advice and recommendations for the consideration of the Secretary on regulations under this Act and on matters of general policy with respect to this Act. States that no regulations of the Secretary under this Act shall become effective unless they have first been approved by the Council. States that the determination of whether an individual is entitled to benefits under this Act shall be made by the Secretary in accordance with regulations prescribed by him. Authorizes the appropriation to the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund of such sums as the Secretary considers necessary for any fiscal year for the purposes of the program created by this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants and enter into contracts with institutions to meet the cost of training programs in the techniques and methods of providing long-term health care.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1976
Amends the Health Revenue Sharing and Health Services Act to permit the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants and loans for the initial costs of establishing and operating home health agencies and for expansion of their services. Permits the Secretary to make grants to educational institutions and other public and nonprofit private entities for programs for the training of guidance counselors, social workers, nurses, geriatric specialists, and other home health services personnel. Authorizes the appropriation of specified amounts for fiscal year 1977 for the purpose of making such grants. Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to include within its medical coverage: (1) preventive health care, including an annual comprehensive physical examination of older individuals, and diagnostic services; (2) hearing aids, foot care, dental care, and vision aids (including hearing and vision examinations for older individuals); (3) care and services provided by outpatient clinics for the elderly; (4) nutritional counseling; (5) professional guidance and counseling for aged and disabled individuals living alone at home; (6) periodic chore services; and (7) hospital outreach services. Revises such Act to require State comprehensive medical plans to include provisions for intermediate care facility services. Charges the Professional Standards Review Organization with the same responsibility for review of health care services in the case of skilled nursing homes, intermediate care facilities, and other long-term care providers as now required with respect to hospitals. Permits the Secretary to make grants to States to assist them in funding specified demonstration and pilot projects to determine the effectiveness of various home health and supportive services. Permits the Secretary to make grants to political subdivisions of States to enable them to conduct annual health fairs through which individuals over age 60 would be provided free medical checkups. Authorizes the Secretary to make demonstration grants to help meet the cost of establishing and operating private nonprofit entities to provide community care to persons over age 65. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to political subdivisions of States to enable them to establish and operate programs to provide mobile health facilities to persons over age 60. Amends the Public Health Service Act to require that a minimum of $20,000,000 be obligated for grants and contracts for emergency medical services systems for the elderly.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1976
Appropriates $7,000,000 out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated as an additional amount for carrying out the home health services provisions of the Health Revenue Sharing and Health Services Act. Appropriates specified sums, out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, for making multipurpose senior center grants under the Older Americans Act of 1965.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1976
Authorizes a tax deduction, under the Internal Revenue Code, for any taxpayer who contributes the right to use any real property owned by the taxpayer to a tax-exempt organization for use by a qualified senior citizen facility. Limits such deduction to 50 percent of the lesser of the fair market rental value of such property or the amount of State or local property taxes which are paid or incurred by the taxpayer and which are allocable to such property.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1976
Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, under title XX (Grants to States for Services) of the Social Security Act, to allot social services funds which are unused in one year to States for use in the succeeding fiscal year for the purpose of preventing or reducing inappropriate institutional care by providing for community-based or home-based care, or other forms of less intensive care. Requires that States requesting such funds have approved plans for the provision of such care. Directs the Secretary to pay quarterly to each State 85 percent of the State's expenditures for the provision of services in or through multipurpose senior centers. Directs the Secretary to standardize the eligibility requirements applicable to the provision of assistance, under the individual State programs, to multipurpose senior centers.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1976
Older Persons Comprehensive Counseling Assistance Act - Title I: General Provisions - Declares it the finding of Congress that systematic, organized community programs of counseling can help make older persons as independent as possible, encouraging meaningful lives in the community and outside care institutions. Authorizes the appropriation of specified amounts for fiscal years 1977-1981 for the purposes of making grants under this Act. Directs the United States Commissioner on Aging, through the National Information Resource Clearing House for the Aging, to collect, analyze, and disseminate information related to counseling services for older persons. Title II: Counseling Assistance Programs - Requires each State desiring a grant under this Act to submit a comprehensive State plan for providing counseling assistance to the elderly, such plan to conform to specified criteria. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to States having approved plans, such grants to be distributed to area agencies on aging for counseling assistance programs for the elderly on the basis of statewide needs and priorities. Permits the use of grants to fund counseling assistance outreach programs, preretirement counseling programs, career counseling assistance programs, referral services, community activities, and counseling for families of sick and disabled senior citizens. Enumerates requirements for State programs and for State training and retraining programs for counseling personnel. Directs the Commissioner of the Administration on Aging to contract with postsecondary education institutions and area agencies on aging for the purpose of providing needed training and retraining of counseling personnel. Directs the Commissioner on Aging to carry out a program of demonstration and evaluation for specified purposes, including: (1) identification of existing effective practices in counseling older persons; (2) identification of areas where further development is needed; and (3) development of model training programs for professional counselors.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1976
Establishes the House Committee on Health which shall have the responsibility for investigating health measures generally, health facilities, health care programs, national health insurance, public health and quarantine, and biomedical research and development.
