The world's political record
Person
United States · Official source
299 records where Rep. Breckinridge, John B. [D-KY-6] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1977
Prohibits any Member of the House of Representatives from soliciting or accepting gifts of money for personal use.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1977
Constitutional Amendment - Provides that the people of the several States, and the District of Columbia, shall elect the President and Vice President. Requires each voter to cast a single vote for two persons who shall have consented to the joining of their names as candidates for the offices of President and Vice President. Requires the voters for President and Vice President in each State to have the qualifications requisite for voters for the most numerous branch of the State legislature, except that for voters for President and Vice President, the legislature of any State may prescribe less restrictive residence qualifications and for voters for President and Vice President the Congress may establish uniform residence qualifications. Provides that the pair of persons having the greatest number of votes for President and Vice President shall be elected, if such number be at least 40 percent of the whole number of votes cast for such offices. Provides that if the choice of President and Vice President shall be made from the two pairs of persons who received the highest numbers of votes. Requires the days for such elections to be determined by Congress and to be uniform throughout the United States. Requires Congress to prescribe by law the time, place, and manner in which the results of such elections shall be ascertained and declared. Allows Congress to provide for the case of the death, inability, or withdrawal of any candidate for President or Vice President before a President and Vice President have been elected, and for the case of the death of both the President-elect and Vice President-elect.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1977
Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, through the Statistical Reporting Service, to take an enumeration of horses in the United States, by the "sampling" method if preferred, in 1978 and in every fifth year beginning after 1978. Authorizes the appropriation of $3,000,000 for fiscal year 1978 and $600,000 for each following fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1977
Directs the printing of the pamphlet, "Black Americans in Congress," as a House document.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1977
Directs the printing of the pamphlet, "Black Americans in Congress," as a House document.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1977
Directs the printing of the pamphlet, "Black Americans in Congress," as a House document.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1977
Wheat and Wheat Foods Research and Nutrition Education Act - States that the purpose of this Act is to authorize and enable the creation of an orderly procedure, adequately financed through an assessment and voluntary contributions, for the development and initiation of an effective and continuous coordinated program of research and nutrition education designed to improve and enhance the quality and make the most efficient use of American wheat, processed wheat, and wheat end products to insure an adequate diet for all Americans. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to issue orders to effectuate the declared purpose of this Act. States that such orders shall include provisions: (1) for establishing projects for research and nutrition education for wheat and wheat products; (2) for establishing and carrying on research or studies with respect to the sale, distribution, marketing, and utilization of wheat and wheat products and the creation of new products; and (3) requiring that processors, distributors of processed wheat, and end product manufacturers maintain and make available for inspection such books and records as may be required by an order issued pursuant to this Act. Directs the Secretary to issue orders providing for the establishment of a Wheat Industry Council to: (1) administer and make rules and regulations to effectuate orders issued pursuant to this Act; (2) receive, investigate and report to the Secretary complaints of violations of such orders; and (3) recommend to the Secretary amendments to such orders. States that membership of such Council shall represent wheat producers, processors, end product manufacturers and consumers on an equal basis. Requires each end product manufacturer to pay to such Council an assessment, not to exceed five cents per hundredweight, based on the total number of hundredweights of processed wheat purchased by or transferred to such manufacturer, to be uses for expenditures and expensed incurred by the Council or Secretary under this Act. Exempts from this Act any end product manufacturer who does not purchase more than 2,000 hundredweight of processed wheat per year for use in manufacture. Requires the Secretary to conduct a referendum among end product manufacturers to determine whether the issuance of an order under this Act is favored by such manufacturers. States that no such order shall become effective unless: (1) votes were cast by more than 50 percent of the registered end product manufacturers; and (2) not less than two-thirds of such voting manufacturers approve of such order or by a majority of such manufacturers if such majority manufactured not less than two-thirds of the total processed wheat contained in all end products manufactured by those voting in referendum. Allows end product manufacturers who have reserved the right to seek refunds and who disfavor the programs under this Act to receive from the Council the assessment paid to such Council. Sets forth the procedures for the administrative and judicial review of orders or obligations imposed under this Act. States that any person who willfully violates any order issued under this Act or who fails to remit any required assessment or fee shall be liable to a civil penalty of not more than $1,000 per violation. Requires the Secretary to conduct a referendum on request by ten percent or more of the end product manufactures to determine whether such manufacturers favor the suspension or termination of any order. States that such order shall be suspended or terminated if more than 50 percent of the voting manufacturers or manufacturers who produce end products containing more than 50 percent of the total processed wheat contained in all end products manufactured by those voting approve of such action. Authorizes the Secretary to make investigations for the effective carrying out of his or her responsibilities under this Act or to determine whether any person has or is about to violate any of the provisions of this Act. Sets forth the eligibility requirements for any organization wishing to: (1) participate in the nominating of Council members; (2) represent wheat producers, processors, end product manufacturers or consumers; and (3) request the issuance of an order under this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of such funds as are necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1977
Requests the President of the United States to convene a White House Conference on Small Business with the help of the Senate Small Business Committee to develop recommendations, including suggestions for joint legislative and executive action, for revitalizing and maintaining the economic viability of the small business infrastructure.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1977
Amends the Tariff Schedules of the United States to permit the duty-free entry of chlorendic acid.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1977
Urges the Canadian government to reassess its present policy of permitting the killing of newborn harp seals in Canadian waters.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1977
