United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an individual income tax credit for 25 percent of the amounts paid or incurred for the purchase and installation of qualified insulative materials or heating equipment in the taxpayer's principal residence. Limits the credit to $375, or $750 in the case of a joint return. Stipulates that to be considered qualified such improvements must meet heat loss reduction or heating efficiency criteria to be established by the Secretary of the Treasury in accordance with standards developed and prescribed by the National Bureau of Standards.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1977
Allows as a credit against the income tax, a portion of the expenditures paid between April 9, 1975, and January 1, 1980, for the installation of solar heating or cooling equipment in any building owned by the taxpayer. Prorates the allowable credit among joint owners and tenant stockholders. Prohibits any increase in the structure's basis to the extent that this credit is claimed. Defines "solar heating and cooling equipment" as equipment meeting the criteria of the Solar Heating and Cooling Demonstration Act, with a useful life of at least three years, and which is originally used by the taxpayer. Allows as a credit against the income tax, 25 percent of the expenditures paid for insulating the taxpayer's residence between April 9, 1975, and January 1, 1980. Prorates the allowable credit among joint owners and tenant stockholders. Prohibits any increase in the basis of such residence to the extent that this credit is taken. Applies these provisions to buildings in use as residences on January 1, 1975.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1977
Consumer Controversies Resolution Act - Declares that it is the purpose of this Act to assure all consumers convenient access to a consumer controversy resolution mechanism which is effective, fair, inexpensive, and expeditious and to facilitate better representation of consumer interests. Defines the terms used in this Act. Directs the Federal Trade Commission to establish an office of Consumer Redress. Directs the Commission to perform enumerated duties, including: (1) payment to the States of funds to assist in the development, establishment, or improvement of State consumer controversy resolution systems; (2) review of the operation of each State plan for the resolution of controversy involving consumers which has been approved under this Act; and (3) articulation and evaluation of the goals for a model State system of consumer controversy resolution. Provides for the allocation to States of monies appropriated for financial assistance pursuant to this Act. Specifies purposes for which such funds be used including public education and publicity relating to the availability and proper use of consumer controversy resolution mechanisms and settlement procedures. Requires each recipient of assistance under this Act to keep such records as the Federal Trade Commission shall prescribe. Directs the Commission to submit an annual report to the President and Congress. Authorizes to be appropriated not more than $5,000,000 for fiscal year 1978, $20,000,000 for fiscal year 1979.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1977
Natural Gas Act Amendments - Amends the Natural Gas Act to terminate Federal Power Commission authority to regulate sales of new natural gas in interstate commerce. Stipulates that prices for offshore sales of new natural gas shall not exceed the ceiling price for sales of new natural gas produced from onshore Federal lands. Stipulates that emergency sales of natural gas to curtailed customers who qualify as essential users shall not affect such exempt status. Authorizes the Commission to terminate such exemptions on or after April 15, 1978, if they are no longer deemed necessary to protect high priority consumers of natural gas. Directs the Federal Power Commission to conduct studies and make reports regarding the nature and availability of natural gas reserves. Requires that the Commission keep current information available relating to the estimated natural gas reserves for individual fields. Establishes procedures for the establishment of ceiling prices for new natural gas produced from offshore Federal lands through December 31, 1982. Authorizes the Commission to grant exemptions to price ceilings within high-cost production areas. Establishes procedures for adjustments to price ceilings established pursuant to this Act. Directs the Commission to prohibit the curtailment of adequate supplies of natural gas for essential agricultural purposes. Directs the Commission to prohibit the use of natural gas as boiler fuel where adequate alternatives are available. Authorizes exemptions from such prohibition where necessary to comply with pollution control or environmental protection and safety standards.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1977
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to expand the coverage of the supplementary medical insurance program to include physician extender services.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income the first $5,000 received by an individual for service during less-than-30 day periods as a member of the National Guard or a reserve component of the Armed Forces.