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 1976
Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to authorize a loan level of $2,000,000,000 annually for fiscal years 1976 to 1980 for the Federal loan insurance program. Extends the Federal interest subsidy program created under such Act until September 30, 1984.
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 1976
National Home Health Care Act - Broadens the coverage of home health services under Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act and removes the 100-visit limitation presently applicable to the home health service program. Extends the coverage of posthospital home health services to include payment for items and services which the individual could otherwise obtain in a skilled nursing facility. Requires the inclusion of home health services under Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act, and permits the payment of rent under such program for elderly and handicapped persons who would otherwise require nursing home care. Provides expanded Federal funding for congregate housing for the displaced and the elderly by increasing the amount available for such housing under the low-income housing program. Establishes, in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, a Home Health Patient Ombudsman, who shall be appointed and provided with adequate staff and facilities by the Secretary. Makes it the duty and responsibility of the ombudsman to monitor specified programs under the Social Security Act and the various medical assistance programs under the State plan approved pursuant to such Act, and to maintain such oversight of those programs and their operation and administration as may be necessary to: (1) assure that home health patients under such programs are receiving the care to which they are entitled; (2) provide safeguards against over-charging for home health services; (3) identify abuses against home health patients; (4) receive, handle, and expedite complaints by home health patients; (5) recommend to the Secretary any changes in the regulations affecting home health services which may appear necessary or desirable; and (6) take appropriate action (including the transmission of findings to the Attorney General) with respect to abuses and violations of law affecting the provision or receipt of home health services under such programs. Requires the disclosure to the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare of the identity of all persons with an ownership interest in a skilled nursing facility. Requires the Secretary to conduct a study and report to the Congress on the feasibility of extending to the Medicare program the prospective cost-related method of computing payments to nursing homes and home health agencies which is currently provided for under the Medicaid programs.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 1976
Directs the Federal courts to consider, in their determinations of the imposition of terms of imprisonment for criminal offenses, the following factors: (1) the nature and circumstances of the offense and the history and characteristics of the defendant; (2) the need for the sentence imposed to reflect the seriousness of the offense and the providing of adequate deterrence to criminal conduct; (3) whether other less restrictive sanctions have been applied to the defendant frequently or recently; and (4) any sentencing guidelines established by the Commission under this Act. Establishes a United States Commission on Sentencing as an independent commission within the judicial branch of the United States Government to consist of five members appointed by the United States Judicial Conference. Directs such Commission to promulgate and distribute to all Federal courts guidelines for sentencing consistent with this Act. Empowers the Commission to establish general policies and rules necessary to carry out this Act. Empowers the Commission to utilize the services and information of other Federal, State, local and private agencies with or without reimbursement therefor. Empowers the Commission to establish a research and development program for the purpose of: (1) serving as a clearinghouse and information center for the collection, preparation, and dissemination of information on Federal sentencing practices; and (2) assisting and serving in a consulting capacity to Federal courts, departments, and agencies in the development, maintenance, and coordination of sound sentencing practices. Empowers the Commission to devise and conduct a training program of short-term instruction in sentencing techniques for judicial and probation personnel and other persons connected with the sentencing process. Requires the Commission to report annually to the Congress, the Judicial Conference, and the President on its activities. (Adds 18 U.S.C. 3579, 3621, 3657, 3742, 3801-5)
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1976
Consumer Communications Reform Act - States that Congress finds that the revenues from integrated interstate and foreign common carrier telecommunications services helped maintain a level of charges for telephone exchange service which is lower than otherwise would be required. Expresses the sense of Congress that the authorization of lines, facilities, or services of specialized carriers which duplicate the lines, facilities, or services of other telecommunications common carriers is contrary to the public interest. Reaffirms the intent of Congress that the complete authority to regulate terminal and station equipment used for telephone exchange service shall rest with the States even though such terminal and station equipment also may be used in connection with interstate services. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to provide that no compensatory charges for or in connection with such communication service may be found to be unjust or unreasonable on the ground that it is too low. Prohibits the Federal Communications Commission from holding the charge of a carrier up to a particular level to protect the traffic or revenues from a communication service offered or provided by another carrier if such charge proposed by the carrier is compensatory. Provides that the Commission shall not grant or authorize any construction permit, station, license, or certificate for the construction, acquisition, or operation of any communication or transmission line or facility, or extension thereof, or any modification or renewal thereof, unless the Commission shall find, after full opportunity for evidentiary hearing on the record, that such permit, license, or certificate, will not result in increased charges or unnecessary duplication of communication lines.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1976