Agricultural Research Act - States the findings of Congress that the Department of Agriculture should continue to serve as the lead agency in the executive branch for agricultural research. States the purpose of this Act to be the encouragement and facilitation of the development and maintenance of a unified Federal agricultural research policy upon which the overall Federal research effort can be used. Title I: Agricultural Research Policy, Research, and Education - Establishes in the Department of Agriculture a permanent Agricultural Research and Education Policy Advisory Committee, composed of 21 members, to advise the Secretary with respect to national agricultural research and policies, including priorities for basic and applied agricultural research, the administration of agricultural research and policies for education and training in agricultural research. Authorizes the Committee to establish subcommittees to review disciplinary and commodity research priorities, funding and administrative questions, and individual questions of research education and training. Authorizes the Secretary to establish an Agricultural Research Policy Analysis Institute to conduct research on matters of policy regarding all aspects of agricultural research and related matters. States that the Agricultural Research and Education Policy Advisory Committee shall serve as the Board of Directors of the Institute, which may have up to 20 full-time professional members. Designates the Department of Agriculture as the lead agency of the Federal Government to coordinate all agricultural research activities in other Federal departments and agencies, the land grant colleges, the State agricultural experiment stations, and research in the private sector. Establishes within the Federal Coordinating Council for Science, Engineering and Technology a Subcommittee on Food and Renewable Resources to review Federal research and development programs relevant to world food and fiber production and distribution, to promote planning and coordination of such research in the Federal Government and to recommend policies and measures concerning food and agricultural science for the consideration of the Council. Directs the Secretary to establish a program of competitive grants for agricultural research to be made to individual scientists and to institutions for research in four categories aimed at: (1) the discovery of new scientific principles and techniques applicable in agriculture and forestry; (2) the development of innovative products and technology in such fields as biological nitrogen fixation and photosynthesis; (3) the field of human nutrition; (4) the development of new crops, including guayule and jojoba. Requires the Secretary to give priority to research in those fields of basic and applied science promising advances and breakthroughs. Allows up to five percent of funds awarded in any fiscal year to be granted to support research conducted outside the United States. Permits the Secretary to require matching State funds for any research grants made. Repeals the existing requirement that at least 20 percent of grant funds distributed to the States be used by State agricultural experiment stations for marketing research. Transfers the administration of additional appropriations for agricultural colleges from the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare to the Department of Agriculture. Directs the Secretary to conduct a program of competitive grants and fellowships for merit to strengthen undergraduate, graduate and post-doctoral research in the agricultural sciences. Authorizes for each grant program established under this title specified sums to be appropriated for each fiscal year from 1978 through 1980 or 1982. Authorizes the Secretary to appoint a Committee on Agricultural Research Facilities to assist him in the compilation of a report to the President and the Congress on the status and future needs of agricultural research materials and facilities, including buildings and farms, plant, seed, genetic stock, insect, virus and animal collections, computers and laboratory instrumentation. States that the report shall include recommendations for a program aimed at providing the Nation with the most modern and efficient system of research facilities needed to advance agricultural research in all fields. Authorizes the Secretary to establish the National Agricultural Research Award, consisting of a grant not to exceed $50,000 per year for a period of not more than three years to support research or study by: (1) a scientists in recognition of outstanding contributions to the advance of agricultural science; and (2) a graduate student or post-doctoral research worker in recognition of demonstrated capability and promise. Requires the Secretary to submit to the President and the Congress an annual report containing an annually updated five-year national agricultural research plan, a review of progress made toward the accomplishment of planned goals, and a review of specified categories of agricultural research activities of the Department and their relationship to the related activities of other Federal, State and private agencies. Authorizes specified sums to be appropriated for existing agricultural research programs for fiscal years 1978 through 1982. Title II: Animal Health Care and Research - Directs the Secretary to establish an Animal Health Science Research Advisory Board to recommend priorities for the conduct of animal health research programs. Directs that funds appropriated for such programs be apportioned as follows: (1) four percent retained by the Department for administration and program assistance; and (2) 96 percent to go to accredited colleges of veterinary medicine and agricultural experiment stations in the several States. Requires the dean or director of each eligible institution to cause preparation of and to review project proposals which comply with the purpose and provisions of this Act. Sets the Federal contribution to any eligible institution at $100,000 in addition to amounts matching funds from non-Federal sources. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct a program of grants to assist States which do not have an accredited college of veterinary medicine in the construction of such, the employment of faculty, the acquisition of equipment and other necessaries. Specifies the formula by which funds appropriated shall be distributed to the States for these purposes. Authorizes for grant programs specified sums to be appropriated for fiscal years 1978 through 1982.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1977
Department of Energy Organization Act - Title I: Declaration of Purposes - Declares it the purpose of this Act to establish a permanent Department or Energy in the executive branch to assist in the development of a coordinated national energy policy. Title II: Establishment of Department - Establishes a Department of Energy in the executive branch. Establishes an Energy Information Administration and an Economic Regulatory Administration within such Department. Title III: Transfers of Functions - Transfers to the Secretary of Energy all functions now vested in the Federal Energy Administration, the Energy Research and Development Administration, and the Federal Power Commission. Transfers energy-related functions from the Department of the Interior to the new Secretary. Transfers specified functions of the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, the Interstate Commerce Commission, the Secretary of the Navy, and the Secretary of Commerce to the new Secretary. Title IV: Board of Hearings and Appeals - Establishes a three-member Board of Hearings and Appeals within the Department to make agency determinations as required by law. Prohibits persons having interests in energy companies from serving as Board members. Title V: Administrative Procedures and Judicial Review - Stipulates that the provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act shall apply to rules and regulations issued by the Secretary or his delegate. Requires that opportunity for oral presentations of viewpoints be afforded where regulations are likely to have a substantial economic impact. Requires hearings on rules which substantially impact on a single geographic area to be held in such geographic area. Stipulates that United States district courts shall have exclusive jurisdiction of cases arising under this Act without regard to the amount in controversy, except where otherwise provided in authority transferred to the