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 · 26 January 1977
Amends Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) to remove the limitation on the amount of outside income which an individual may earn while receiving benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1977
Amends the Budget and Accounting Act of 1921 to authorize the Comptroller General to request and receive all necessary documents relating to any expenditure by a Federal agency to determine whether such expenditure was, in fact, made and was authorized by law.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1977
Emergency Natural Gas Act Amendments - Title I: Natural Gas Emergency Purchase Act - Amends the Natural Gas Act to direct the Federal Power Commission to exempt from regulation sales of natural gas to interstate pipelines where such sales are not otherwise committed to interstate commerce and where the pipeline company is curtailing deliveries of natural gas supplies. Title II: Emergency Natural Gas Allocation Act - Amends the Natural Gas Act to direct the President to designate an Emergency Coordinator of natural gas. Directs the Emergency Coordination, utilizing the existing organization and facilities of the Federal Power Commission and the Federal Energy Administration, to establish procedures to transfer natural gas from one interstate pipeline to another in order to alleviate shortages of natural gas. Stipulates that the authority granted under this title shall expire April 30, 1977.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1977
Natural Gas Temporary Purchase Act - Amends the Natural Gas Act to direct the Federal Power Commission to exempt from regulation sales of natural gas to interstate pipelines where such natural gas was not committed to interstate commerce prior to promulgation of such regulation and where the pipeline company is curtailing deliveries of natural gas supplies.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1977
Mobile Source Emission Control Amendments - Amends the Clean Air Act to postpone until model year 1982 motor vehicle emission standards which require a 90 percent reduction in emissions of carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons. Established the following interim emission standards for such pollutants: (1) for model years 1977 through 1979, 1.5 grams per vehicle mile for hydrocarbons and 15 grams per vehicle mile of carbon monoxide; and (2) for model years 1980 and 1981, 0.9 grams per vehicle mile of hydrocarbons and 9 grams per vehicle mile of carbon monoxide. Extends until model year 1981 the current 2.0 gram per vehicle mile interim standard for nitrogen oxide emissions from light-duty vehicles. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to establish such standards as appropriated for future model years. Directs the Administrator, the Secretary of Transportation, and the Federal Energy Administration to submit separate reports to Congress regarding the consequences of such emission standards on fuel consumption. Establishes additional prohibitions and penalties for tampering with motor vehicle emission control equipment. Imposes limits on the amount of vehicle testing required of small manufacturers. Establishes procedures for review of instructions for high altitude performance adjustments for motor vehicle emission control systems by the Administrator in accordance with specified requirements. Revises warranty requirements stipulated by the Act. Specifies on 18-month or 18,000 mile warranty requirement for the useful life of motor vehicle emission control systems. Directs the Administrator to study the effects of emission of sulfur-bearing compounds from motor vehicles and aircraft. Directs the Administrator to establish emission standards for air pollutants from railroad locomotives. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to make inspections to insure compliance with such standards. Prohibits States and localities from adopting different standards. Extends the exception for disclosure of confidential information in administrative and judicial procedures to emission data upon a satisfactory showing to the Administrator that such data would divulge trade secrets. Requires that documentation, justifications, proposed drafts, and comments of other agencies on proposed motor vehicle emission standards be made available to the public once such standards are proposed. Establishes procedures for oral presentation of views, with opportunity for cross-examination, with respect to such standards. Authorizes direct review of alleged procedural errors in the appropriate United States court of Appeals. Authorizes the appropriation of $200,000,000 per fiscal year for fiscal years 1978, 1979, and 1980, to carry out the purposes of this Act other than research, development, and demonstration activities.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1977
Disapproves the recommendations of the President transmitted to Congress, pursuant to the Federal Salary Act of 1967, recommending rates of pay for: (1) the Vice President, Members of Congress and the Resident Commissioner from Puerto Rico; (2) specified positions in the legislative branch; (3) specified judicial personnel; (4) specified positions under the Executive Schedule; and (5) the Board of Governors of the United States Postal Service.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1977
Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to public and nonprofit private entities which are engaged in the development of new schools of veterinary medicine to assist in such development. Requires applying schools to demonstrate that there is a reasonable indication that non-Federal financial resources for development will be available and that Federal assistance will accelerate the date on which the school will be able to begin its teaching program.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1977
Natural Gas Temporary Purchase Act - Amends the Natural Gas Act to direct the Federal Power Commission to exempt from regulation sales of natural gas to interstate pipelines where such natural gas was not committed to interstate commerce prior to promulgation of such regulation and where the pipeline company is curtailing deliveries of natural gas supplies.