Public Service Employees Retirement Income Security Act - Sets forth regulations governing employee welfare or pension benefit plans established or maintained by State or local government entities. Requires that every employee benefit plan be established and maintained pursuant to a written instrument. Requires that such instrument provide for one or more named fiduciaries who jointly or severally shall have authority to control and manage the operation and administration of the plan. Specifies that all such fiduciaries shall discharge their duties with respect to a plan solely in the interest of the participants and beneficiaries. Requires that every benefit plan: (1) provide a procedure for establishing and carrying out a funding policy and method consistent with the objectives of the plan and the requirements of this Act; (2) describe any procedure under the plan for the allocation of responsibilities for the operation and administration of the plan; (3) provide a procedure for amending such plan, and for identifying the persons who have authority to amend the plan; and (4) specify the basis on which payments are to be made to and from the plan. Requires that all assets of an employee benefit plan be held in trust by one or more trustees. Specifies the method of appointment of the trustees and stipulates that the trustees shall have exclusive authority and discretion to manage and control the assets of the plan, subject to limitations. Establishes qualifications for, and limitations on, the acquisition and holding of securities and real property by plans subject to this Act. Prohibits any fiduciary who has the authority or discretion to control or manage the assets of a plan from permitting the plan to hold or acquire any employer security or employer real property if such fiduciary knows or should know that holding such security or real property violates this Act. Directs the Secretary of Labor to establish an exemption procedure under which an exemption of any fiduciary or transaction, or any class of fiduciaries or transactions, from the securities and real property holding restrictions of this Act may be granted. Prohibits the Secretary from granting any such exemption unless the exemption is: (1) administratively feasible; (2) in the interests of the plan and its participants and beneficiaries; and (3) protective of the rights of participants and beneficiaries of such plan. Authorizes the following transactions by fiduciaries and plans, with specified limitations: (1) loans made by the plan to parties in interest who are participants or beneficiaries of the plan; (2) contracts or arrangements with a party in interest for office space, or legal, accounting, or other services necessary for the establishment or operation of the plan; (3) provision of any ancillary service by a bank or similar financial institution supervised by the United States or a State, if such bank or other institution is a fiduciary of such plan; (4) exercise of a privilege to convert securities, to the extent provided in regulations of the Secretary of Labor; and (5) distribution of the assets of the plan by a fiduciary in accordance with the terms of the plan if such assets are distributed in the same manner as assets are allocated under specified provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. Specifies reporting and disclosure requirements to be followed by the administrator of an employee benefit plan with respect to the Secretary of Labor and plan participants. Declares that any person who is a fiduciary with respect to a plan who breaches any of the responsibilities, obligations, or duties imposed upon fiduciaries by this Act shall be personally liable to make good to such plan any losses resulting from such breach. Declares void any agreement or instrument which purports to relieve a fiduciary from such liability. Prohibits persons who have been convicted of specified crimes from serving as fiduciaries of employee benefit plans during, or for five years after, such conviction, or imprisonment for such conviction. Imposes criminal penalties for violation of this Act. Specifies the grounds for civil actions which may be brought by the participant, fiduciary, or beneficiary of an employee benefit plan or the Secretary of Labor, to enforce the provisions of this Act with respect to such plan. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to investigate fully the operation of any employee benefit plan to determine whether such plan is in compliance with this Act. Sets forth a procedure for the denial of benefits to any participant or beneficiary by any employee benefit plan. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to prescribe such regulations as may be necessary or appropriate to carry out the provisions of this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to enable the Secretary to carry out the duties and responsibilities imposed by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1976
Italy Disaster Relief Act - Authorizes the President to make assistance available for the relief and rehabilitation of victims of the recent earthquakes in Italy, under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. Authorizes the appropriation of $25,000,000 for such purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1976