Secretary. Title VI: Administrative Provisions - Establishes a Leasing Liaison Committee to obtain information and make recommendations on Federal leasing activities conducted by the Secretary of the Interior which relate to energy resources. Requires officers and employees of the Department of Energy to disclose known financial interests in energy companies. Imposes criminal penalties for knowing violations of such disclosure requirements. Authorizes the Secretary to delegate authority to other officers, to create regional offices, and to establish advisory committees. Requires the Secretary to submit annual reports to the President for submission to the Congress. Title VII: Transitional Savings and Conforming Provisions - Stipulates that transfers of personnel as authorized by this Act shall not result in reduction in grade or unemployment for one year after enactment of this Act. Stipulates that orders, rules, and proceedings established or commenced under previous authority shall not be affected by the transfers under this Act. Amends the Federal Energy Administration Act, the Energy Reorganization Act, the Federal Power Act, the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act, the Energy Conservation Standards for New Buildings Act, the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935, the Rural Electrification Act of 1936, and other provisions of law to conform with the changes made by this Act. Title VIII: Effective Date and Interim Appointments - Stipulates that the provisions of this Act shall take effect no later than 120 days after the Secretary first takes office. Establishes procedures for interim appointment of officers prior to the effective date of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1977
Pledges the support of the Congress to advance human rights. Urges the President to inform other nations that the United States will consider human rights protection in evaluating its relations with other nations.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1977
Special Prosecutor Act - Directs the Attorney General to conduct an investigation upon receiving specific information that any of specified campaign chairmen or Federal officials, including the President, the Vice President, Members of Congress, officials in positions listed Level I of the Executive Schedule, and certain officials in the Executive Office of the President, has violated Federal criminal law involving campaign financing, obstruction of justice, abuse of office, or fraud against the United States. Provides for appointment of a special prosecutor by a panel composed of judges of the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia upon application of the Attorney General. Empowers a majority of either majority or minority party members of either the House or Senate Judiciary committees to request the Attorney General to make such an application. Grants a special prosecutor full and independent authority to exercise all investigative and prosecutorial functions with respect to matters within his jurisdiction as defined by the appointing panel. Requires a special prosecutor to promptly advise the House of Representatives of any substantial and credible evidence that may constitute grounds for an impeachment. Directs the Attorney General to promulgate rules and regulations requiring any officer or employee of the Department of Justice to disqualify himself from participation in a particular investigation or prosecutor if participation may result in a conflict of interest or appearance thereof.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1977
Youth Camp Safety Act - Establishes in the Office of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare an Office of Youth Camp Safety to be headed by a Director of Youth Camp Safety. Confers upon the Director the primary responsibility for the promulgation and enforcement of Federal and State youth camp safety regulations. Requires any State which desires to assume responsibility for the development and modification of youth camp safety standards to submit a State plan to the Director for his approval. Allows a State whose plan has been rejected to obtain review of the decision in the United States Court of Appeals. Authorizes the Director to make grants to States which have in effect approved State plans, such grants not to exceed 80 percent of the cost of carrying out the State plan. Authorizes the Director to enter and inspect youth camps and their records. Charges the Director with establishing within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare an Advisory Council on Youth Camp Safety and to submit to Congress at least once a year a report on his administration under this Act. Prescribes penalties for each violation by youth camp operators of the standards promulgated pursuant to this Act. Authorizes the Director to request and receive directly from any department or agency of the Federal Government information, suggestions, estimates, and statistics needed to carry out the functions under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1977
Prohibits the closure or realignment of military bases involving reductions in civilian personnel positions below a specified level or construction or conversion at military installations made necessary by the relocation of such civilian personnel unless: (1) the Secretary of Defense or the Secretary of the military department concerned notifies the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives that such installation is a candidate for closure or realignment; (2) the appropriate Secretary complies with the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969; (3) the appropriate Secretary notifies the Committees on Armed Services of a final decision in writing regarding such closure or realignment and a detailed justification for such decision; and (4) a period of at least 60 days elapses between such notification and the implementation of such decision. Stipulates that this Act does not apply to closures or reductions which the President has certified to Congress as being necessary for reasons of national security or a military emergency.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1977
Directs the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, to appoint a specified number of additional judges to the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky and to the United States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1977
Permits the furnishing of accommodations to judges of the courts of appeals, upon approval by the appropriate judicial council, at any place where Federal facilities are available regardless of whether court terms are authorized to be held at such locations.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a refundable income tax credit for 50 percent of the wages paid new employees during the taxable years for work done in the United States. Limits the credit taken to $80,000. Limits the number of employees for whom credit may be taken to ten new employees, or the maximum number of employees paid by the taxpayer during the calendar quarter ending the previous June 30th, whichever number is less. Directs the Secretary to submit reports to Congress, in 1978 and 1980 assessing the impact of this credit.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1977
Narcotic Sentencing Act - Title I: Mandatory Minimum Sentences - Amends the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970 to set forth mandatory minimum terms of imprisonment for individuals; (1) manufacturing, distributing, or dispensing specified narcotic drugs or counterfeits thereof; (2) possessing such a substance with intent to distribute or dispense; (3) illegally importing or exporting such a substance; or (4) attempting or conspiring to commit any of the above offenses. Authorizes a court to sentence an individual to a shorter term of imprisonment or parole ineligibility where certain mitigating circumstances are present. Amends the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure to direct that a separate sentencing hearing be conducted when an individual is convicted of an offense for which a mandatory term of imprisonment is authorized under this Act. Title II: Conditions of Release - Instructs a judicial officer, in setting the conditions of release pending trial, to consider whether a person charged with an offense encompassed by title I of this Act poses a threat to the community or will commit similar offenses. Authorizes a judicial officer to deny pretrial release to a person charged with such an offense upon making any of specified findings in a separate hearing. Title III: Forfeiture of Proceeds of Illegal Drug Transactions - Subjects to forfeiture all proceeds of offenses under the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970 and all moneys, negotiable instruments, and securities used or intended to be used in committing such crimes. Sets forth guidelines for the disposition of property so forfeited.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1977