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 1977
Declares that it is the sense of Congress that a general or blanket amnesty or pardon for persons who committed draft or military absence offenses during our Nation's military involvement in Vietnam would represent a breach of faith with those who served honorably, particularly our honored war dead and their survivors, and should not be issued or granted by the President of these United States.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Government Executive Analysis and Reform (GEAR) Commission Act - Establishes the Government Executive Analysis and Reform (GEAR) Commission consisting of 18 members appointed by the President. States that six members are to be appointed by and with the advice and consent of the Senate; four each by the Speaker of the House of Representatives; the President pro tempore of the Senate; and the Chief Justice of the United States. Directs the Commission to study all executive departments and independent agencies and other authorities of the Federal Government: (1) to determine whether regulatory activities have limited competition within segments of the economy and whether such regulators have contributed to current economic difficulties; and (2)to analyze the purposes, structure and jurisdiction, statutory framework, and procedures of such agencies. Directs the Commission to assess the costs and benefits of Federal programs and to make recommendations concerning the restructure of the Government to improve the efficiency of Federal programs. Requires the Commission to submit its recommendations to the President and Congress within 33 months after it first meets. Requires the President to submit to Congress his findings and specific proposals for legislation within 90 days of receipt of the Commission's report. Establishes the Task Force on American Federalism composed of 20 members appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Directs the Task Force to study the appropriate levels of responsibility shared among units of local, State and Federal Governments, the means for each level to finance such responsibilities, and the extent of intergovernmental assistance required to achieve the proper balance and division of respective Federal, State and local roles and authorities. Directs the Task Force to submit its final report to Congress within 15 months after it first meets stating its findings and proposals for constitutional amendments, legislation, or administrative action necessary to carry out its recommendations. Terminates the Task Force and the Commission 90 days after submission of their final reports. Authorizes to be appropriated $12,000,000 to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Revises the method of computing retired or retainer pay for members of the armed forces who later serve on active duty. Stipulates that in the case of an individual who has not been entitled to basic pay for a continuous period of two years such pay shall be increased by any applicable adjustments in such pay due to changes in the Consumer Price Index after the individual initially became entitled to it. (Amends 10 U.S.C. 1402)
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Revises the method of computing retired or retainer pay for members of the armed forces who were later called to active duty before October 1, 1973, and served on active duty for at least two years. (Amends 10 U.S.C. 1402)
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Natural Gas Temporary Purchase Act - Amends the Natural Gas Act to authorize the Federal Power Commission to exempt from regulation sales of natural gas to interstate pipelines where such sales are not otherwise committed to interstate commerce and where the pipeline company is curtailing deliveries of natural gas supplies.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to expand the coverage of the supplementary medical insurance program to include physician extender services.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
National Food Stamp Reform Act - Defines the term "income" as used in the Food Stamp Act of 1964 as the monthly gross income of all members of a household, including any in-kind payment, and the total value of any publicly funded assistance payments which supplement food and housing needs. Excludes specified individuals from the definition of "household. Provides for the distribution of federally donated foods to households upon the request by a political subdivision that such distribution be made to all eligible households in lieu of food stamps. Excludes households from eligibility for food stamps: (1) if the monthly household income exceeds the poverty index level of income established by the Office of Management and Budget; or(2) if the market value of liquid and nonliquid resources of a household consisting of one individual exceeds $1,500 or the resources of a multiple-member household exceed $2,250 exclusive of specified resources. Excludes from eligibility households which include an able-bodied adult between the ages of 18 and 65 who is enrolled in an institution of postsecondary education and such enrollment is a substitute for fulltime employment. Declares that a refusal to work at a plant or site because of a strike or other labor dispute shall be deemed a refusal to work which makes the household of the nonworking individual ineligible for food stamps. Rejects as an excuse for refusal to accept work a condition of employment which requires an individual to join, resign from, or refrain from joining any labor organization. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to require each household receiving benefits under this Act to report its income at least once each month. Requires food coupons to be designed with a space for the recipient to sign upon receipt and again at redemption. Requires one member of each eligible household to be issued a photo-identification card with color photograph. States that such card must be presented at redemption at a food store. Sets forth specific instructions to provide control and accountability over the distribution of food coupons to State agencies. Ties the value of the coupon allotment to the overall retail cost-of-living index. States that the phrase "nutritionally adequate diet", as used to determine the amount of the coupon allotment, shall mean the low-cost food plan developed by the Agricultural Research Service of the Department of Agriculture. Establishes as the charge a household shall pay for its coupon allotment the lesser of: (1) the percentage of its income which would be expended for food by an average household of its size and income range in the same region of the country; or(2) 30 percent. Provides, under the requirements for State plans for the administration of the food stamp program, for close State supervision of eligibility by households. Requires the State agencies administering the program to conduct nutrition education programs for recipients. States that the United States Postal Service shall serve as a food stamp issuing agency upon the request of a State food stamp administration agency. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to pay the States 100 percent of the costs of providing food stamps to eligible aliens, and 75 percent of the costs of State investigations, prosecutions, collections of claims and other State activities related to retrieving food stamp losses. Provides for payment by the Federal Government to the States of a share of the difference between the face value of the coupon allotment and the amount charged eligible households for the allotment. Sets forth the method of determining and paying the Federal share. Directs the transfer of all functions of the Secretary of Agriculture under the Food Stamp Act to the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Jobs Creation Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce the individual income tax rates. Allows a credit against the income tax up to $1,000, for ten percent of the increase in the total savings deposits and investments since the end of the previous year. Excludes all corporate dividends received by individuals from gross income. Reduces the corporate normal tax rate to 20 percent. Allows the taxpayer to take a deduction for specified percentages of the acquisition costs of certain types of property, with a corresponding reduction in basis, in lieu of a depreciation deduction. Doubles the corporate surtax exemption to $100,000.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Amends rule X of the Rules of the House of Representatives to create a 37-member Select Committee on Energy. Directs the Speaker to refer first to the select committee all bills, resolutions and other matters relating to: (1) energy resources, regulation, conservation, and allocation; (2) energy power administration. Gives to the select committee sole jurisdiction over certain bills transmitted to Congress in accordance with the Energy Policy and Conservation Act. Directs that any bill, resolution or other matter reported from the select committee be treated as if it had been reported from a standing committee of the House.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1976
Amends the Clayton Act to expand the definition of the term, "purchaser" as it relates to the prohibition against price discrimination between purchasers in transactions where commodities are sold for resale. States that the term "purchaser" shall include any person who receives a commodity for resale from an affiliate. Defines the term, "affiliate" as any person who directly or indirectly controls, is controlled by, or is under common control or ownership with any other person as determined by the Federal Trade Commission by rule. Directs the Commission to promulgate such rules no later than six months after the enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 1976
Government Executive Analysis and Reform (GEAR) Commission Act - Establishes the Government Executive Analysis and Reform (GEAR) Commission consisting of 18 members appointed by the President. States that six members are to be appointed by and with the advice and consent of the Senate; four each by the Speaker of the House of Representatives; the President pro tempore of the Senate, and the Chief Justice of the United States. Directs the Commission to study all Executive departments and independent agencies and other authorities of the Federal Government: (1) to determine whether regulatory activities have limited competition within segments of the economy and whether such regulators have contributed to current economic difficulties; and (2) the purposes, structure and jurisdiction, statutory framework, and procedures of such agencies. Directs the Commission to assess the costs and benefits of Federal programs and to make recommendations concerning the restructure of the Government to improve the efficiency of Federal programs. Requires the Commission to submit its recommendations to the President and Congress within 33 months after it first meets. Requires the President to submit to Congress his findings an specific proposals for legislation within 90 days of receipt of the Commission's report. Establishes the Task Force on American Federalism composed of 20 members appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Directs the Task Force to study the appropriate levels of responsibility among units of local, State and the Federal Government, means for each level to finance such responsibilities, and the extent of intergovernmental assistance required to achieve the proper balance and division of respective Federal, State and local roles and authorities. Directs the Task Force to submit its final report to Congress 15 months after it first meets stating its findings and proposals for constitutional amendments, legislation, or administrative action necessary to carry out its recommendations. Terminates the Task Force and the Commission 90 days after submission of their final reports. Authorizes to be appropriated $12,000,000 to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 September 1976