Amends the Safe Boating Act of 1971 to extend from 18 to 24 months the period which the Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating may interpose, at his discretion, between the date of issuance of a boating safety standard requiring major changes in the boat manufacturing industry and the effective date of such safety standard. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct research, testing, and development necessary to carry out the purposes of the Federal Boat Safety Act. Provides that a manufacturer's duty to notify buyers of defects in the boat or associated equipment shall be limited to defects or failures of compliance discovered by the manufacturer within three calendar years after the year in which the boat or associated equipment involved is first offered for sale by the manufacturer or within the life of the warranty on the boat or associated equipment involved, whichever period is longer. Directs that the Federal share of the total cost of a State's boating safety program may not exceed 50 percent in any fiscal year for which funds are appropriated under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1976
Creates the grade of General of the Armies of the United States which shall have rank and precedence over all other grades of the Army, past or present. Authorizes and requests the President to appoint George Washington posthumously to such grade.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1976
Requires, under the Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973, that the Federal Government Interagency Committee on Handicapped Employees shall include not less than five disabled individuals nominated by national organizations of handicapped or disabled persons. Permits handicapped individuals who believe they have been discriminated against in hiring or placement by Federal agencies to file a complaint with the Chairman of the Civil Service Commission and request a hearing by an Arbitration Panel convened by the Chairman. States that the Panel shall be composed of three individuals: one designated by the accused agency, one designated by the aggrieved handicapped individual, and one jointly designated by the other two members of the Panel. Provides that the decisions of the panel shall be matters of public record. Directs the Chairman of the Civil Service Commission to pay all reasonable costs of arbitration. Requires that before entering into any contract, the head of any Federal department or agency must be satisfied that the contractor has taken affirmative action to employ and promote qualified handicapped individuals. Permits handicapped individuals who believe a contractor has failed to comply with the provisions of his contract relating to handicapped persons to file a complaint with the Secretary of Labor and request a hearing by an Arbitration Panel convened by the Secretary. Authorizes handicapped individuals who believe they have been subjected to discrimination under any program receiving Federal financial assistance to file a complaint with the Secretary and request a hearing by an Arbitration Panel. Establishes within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare an office to assist handicapped individuals to obtain information about employment placement opportunities.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1976
Amends the Merchant Marine Act, 1936, to provide that any citizen of the United States may apply to the Secretary of Commerce for aid in developing and constructing a nuclear ship for operation in the commerce of the United States. Provides that before the Secretary grants such aid specified conditions must be met by the applicant, including assurances that the nuclear ship, as designed, appears capable of continued safe operation and that such design either embodies a significant departure from the design of existing nuclear ships which may lead to a significant reduction in the cost of constructing or operating future nuclear ships, or is one of a class of nuclear ships and is necessary for a demonstration of the commercial viability of that class. Specifies the types of aid which the Secretary is authorized to offer, including: (1) payment to the contractor (not the applicant) for the cost of developing a proposed nuclear ship; (2) agreements to protect a nuclear ship project from the noncommercial risks associated with the nuclear aspects of such a project; (3) supplying nuclear material or training of crews for nuclear ships; and (4) insuring the creation of a mortgage or lien on a nuclear ship. Requires applicants to agree: (1) to pay to the Secretary an amount equal to the aid granted plus interest; (2) to pay a percentage allowance adequate to cover administrative costs; (3) to execute a preferred mortgage on the nuclear ship; and (4) not to transfer ownership or to lease such ship without the consent of the Secretary. Requires that all ships whose development, construction, or operation is aided by this Act shall be constructed in a shipyard within the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1976
Olympic Winter Games Authorization Act - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to provide grants to the Lake Placid 1980 Olympic Games, Incorporated, at such times, and under such conditions as he considers necessary and appropriate, for assisting in the planning, design, and construction of the necessary winter sports and supporting facilities in connection with the XIII international Olympic winter games. Requires the Secretary to take necessary action to assure that the facilities constructed with Federal assistance will be designed to provide maximum continued public use and benefit following the completion of the 1980 Olympic winter games. Requires the Secretary to submit interim reports to the Congress on the progress of the design and construction of facilities pursuant to this Act, together with any recommendations for further Federal Government involvement to assure a successful staging of such games. Specifies that a final report shall be submitted following completion of the 1980 games. Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary of $49,040,000 for grants and $250,000 for the administration of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1976