Makes it unlawful for any individual or entity to solicit to enroll or enroll any member of the armed forces in any labor organization, or for any member of the armed forces to join, or encourage other members to join, any labor union. Prescribes a penalty of not more than five years imprisonment for any individual violating this Act, and a fine of not less than $25,000 nor more than $50,000 for any labor organization in violation of this Act. (Adds 10 U.S.C. 975)
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1977
Agricultural Research Act - States the findings of Congress that the Department of Agriculture should continue to serve as the lead agency in the executive branch for agricultural research. States the purpose of this Act to be the encouragement and facilitation of the development and maintenance of a unified Federal agricultural research policy upon which the overall Federal research effort can be used. Title I: Agricultural Research Policy, Research, and Education - Establishes in the Department of Agriculture a permanent Agricultural Research and Education Policy Advisory Committee, composed of 21 members, to advise the Secretary with respect to national agricultural research and policies, including priorities for basic and applied agricultural research, the administration of agricultural research and policies for education and training in agricultural research. Authorizes the Committee to establish subcommittees to review disciplinary and commodity research priorities, funding and administrative questions, and individual questions of research education and training. Authorizes the Secretary to establish an Agricultural Research Policy Analysis Institute to conduct research on matters of policy regarding all aspects of agricultural research and related matters. States that the Agricultural Research and Education Policy Advisory Committee shall serve as the Board of Directors of the Institute, which may have up to 20 full-time professional members. Designates the Department of Agriculture as the lead agency of the Federal Government to coordinate all agricultural research activities in other Federal departments and agencies, the land grant colleges, the State agricultural experiment stations, and research in the private sector. Establishes within the Federal Coordinating Council for Science, Engineering and Technology, a Subcommittee on Food and Renewable Resources to review Federal research and development programs relevant to world food and fiber production and distribution, to promote planning and coordination of such research in the Federal Government and to recommend policies and measures concerning food and agricultural science for the consideration of the Council. Directs the Secretary to establish a program of competitive grants for agricultural research to be made to individual scientists and to institutions for research in four categories aimed at: (1) the discovery of new scientific principles and techniques applicable in agriculture and forestry; (2) the development of innovative products and technology in such fields as biological nitrogen fixation and photosynthesis; (3) the field of human nutrition; (4) the development of new crops, including guayule and jojoba. Requires the Secretary to give priority to research in those fields of basic and applied science promising advances and breakthroughs. Allows up to five percent of funds awarded in any fiscal year to be granted to foreign scientists under certain conditions. Permits the Secretary to require matching State funds for any research grants made. Repeals the existing requirement that at least 20 percent of grant funds distributed to the States be used by State agricultural experiment stations for marketing research. Transfers the administration of additional appropriations for agricultural colleges from the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare to the Department of Agriculture. Directs the Secretary to conduct a program of competitive grants and fellowships for merit to strengthen undergraduate, graduate, and post-doctoral research in the agricultural sciences. Authorizes for each grant program established under this title specified sums to be appropriated for each fiscal year from 1978 through 1980 or 1982. Authorizes the Secretary to appoint a Committee on Agricultural Research Facilities to assist him in the compilation of a report to the President and the Congress on the status and future needs of agricultural research materials and facilities, including buildings and farms, plant, seed, genetic stock, insect, virus and animal collections, computers and laboratory instrumentation. States that the report shall include recommendations for a program aimed at providing the Nation with the most modern and efficient system of research facilities needed to advance agricultural research in all fields. Authorizes the Secretary to establish the National Agricultural Research Award, consisting of a grant not to exceed $50,000 per year for a period of not more than three years to support research or study by: (1) a scientist in recognition of outstanding contributions to the advancement of agricultural science; and (2) a graduate student or post-doctoral research worker in recognition of demonstrated capability and promise. Requires the Secretary to submit to the President and the Congress an annual report containing an annually updated five-year national agricultural research plan, a review of progress made toward the accomplishment of planned goals, and a review of specified categories of agricultural research activities of the Department and their relationship to the related activities of other Federal, State and private agencies. Authorizes appropriations for existing agricultural research programs for fiscal years 1978 through 1982. Title II: Animal Health, Care and Research - Directs the Secretary to establish an Animal Health Science Research Advisory Board to recommend priorities for the conduct of animal health research programs. Directs that funds appropriated for such programs be apportioned as follows: (1) four percent retained by the Department for administration and program assistance; and (2) 96 percent to go to accredited colleges of veterinary medicine and agricultural experiment stations in the several States. Requires the dean or director of each eligible institution to cause preparation of and to review project proposals which comply with the purpose and provisions of this Act. Sets the Federal contribution to any eligible institution at $100,000 in addition to amounts matching funds from non-Federal sources. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct a program of grants to assist States which do not have an accredited college of veterinary medicine in the construction of such, the employment of faculty, the acquisition of equipment and other necessaries. Specifies the formula by which funds appropriated shall be distributed to the States for these purposes. Authorizes appropriations for grant programs for fiscal years 1978 through 1982.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1977
Declares that the House of Representatives does not favor energy action numbered 9, which would exempt motor gasoline from mandatory petroleum price controls.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1977
Authorizes Representative Parren J. Mitchell to appear as a witness before the Superior Court of Baltimore City, State of Maryland, in response to the summons served to him.