Government Executive Analysis and Reform (GEAR) Commission Act - Establishes the Government Executive Analysis and Reform (GEAR) Commission consisting of 18 members appointed by the President. States that six members are to be appointed by and with the advice and consent of the Senate; four each by the Speaker of the House of Representatives; the President pro tempore of the Senate, and the Chief Justice of the United States. Directs the Commission to study all Executive departments and independent agencies and other authorities of the Federal Government: (1) to determine whether regulatory activities have limited competition within segments of the economy and whether such regulators have contributed to current economic difficulties; and (2) the purposes, structure and jurisdiction, statutory framework, and procedures of such agencies. Directs the Commission to assess the costs and benefits of Federal programs and to make recommendations concerning the restructure of the Government to improve the efficiency of Federal programs. Requires the Commission to submit its recommendations to the President and Congress within 33 months after it first meets. Requires the President to submit to Congress his findings an specific proposals for legislation within 90 days of receipt of the Commission's report. Establishes the Task Force on American Federalism composed of 20 members appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Directs the Task Force to study the appropriate levels of responsibility among units of local, State and the Federal Government, means for each level to finance such responsibilities, and the extent of intergovernmental assistance required to achieve the proper balance and division of respective Federal, State and local roles and authorities. Directs the Task Force to submit its final report to Congress 15 months after it first meets stating its findings and proposals for constitutional amendments, legislation, or administrative action necessary to carry out its recommendations. Terminates the Task Force and the Commission 90 days after submission of their final reports. Authorizes to be appropriated $12,000,000 to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 1976
Arthritis, Diabetes, and Digestive Disease Amendments - Title I: Arthritis and Related Musculoskeletal Diseases - Amends the Public Health Service Act to repeal the authority of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to establish and support projects for the development and demonstration of methods for arthritis prevention. Stipulates that projects for the development and demonstration of arthritis screening, detection, and referral methods shall emphasize new and improved methods for dissemination of information to the general public. Authorizes the appropriation of $3,000,000 for fiscal year 1978, $4,000,000 for fiscal year 1979, and $5,000,000 for fiscal year 1980 for arthritis screening, detection, and referral data system demonstration projects. Amends the Public Health Service Act to require that arthritis centers established under such Act conduct arthritis research training programs for physicians and other health professionals. Authorizes the appropriation of $18,700,000 for fiscal year 1978, $19,000,000 for fiscal year 1979, and $20,000,000 for fiscal year 1980 to arthritis centers for arthritis screening, detection, and referral demonstration projects. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish a National Arthritis Advisory Board to: (1) review and evaluate the Arthritis Plan formulated under the National Arthritis Act of 1974; and (2) assure the most effective utilization and organization of arthritis resources. Makes provision for staffing and compensation of the Board. Authorizes the appropriation of $100,000 each year for fiscal years 1978, 1979, and 1980 to carry out the activities of the Board. Title II: Diabetes - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish a National Diabetes Advisory Board to insure the implementation of the long-range plan formulated by the National Commission on Diabetes under the National Diabetes Mellitus Research and Education Act to combat diabetes. Specifies 11 Federal health officers as members of the Board, in addition to seven health professionals and five members of the general public to be appointed by the Secretary. Makes provision for staffing and compensation. Authorizes the Board to enter into contracts or other arrangements, or to take such other action as may be necessary to carry out its functions. Authorizes the Board to engage in and sponsor activities, collect data, and provide technical assistance as it deems necessary and advisable in the performance of its functions. Requires the Board to submit simultaneously to the President and Congress an annual diabetes report describing Board activities in the prior year and progress made in diabetes research, treatment, and education with specific reference to the long-range plan to combat diabetes mellitus and suggesting recommended future expenditures and legislation. Authorizes the