Amends the Great Lakes Pilotage Act of 1960 to provide that no United States registered pilot shall be liable for damages of more than $1,000 for any injury, damage, or other loss which results from his negligence in navigating any vessel on the Great Lakes.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1976
Adds to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 "Title X-Emergency Education Revenue Act." Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to carry out this Act in fiscal years 1976 and 1977. Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to a local education agency which demonstrates that: (1) for bona fide budgetary reasons it has been forced to reduce the expenditure of funds for essential elementary and secondary education services, making it impossible to maintain such services at a quality level; and (2) that it or the local government unit responsible for providing its revenues has made bona fide efforts to raise the revenue necessary to support essential elementary and secondary educational services and maintain quality education. Requires the Secretary in making such grants to give priority to those school districts with the greatest number of students. Makes financial assistance under this Act available for essential elementary and secondary educational services, programs, and projects of the local education agency which had been funded by such agency previously and which the Secretary determines are essential for providing quality elementary and secondary educational services. Requires any local educational agency desiring to receive assistance under this Act to submit to the Secretary an application in such form and containing such information as the Secretary shall require by regulation. Permits the Secretary to approve such application only if assurances are given that the State shall not reduce the amount of State aid with respect to the provision of free public education in any school district of any local education agency because of assistance given under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1976
Expresses the support of the House of Representatives for "Solidarity Sunday" which includes efforts to remove all obstacles to the free emigration of Jews from the Soviet Union.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1976
Directs the Postmaster General to issue a commemorative postage stamp in honor of Antonio Meucci and his contributions to the invention of the telephone.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1976
Adds to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 "Title X-Emergency Education Revenue Act." Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to carry out this Act in fiscal years 1976 and 1977. Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to a local education agency which demonstrates that: (1) for bona fide budgetary reasons it has been forced to reduce the expenditure of funds for essential elementary and secondary education services, making it impossible to maintain such services at a quality level; and (2) that it or the local government unit responsible for providing its revenues has made bona fide efforts to raise the revenue necessary to support essential elementary and secondary educational services and maintain quality education. Requires the Secretary in making such grants to give priority to those school districts with the greatest number of students. Makes financial assistance under this Act available for essential elementary and secondary educational services, programs, and projects of the local education agency which had been funded by such agency previously and which the Secretary determines are essential for providing quality elementary and secondary educational services. Requires any local educational agency desiring to receive assistance under this Act to submit to the Secretary an application in such form and containing such information as the Secretary shall require by regulation. Permits the Secretary to approve such application only if assurances are given that the State shall not reduce the amount of State aid with respect to the provision of free public education in any school district of any local education agency because of assistance given under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 1976
United States Park Police Act - Title I: United States Park Police - Declares that the United States Park Police is continued as an entity under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of the Interior. Stipulates that the members of the Park Police shall have and perform the same powers and duties as the District of Columbia Metropolitan Police. Places the Park Police under the exclusive charge and control of the Director of the National Park Service. Specifies the authorized strength and organization of the Park Police. Requires the Director to furnish members of the Park Police with uniforms, means of transportation, and such other equipment as may be necessary for the proper performance of their duties, including badges, revolvers, and ammunition. Authorizes the Director to appoint special policemen, without compensation, for duty in connection with the policing of the public parks and other reservations within the District of Columbia. Authorizes the Park Police, on and within roads, parks, parkways, and other Federal reservations in the environs of the District of Columbia, to make arrests without warrant for any felony or misdemeanor committed in the presence or view of such members in violation of Federal law or regulation, or for any felony that in fact has been or is being committed in violation of any such law or regulation. Authorizes the Park Police to execute any warrant or other process issued by a court or officer of competent jurisdiction for the enforcement of the provisions of any Federal law or regulation. Excludes military personnel from Park Police jurisdiction for offenses committed on military reservations. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to make all necessary rules and regulations for the regulation of traffic, for the protection of persons, property, health, and morals, to prevent breaches of the peace, to suppress affrays and unlawful assemblies, and to aid in the enforcement of any of the rules and regulations so promulgated. Authorizes assignment of members of the Park Police, at the request of the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, to patrol Washington National Airport and Dulles International Airport. Sets forth the basic salary schedule and rates of compensation for members of the Park Police. Establishes a system of Park Police retirement and disability benefits, including survivor benefits and annunities. Sets forth the rates for such benefits. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish a United States Park Police Retirement and Relief Board to administer the Park Police retirement and disability benefits programs established by this Act. Entitles each widow or child who receives, or is authorized to receive, any relief or annuity by reason of service in a District of Columbia police or fire department of a deceased former member who died in the service of any such department prior to October 1, 1956, or who retired prior to such date, to benefits computed in accordance with the provisions of this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to reimburse the Secretary of the Interior, on a monthly basis, for benefit payments made to or for members of the Park Police or their survivors. Title II: Conforming and Technical Amendments and Effective Dates - Amends the District of Columbia Police and Fireman's Salary Act of 1958 and other relevant provisions of law, consistent with the provisions of this Act. Sets forth the effective dates for various provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 1976
Amends laws relating to the Coast Guard. Defines "promotion year" as commencing on July 1 of each year and ending June 30 for purposes of considering Coast Guard personnel for promotions. Requires the Commandant of the Coast Guard to submit to Congress a report in March of each year (previously January) regarding the operations and expenditures of the Coast Guard during the preceding fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 1976
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a deduction to individuals who rent their principal residences for a portion of the real property taxes paid or accrued by their landlord.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 1976
Disapproves the proposed budget deferral D76-105, relating to budget authority for the special supplemental food program (WIC) administered by the Food and Nutrition Service of the Department of Agriculture.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1976
Arts, Humanities, and Cultural Affairs Act - Title I: Arts and Humanities - Amends the National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities Act to authorize the Chairman of the of the National Endowment for the Humanities to establish grants-in-aid programs in each State to develop and promote the humanities. Sets forth standards relating to program administration for plans submitted by persons and entities seeking assistance. Prohibits the Chairman from making grants to more than one person or entity in any State. Specifies a formula for alloting funds appropriated for grants-in-aid. Authorizes appropriation to the National Endowment for the Arts and to the National Endowment for the Humanities of specified sums for fiscal years 1977 and 1978 and such funds as may be necessary for fiscal years 1979 and 1980. Revises the maximum amount which may be appropriated to such Endowments as grants matching amounts received through donation, bequest, and devise. Requires the President to appoint members of the National Council on the Arts and members of the National Council on the Humanities with the advice and consent of the Senate. Title II: Museum Services - Museum Services Act - Establishes within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare an Institute of Museum Services, consisting of a National Museum Services Board and a Director of the Institute. Authorizes the Director, subject to the advice of the Board, to make grants to museums to increase and improve museum services. Confers authority to the Institute to accept grants, gifts, or bequests of money for immediate disbursement in furtherance of the functions of the Institute. Directs the Federal Council on the Arts and Humanities to advise and consult with the Board and the Director on major problems incurred by the Institute and to coordinate the Institute's policies and activities with those of the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities. Authorizes the appropriation of funds for grants by the Institute for fiscal years 1977 through 1980. Title III: Challenge Grant Program - Authorizes the Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts to establish a program of contracts with, or grants-in-aid to, public agencies and private nonprofit organizations for the purpose of assisting cultural organizations and institutions and promoting citizen involvement with such bodies. Authorizes the appropriation of funds through fiscal year 1980 to carry out such program.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1976