United States · United States Congress · 13 January 1977
Amends the Rules of the House of Representatives to remove the 25-member limit to the number of sponsors of any House of Representatives bill. Permits the addition or deletion of any Member's name as the sponsor of any legislation by a request made by a Member to the Speaker on behalf of such Member.
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 1977
Amends the Rules of the House of Representatives to remove the 25-member limit to the number of sponsors of any House of Representatives bill. Permits the addition or deletion of any Member's name as the sponsor of any legislation by a request made by a Member to the Speaker on behalf of such Member.
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1977
Administrative Rule Making Reform Act - Requires a Federal agency preparing to hold a rule making session to make a reasonable effort to inform those likely to be affected by the proposed rule making. Requires that if the affected group is large, representatives of such group must be notified. Requires, in addition to present requirements, that the notice of rule making include the projected effective date of the rules, the purpose of the rule making, the text of the proposed rules, and the technical or other studies on which the agency intends to rely in the rule making proceedings. Applies the requirements of this Act to all rule making sessions except (1) those specifically authorized to be kept secret in the interest of national security, and (2) those relating to agency management. Requires public notice and public opportunity for comment of all rule making proceedings under this Act unless the agency finds that the rules to be proposed are emergency rules or are of routine or insignificant impact in which case the rule must be published with reasons for its adoption. Requires Federal agencies to give interested persons at least 45 days to participate in the rule making. Requires the agency to maintain a file of each proceeding to be made available to the courts, Congress, and to the public in connection with review of the rule. Limits the period for public comment to a maximum of 90 days. Requires a copy of all proposed rules to be sent to Congress. States that such rule, other than an emergency rule, shall not become effective if it is disapproved within 90 days by both Houses of Congress, or it is disapproved within 60 days by one House and no action is taken on the disapproval resolution by the other House. Provides that either House of Congress may, by resolution, require any agency to reconsider and resubmit any rule to which this Act applies. Requires that such proposed rule be repromulgated anew in accordance with all the provisions of this Act unless it is reconsidered and resubmitted to Congress within 180 days after the adoption of the resolution requiring such reconsideration. Requires the Administrative Conference of the United States to study Congressional review of agency rule making under this Act and report the effect of such review on such rule making before July 1, 1982. Authorizes to be appropriated $200,000 to finance such study. Makes this Act effective on the first day of the first session of the Ninety-fifth Congress. Terminates the Congressional review required by this Act at the adjournment of the Ninety-seventh Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1977
Establishes a Task Force on the Taxation of Real Property by State and Local Governments to study and evaluate such taxation, its effects on middle and fixed income taxpayers, and the feasibility of using Federal taxation and other methods to reduce the dependence of State and local governments on such taxation. Provides that the Task Force shall include: (1) four officials of the executive branch, to be appointed by the President; (2) four Senators, no more than two from the same political party, to be appointed by the majority leader; (3) four Representatives, no more than two from the same political party, to be appointed by the Speaker; and (4) 12 individuals not Federal employees or officers representing State and local governments, the academic community and citizens groups, to be appointed by the President, Speaker and majority leader in concert. Empowers the Task Force to hold hearings, administer oaths, issue subpenas, hire a staff, contract out research projects and obtain assistance upon request from all other Government agencies and departments. Directs the Task Force to submit its final report to the President and the Congress within one year after all of its members have been appointed. Provides for the termination of the Task Force on the ninetieth day after submission of its final report.