appropriation of $500,000 for fiscal year 1978 and each of the two fiscal years thereafter. Authorizes, under the Public Health Service Act, the appropriation of specified sums in fiscal years 1978-1980 for the purpose of making grants to centers for research and training in diabetes mellitus and related endocrine and metabolic disorders. Title III: Digestive Diseases - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish a National Commission on Digestive Diseases. Directs the Commission to develop and recommend a long-range plan for the use of national resources to deal with digestive diseases, such plan to include provisions for: (1) research studies into the biological process related to digestive diseases; (2) investigations into the epidemiology, etiology, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and control of such diseases; (3) development of coordinated health care systems to combat digestive diseases; and (4) education and training of scientists, clinicians, educators, and allied health professionals in fields related to digestive diseases. Makes provision for staffing and compensation for the Commission. Directs the Commission to make a final report to Congress within 18 months of its initial meeting, such report to include the projected costs of implementing programs to combat digestive diseases, legislative recommendations, and a long-range plan for dealing with such diseases. Authorizes the appropriation of $1,500,000, without fiscal year limitation, to carry out the activities of the Commission. Directs the Secretary to establish a Coordinating Committee for Digestive Diseases to improve coordination among Federal agencies in the research, training, control, and treatment of digestive diseases.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 1976
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow taxpayers to credit against the income tax specified higher education expenses, including tuition, fees, books and supplies, incurred by the taxpayer for himself or any dependent. Limits the credit to those expenses incurred for each individual which do not exceed $100 during taxable year 1977, $150 during 1978, $200 during 1979, and $250 each taxable year commencing thereafter. Limits the credit to expenses incurred by full time students at institutions of vocational and higher education, minus scholarships and veterans benefits. Limits the total credit allowed the taxpayer to his income tax liability minus the sum of all other credits applied thereto. Disallows any deduction of educational expenses used to determine the amount of the credit allowed by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 1976
National Commission for the Protection of Human Subjects of Biomedical and Behavioral Programs Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act by establishing the National Commission for the Protection of Human Subjects of Biomedical and Behavioral Programs. Specifies that the 12 members of the Commission shall be appointed by the President from individuals distinguished in specified fields including medicine, law, ethics, theology, philosophy, and the humanities with no more than five members being selected from individuals who are or have been engaged in biomedical or behavioral research involving human subjects. Provides that the Commission may undertake, or contract for the undertaking of, studies on the protection of human subjects of biomedical and behavioral programs and on research activities (such as research on recombinant DNA) which have or are likely to have significant implications for human health, as it deems appropriate. Requires the Commission's study to include the following: (1) identification of the basic ethic principles which should underlie the conduct of biomedical and behavioral research involving human subjects; (2) identification of the requirements for an individual who is a child, prisoner, member of the Armed Forces, institutionalized because of mental illness retardation, or his legal representative, to give informed consent to such individual's participation in biomedical and behavioral research conducted, supported or regulated by a Federal agency; (3) a study of past, present, and projected research in the modification of any living organism or virus by insertion of recombinant DNA molecules, the ethical, social, legal, and economic implications of such research; and the potential hazards posed by such research to the research personnel, the human subjects of such research, and the public at large; (4) a study of the scope and extent of personal injuries to, or death of, human subjects in the course of biomedical and behavioral research; (5) an identification of the basic ethical principles which should underlie the delivery of health services to patients in programs conducted or supported by a Federal agency; (6) a study to develop methods for the systematic assessment of the ethical, social, legal, and economic implications of the application in medical practice of significant advances in biomedical and behavioral research, technology, and diagnostic and therapeutic techniques. Directs the Commission to monitor the actions of, advise, and make recommendations to, Federal agencies with respect to the conduct of biomedical and behavioral research conducted, supported or regulated by such agencies and with respect to the implementation of such administrative actions as may be appropriate to apply the ethical principles, ethical guidelines, and informed consent requirements identified and developed in such studies to such research. Repeals provisions of the Public Health Service Act which create the National Advisory Council for the Protection of Subjects of Biomedical and Behavioral Research.