Higher Education Amendments - Title I: Amendments to the Higher Education Act - Extends the authority of the Commissioner of Education to make grants to eligible students under the Higher Education Act of 1965. Extends the authorization for appropriations for specified provisions of such Act. Requires the Commissioner to publish by July 1, in the Federal Register, a schedule of expected family contributions for purposes of eligibility for basic educational opportunity grants under such Act. States that if Congress, by resolution, disapproves such schedule the Commissioner shall publish a new schedule together with a statement identifying the recommendations made in connection with such resolution. Includes as part of the criteria the Commissioner shall use in promulgating regulations with respect to such expected contribution any educational expenses of other dependent children in the family. Includes as part of "effective family income" as defined under such Act, Social Security payments to the student which would not have been paid if such individual were not a student. Extends the authorization for appropriations in such sums as may be necessary for payments to the States for incentive grants to students under such Act. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1980 for work-study programs under such Act. Authorizes institutions receiving funds under such programs to use a portion of such funds for administrative expenses and for job location and development programs. Authorizes the Commissioner to enter into agreements with eligible institutions for programs which locate and develop jobs for currently enrolled students, if such institution provides specific assurances to the Commissioner. Extends the authorization for appropriations to enable the Commissioner to make grants to institutions of higher learning for cooperative education programs under such Act. Authorizes appropriations for training, demonstration, research grants or contracts for such programs. Sets forth the requirements which institutions of higher learning must meet to become eligible for cooperative education grants. States that in approving applications for such grants the Commissioner shall give priority to programs which show the greatest promise of success. Sets forth criteria for making such determination. Requires that, in the case of default on a loan made under the direct student loan program under such Act, the Commissioner be notified of such default in a report describing the total number of loans from such loan fund which are in default. Repeals the requirement that the Commissioner be notified when a student is no longer in good standing for payments to be suspended to such student. Authorizes institutions to permit borrowers to pay less than the $30 per month repayment minimum under such Act in cases of hardship. Requires that any agreement between an institution and a student for a loan from such fund shall provide that the liability to repay such loan be cancelled upon the death or permanent and total disability of the borrower. Makes training grants available to the States for the purpose of designing and developing programs to increase the proficiency of institutional and State financial aid administrators in all aspects of student financial aid. Authorizes appropriations for such purpose. Authorizes appropriations for community service programs under such Act and for continuing education programs as defined in this Act. Sets forth how such appropriations are to be allotted to the States and American territories. Requires any State to be eligible for such assistance to create a State advisory council which shall submit a State plan which establishes a comprehensive and coordinated Statewide system of community service and continuing education programs. Prohibits the Commissioner from requiring any State to make any agreement or submit any data which is not specifically required under such Act. States that in a judicial review of the Commissioner's disapproval of a State plan or suspension from participation in any such programs, the Commissioner shall have the burden of proof that the State's plan or administration of such plan is at variance with any of the provisions of such Act. Authorizes the Commissioner to make available technical assistance to States and to institutions of higher education. Extends appropriations for college library programs under such Act. Repeals provisions of such Act relating to financial assistance to the Library of Congress for the acquisition and cataloging of library material. Extends appropriations for assistance to developing institutions, education professions development programs, and improvement of undergraduate instruction programs under such Act. Directs the Commissioner to authorize grants to institutions for the renovation and modernization of undergraduate and graduate academic facilities. Sets forth the criteria which the Commissioner shall use in determining the priorities of eligible construction projects. Defines "renovation or modernization" for purposes of this Act. Extends the graduate program grants and general assistance grants to institutions of higher learning under such Act. Requires the Commissioner to conduct public hearings before disapproving any State Commission plan filed pursuant to such Act for grants to community colleges and occupational education. Authorizes appropriations for such grants through fiscal year 1977. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to existing community colleges to: (1) assist them in modifying their educational programs and instructional delivery systems to provide educational programs for persons whose educational needs have been inadequately served; and (2) assist them in expanding their enrollment capacity or in establishing new educational sites. Revises the Federal share of carrying out projects through grants to enable community colleges to lease facilities. Extends appropriations through fiscal year 1977 for occupational education programs under such Act. Repeals provisions of such Act relating to: (1) programs for institutions of higher education to share technical and other educational and administrative facilities and resources; and (2) law school clinical experience programs. Sets forth funding requirements for specified provisions of such Act. Title II: Amendments to Other Acts - Amends the National Defense Education Act to authorize the Commissioner to carry out programs to increase the understanding of students in the United States about the cultures and actions of other nations. Extends the authorization for appropriations to carry out the purposes of such Act through fiscal year 1977. Extends the authorization for appropriations to carry out the provisions of the General Education Provisions Act through fiscal year 1977.
![Official portrait of Rep. Biaggi, Mario [D-NY-19]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/b000432_200.jpg)