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1977
Administrative Rule Making Reform Act - Requires a Federal agency preparing to hold a rule making session to make a reasonable effort to inform those likely to be affected by the proposed rule making. Requires that if the affected group is large, representatives of such group must be notified. Requires, in addition to present requirements, that the notice of rule making include the projected effective date of the rules, the purpose of the rule making, the text of the proposed rules, and the technical or other studies on which the agency intends to rely in the rule making proceedings. Applies the requirements of this Act to all rule making sessions except (1) those specifically authorized to be kept secret in the interest of national security, (2) those relating to agency management, and (3) those promulgating rules which are not enforceable by imprisonment, fine, civil penalty, or denial of future Federal benefits. Requires public notice and public opportunity for comment of all rule making proceedings under this Act unless the agency finds that the rules to be proposed are emergency rules or are of routine or insignificant impact in which case the rule must be published with reasons for its adoption. Requires Federal agencies to give interested persons at least 45 days to participate in the rule making. Requires the agency to maintain a file of each proceeding to be made available to the courts, Congress, and to the public in connection with review of the rule. Limits the period for public comment to a maximum of 90 days. Requires a copy of all proposed rules to be sent to Congress. States that such rule, other than an emergency rule, shall not become effective if it is disapproved within 90 days by both Houses of Congress, or it is disapproved within 60 days by one House and no action is taken on the disapproval resolution by the other House. Provides that either House of Congress may, by resolution, require any agency to reconsider and resubmit any rule to which this Act applies. Requires that such proposed rule be repromulgated anew in accordance with all the provisions of this Act unless it is reconsidered and resubmitted to Congress within 180 days after the adoption of the resolution requiring such reconsideration. Sets forth procedures for adoption of resolutions to approve, disapprove, or compel reconsideration for both Houses. Requires the Administrative Conference of the United States to study congressional review of agency rule making under this Act and report the effect of such review on such rule making before July 1, 1982. Authorizes to be appropriated $200,000 to finance such study. Makes this Act effective on the first day of the first session of the 95th Congress. Terminates the congressional review required by this Act at the adjournment of the 97th Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1977
Administrative Rule Making Reform Act - Requires a Federal agency preparing to hold a rule making session to make a reasonable effort to inform those likely to be affected by the proposed rule making. Requires that if the affected group is large, representatives of such group must be notified. Requires, in addition to present requirements, that the notice of rule making include the projected effective date of the rules, the purpose of the rule making, the text of the proposed rules, and the technical or other studies on which the agency intends to rely in the rule making proceedings. Applies the requirements of this Act to all rule making sessions except (1) those specifically authorized to be kept secret in the interest of national security, and (2) those relating to agency management. Requires public notice and public opportunity for comment of all rule making proceedings under this Act unless the agency finds that the rules to be proposed are emergency rules or are of routine or insignificant impact in which case the rule must be published with reasons for its adoption. Requires Federal agencies to give interested persons at least 45 days to participate in the rule making. Requires the agency to maintain a file of each proceeding to be made available to the courts, Congress, and to the public in connection with review of the rule. Limits the period for public comment to a maximum of 90 days. Requires a copy of all proposed rules to be sent to Congress. States that such rule, other than an emergency rule, shall not become effective if it is disapproved within 90 days by both Houses of Congress, or it is disapproved within 60 days by one House and no action is taken on the disapproval resolution by the other House. Sets forth procedures for adoption of resolutions to approve or disapprove any such rule for both Houses. Requires the Administrative Conference of the United States to study Congressional review of agency rule making under this Act and report the effect of such review on such rule making before July 1, 1982. Authorizes to be appropriated $200,000 to finance such study. Makes this Act effective on the first day of the first session of the Ninety-fifth Congress. Terminates the Congressional review required by this Act at the adjournment of the Ninety-seventh Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Title I: Authorizations and Limitations - Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to increase the appropriation for surety bond guarantees from $56,500,000 to $71,000,000. Increases from $6,000,000,000 to $8,000,000,000 the amount appropriated for the business loan and investment fund of the Small Business Administration. Increases from $450,000,000 to $525,000,000 the amount appropriated for economic opportunity loans. Increases the funds for small business investment companies from $725,000,000 to $1,100,000,000. Authorizes appropriations and sets program levels for various programs under the Small Business Act for fiscal years 1978 and 1979. Title II: Miscellaneous, Conforming and Technical Amendments - Requires that reports to the President and Congress concerning minority small businesses include: the proportion of loans and other assistance under this Act; the goals of the Administration for the next fiscal year with respect to such concerns: and recommendations for improving assistance. Title III: Amendments to Small Business Administration Loan Authority - Amends the Small Business Act to allow loans to be used for the financing of residential or commercial construction or rehabilitation for sale. States that no payments will be required of the small business while payments are being made by the Small Business Administration pursuant to the assumption of such business's obligation or while the Administration has suspended payment on its own loan. Limits the period of such assumption or suspension to five years. Sets the prerequisites for receiving the loan and the conditions for repayment of such loan. Title IV: Amendments to Small Business Administration Disaster Loan Authority - Expands the coverage of disaster loans to situations which the Small Business Administration determines to be disasters and where no disaster has been declared upon the certification by the Governor of a State to the Small Business Administration that small business concerns have suffered economic injury as a result of such disaster and that financial assistance is not available on reasonable terms in the disaster-stricken area. Title V: Certificate of Competency - Amends the elements to be considered in certification of any small business for the receipt or performance of a specific Government contract. Requires that final disposition of contract awards be made by the Administration. Describes the role of Government procurement officers and officers engaged in the sale and disposal of Federal property. Title VI: Small Business Set-Asides - Provides that any contracting agency, under the Small Business Act, shall place contracts to allow more than one small business concern to perform work, if the amount of a proposed small business set-aside contract exceeds the maximum amount of a contract for which a surety may be guaranteed against loss under the Small Business Administration's surety bond guarantee program.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Automotive Transport Research and Development Act - Directs the Administrator of the Energy Research and Development Administration to establish a program to develop advanced automobile propulsion systems within five years of the date of enactment of this Act. Directs the Administrator to make grants for research projects designed to assist the furtherance of such program. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to evaluate and report the extent to which the automobile industry utilizes advanced automotive technology. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to test vehicles developed pursuant to the program established by this Act, in order to determine compliance with applicable standards under the Clean Air Act and the Noise Control Act of 1972. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to test such vehicles in order to determine compliance with applicable standards under the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966, the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act, and the Automobile Information Disclosure Act. Establishes contracting procedures consistent with applicable provisions of the Federal Nonnuclear Energy Research and Development Act of 1974 and the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974. Directs the Administrator of the Energy Research and Development Administration to submit annual reports to Congress of activities pursuant to this Act, including results of economic surveys designed to evaluate the extent to which Federal guarantees of financial obligations may aid in developing commercial markets for advanced automobile technology. Amends the National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958 to require that efforts of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration be directed towards the development of advanced automobile propulsion systems. Authorizes the appropriation of $25,000,000 for fiscal year 1977 and $75,000,000 for fiscal year 1978 to carry out the purposes of this Act. Stipulates that no more than 60 percent of such appropriations shall be directly expended in Federal laboratories.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
National Agricultural Research Policy Act - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to coordinate and disseminate all agricultural research information affiliated with the Department of Agriculture, to keep abreast of developments in agricultural research and education and to represent the needs for such research and education within the executive branch of the United States Government. Establishes within the Department of Agriculture the National Agricultural Research Policy Advisory Board. States that the Board's responsibilities shall include: (1) establishing means for evaluating the economic, environmental and social impacts of research and extension programs; (2) reviewing programs, policies and goals of agricultural research agencies; (3) providing a forum for research-sponsoring agencies to exchange information on programs related to agriculture, food and nutrition; (4) recommending national policies, priorities and strategies for agricultural research and education; and (5) reviewing and making recommendations to the Secretary with regard to the allocation of funds for all programs of research and extension carried out by the Department. Directs the Department of Agriculture to establish a Clearinghouse for Federal Human Nutrition Research which shall collect from each Federal agency and report to Congress information pertaining to research with regard to human nutrition. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to land grant colleges and universities eligible for assistance under the First Morrill Act and the State agricultural experiment stations eligible for assistance under the Hatch Act to carry out mission-oriented basic research. Allows the Secretary to make grants on a competitive basis to Federal agencies, research institutions, organizations and individuals for agricultural research. Authorizes appropriations for the competitive grant program of $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1978 and such sums as may be necessary for fiscal year 1979 and fiscal year 1980, the total amount for the three-year period not to exceed $150,000,000. Authorizes appropriations for human nutrition research of $5,000,000 for fiscal year 1978 and such sums as may be necessary for fiscal year 1979 and fiscal year 1980. Authorizes appropriations of $600,000,000 for fiscal year 1978 for those agricultural research programs existing prior to the enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Young Adult Conservation Corps Act - Amends the Act which established the Youth Conservation Corps to direct the Secretaries of Agriculture and Interior to jointly extend the Youth Conservation Corps so as to make possible the year-round employment of young adults. States that individuals employed as Corps members under this Act shall be either between the ages of 18 and 24 exclusively or school dropouts who are at least age 16; shall meet applicable physical standards; shall be given preference for employment if they reside in counties in which the unemployment rate was equal to or in excess of six percent for three consecutive months; and may be employed for a total of not more than 12 months. Specifies guidelines to be followed by the Secretaries in administering this Act, including those relative to the types of jobs and projects to be given preference and the wages to be paid Corps members. Extends the program under which grants are made to States and to assist them in meeting the cost of projects for the employment of young people to develop and maintain non-Federal public lands and waters. Designates a time period during which the Secretaries are to develop a plan to carry out the activities authorized by this Act and prepare the site location, facilities, and equipment selected in such plan. Directs the Secretaries, in performing such functions, to plan for a capacity of the extended Corps to employ 100,000 young adults during the first fiscal year of operation, 300,000 during the second, 400,000 during the third, and 500,000 during the fourth.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Authorizes the President of the United States to designate the week of September 18 through September 24, 1977, as "National Lupus Week."
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1976
Creates a House Select Committee to investigate and study product and professional liability insurance rate increases, and any other product and professional liability insurance coverage issues at its discretion. Establishes procedural guidelines and enumerates powers the new Committee may exercise in pursuit of its goals, including the authority to hold hearings, issue subpoenas, and use discovery techniques as it deems necessary. Empowers the Committee to employ and fix the compensation of clerks, experts, consultants, technicians, attorneys, investigators, and other support staff as it considers fit. Directs the Committee to report to the House as soon as practicable the results of its studies, as well as recommendations.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1976
Requests the President of the United States to establish by Executive Order a Strike Force for Medicare and Medicaid Review which utilizes the resources of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, the Department of Justice, the Internal Revenue Service, the Office of Management and Budget, and other agencies to review, investigate, and audit operations of the medicare and medicaid programs. Requests the Strike Force to report its findings and recommendations to each House of Congress and the President.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 1976
Amends Titles XVIII (Medicare), XIX (Medicaid), and XX (Grants to States for Services) of the Social Security Act to establish the Special Commission on Quality Assurance and Utilization Control in Home Health Care. States that the Commission shall be composed of 17 members appointed by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. Sets forth the fields of experience and expertise from which Commission members are to be drawn, including five representatives of professional groups with expertise in accreditation and three who are recipients of benefits under Medicare, Medicaid, or under a State plan of services. Requires Senate approval of the member designated chairman of the Commission. States that the function and duty of the Commission shall be: (1) to conduct a full and complete study, investigation, and review of the provision of home health care and services to individuals in the United States, including care and services furnished by agencies which do not qualify as providers of services under the Social Security Act as well as care and services furnished by agencies which do so qualify, with the particular objective of determining: (a) the extent to which additional quality assurance and utilization control in the provision of such care and services is needed; and (b) the manner in which the standards, conditions, and requirements of Title XVIII, Title XIX, or Title XX should be modified in order to provide additonal assurance and control; and (2) on the basis of such study, investigation, and review, to develop a detailed plan for quality assurance and utilization control in home health care. Directs the submission to the Secretary and the Congress of the required plan within one year of the appointment of the majority of the members of the Commission. Requires the Secretary, within 90 days of the submission of such plan, to issue regulations making such modifications in the Social Security Act as may be necessary to implement the plan and carry out the Commission's accompanying recommendations, and to submit to the Congress any recommendations which would require a change in existing law.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 1976
Diplomatic Relations Act - Authorizes the President to regulate the privileges and immunities of foreign diplomatic missions and their personnel in a manner consistent with international agreements. Defines "foreign diplomatic mission and personnel thereof" for purposes of this Act. Requires the President to periodically publish a list of permanent foreign diplomatic missions and the personnel thereof. Declares void any judicial writ or process against a person or the property of any person entitled to immunity from suit or process under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 1976
Authorizes and requests the President to issue a proclamation designating the fourth Sunday in September of each year as "National Good Neighbor Day."
United States · United States Congress · 8 September 1976
Narcotic Sentencing Act - Title I: Mandatory Minimum Sentences - Amends the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970 to impose specified minimum penalties on individuals convicted of enumerated offenses related to the distribution, transportation, and manufacture of opiates. Permits the court to sentence the defendant to a shorter term of parole ineligibility or imprisonment if, at the time of the offense, the offender was: (1) mentally impaired; (2) under unusual and substantial duress; or (3) an accomplice whose participation in the offense was minor. Permits the court to take such action if the defendant, subsequent to arrest, reveals information useful in apprehending other violators of this Act. Eliminates the former requirement that the offender be 18 years of age to be subject to the penalties prescribed for opiate-related offenses. Amends the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure to require a hearing to determine whether a term of imprisonment and parole ineligibility is mandatory in the case of an individual convicted of an opiate-related offense under this Act. Title II: Conditions of Release - Requires judicial officers setting conditions of release for any person charged with an opiate-related offense under this Act to consider which conditions will assure the safety of the community and of witnesses to the offense and which conditions will reasonably assure the avoidance of future similar offenses by the person charged. Permits judicial officers to deny the release of any such person if that person: (1) has previously been convicted of an offense related to an opiate; (2) at the time of the offense was on parole, probation, or other conditional release; (3) is a nonresident alien; (4) was arrested while in possession of a passport or other documentation necessary for international travel incorrectly identifying such person or belonging to someone else; or (5) has been convicted of having been a fugitive from justice, an escapee, or for willfully failing to appear before a court or judicial officer under Federal or State law. Stipulates that no individual shall be denied release unless the judicial officer holds a hearing and finds that there are no satisfactory conditions of release and that there is a substantial probability that the person committed the charged offense. Title III: Forfeiture of Proceeds of Illegal Drug Transactions - Makes all proceeds of an offense described in this Act subject to forfeiture to the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 26 August 1976
Authorizes the President to issue a proclamation designating the week beginning October 3, 1976, and ending October 9, 1976, as "National Volunteer Firemen Week."
United States · United States Congress · 24 August 1976
Permits the enlistment of Vietnamese and Cambodian refugees into the U.S. Armed Forces if the Secretary of the military department concerned determines that any such alien intends to make a legal declaration of intention to become a citizen of the United States after his or her status has been adjusted to that of an alien admitted for permanent residence. States that the authority to enlist such aliens into the Armed Forces shall expire 12 months after the enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 August 1976
Indo-Chinese Refugee Status Adjustment Act - Permits the Attorney General, under the Immigration and Nationality Act, to adjust the status of any alien from Indochina to permanent resident without regard to immigration quotas or lack of possession by such alien of specified required immigration documents. States such alien need only be eligible to receive an immigrant visa to qualify for such change of status.
United States · United States Congress · 24 August 1976
Prohibits carriers of Federal employee health benefits plans from reducing benefits or excluding any class of provider of health services unless the Civil Service Commission gives notice of, and conducts hearings relative to, the proposed change at least 120 days before its effective date.
United States · United States Congress · 24 August 1976
Expresses the sense of Congress that the Consumer Product Safety Commission should promptly undertake a study of the sealing capabilities of container lids used in the canning of food in homes to determine: (1) if any defect in such capabilites constitutes a substantial product hazard; and (2) if a consumer product safety standard should be promulgated.
United States · United States Congress · 23 August 1976
Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to strike a medal commemorating the two hundredth anniversary of the drafting by Thomas Jefferson in 1777 of the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom.
United States · United States Congress · 23 August 1976
Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to formulate five-year goals in specified areas of rural development and to include a detailed accounting of the progress made and anticipated in meeting such goals in an annual report to Congress. Requires in such report an analysis of the legislative, financial, institutional and other capabilities and constraints which are relevant to meeting such goals. Requires the appointment of a new Assistant Secretary of Agriculture for Rural Development within 60 days if a vacancy should occur in such position.
United States · United States Congress · 23 August 1976
Designates January 13, 1977 as "Religious Freedom Day."
United States · United States Congress · 10 August 1976
Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to formulate five-year goals in specified areas of rural development and to include a detailed accounting of the progress made and anticipated in meeting such goals in an annual report to Congress. Requires in such report an analysis of the legislative, financial, institutional and other capabilities and constraints which are relevant to meeting such goals. Requires the appointment of a new Assistant Secretary of Agriculture for Rural Development within 60 days if a vacancy should occur in such position.