United States · United States Congress · 8 September 1976
School Desegregation Standards and Assistance Act - Title I: Standards and Procedures in School Desegregation Suits - States that the purpose of this title is: (1) to prevent unlawful discrimination in public schools; and (2) to remedy the effects of past discrimination. States that, upon a finding that a local or State educational agency has engaged or is engaging in an act of unlawful discrimination, a court may: (1) enter an order enjoining the continuation or future commission of such act; and (2) provide other relief necessary to prevent the occurrence of discriminatory acts or to eliminate the effects of such acts except remedies directed at eliminating the effects of such acts on the present degree of concentration by race, color, or national origin. States that where a court finds that discriminatory acts have caused a greater concentration by race, color, or national origin in a student population than would have existed in a normal course, the court may order appropriate relief to adjust the composition to that which would have been in the normal course. Requires courts, before entering such an order, to make specific findings concerning the degree to which such concentration in schools affected by unlawful acts varies from which it would have been in the normal course. Places upon the educational agency involved the burden of going forward with evidence to show that such concentration is attributable to factors other than unlawful discrimination. States that the court's findings required under this Act shall be based on conclusion and reasonable inferences from all of the evidence and shall not be based on the presumption that the concentration by race, color or national origin in a student population is a result of discriminatory acts. Requires all school desegregation orders to rely, to the greatest extent practicable, on the voluntary action of school officials, teachers and students. Prohibits courts from removing the control of the schools from the educational agency involved except to the minimum extent necessary to prevent unlawful discrimination or eliminate its present effects. States that in all cases in which a court-imposed requirement for transportation of students has remained in effect for a period of three years, or in the case of final orders entered prior to the enactment of this Act three years after the effective date of this Act, the court shall terminate the requirement unless: (1) the court finds that the local or State education agency has failed to comply with the requirement and other provisions of the court's order substantially and in good faith throughout the three preceding years, in which case the court may extend the requirement until there have been three consecutive years of such compliance; or (2) the court finds, at the expiration of such period that the other provisions of its order and other remedies are not adequate to correct the effects of unlawful discrimination, and that the requirement remains necessary for the purpose, in which case the court may continue the requirement in effect until the local or State education agency has complied with the requirement substantially and in good faith for two consecutive additional years. Authorizes courts to extend such time period under extraordinary circumstances or when there are unusually severe residual effects of discriminatory acts. Authorizes courts to reimpose a requirement for transportation of students if there has been a failure to comply with other provisions of the court's order or if discriminatory acts have occurred since the termination of the order necessitating such action. States that such an order may be imposed if no other remedy is sufficient and shall require the transportation of students only to such extent and for such limited period as may be necessary to remedy the effects of discriminatory actions. Prohibits a court from modifying student assignment plans because of subsequent population shifts unless the court finds such changes resulted from discriminatory acts. Directs courts to notify the Attorney General of proceedings in which the relief sought is a recomposition of a student population or whenever it believes that an order or an extension of an order requiring the transportation of students may be necessary. Authorizes the Attorney General to intervene in such actions, including recommendations for: (1) the appointment of a mediator; and (2) the formation of a committee of community leaders to develop a five-year desegregation program. Title II: National Community and Education Committee - Declares that the purpose of this title is to create a nonpartisan national committee to provide assistance to communities which are engaged in or preparing to engage in the desegregation of their schools. Establishes within the executive branch a National Community and Education Committee for such purpose. Specifies the functions and limitations on the activities of the Committee. Authorizes the Chairman of the Committee to make grants to private nonprofit community organizations to assist them in carrying out activities designed to accomplish the purposes of this title. States that such a grant shall not exceed $30,000. Authorizes appropriations of $2,000,000 for salaries and expenses of the Committee and $2,000,000 for grants for each of the fiscal years 1977 through 1979. Establishes a Federal Community Assistance Coordinating Council to consult with representatives of communities which are seeking Federal support for community relations projects and other community-based efforts to facilitate desegregation. Authorizes appropriations of $250,000 annually for fiscal years 1977 through 1979 for the purpose of carrying out the functions and duties of the Council.
United States · United States Congress · 1 September 1976
National Commission on Regulatory Reform Act - Establishes the National Commission on Regulatory Reform. Directs the Commission to make a full and complete study of such regulatory activities of the independent regulatory agencies of the Federal Government as the Commission determines to be primarily economic in nature and to have a significant effect on the segments of the economy involving transportation, communication, the development and distribution of energy resources, or financial institutions. States that such study shall be undertaken to determine: (1) whether such regulatory activities have limited competition within such segments of the economy, and if they have, what the economic consequences have been; (2) whether such regulatory activities have, in other way, contributed to current economic difficulties, in particular inflation; and (3) whether changes need to be made with regard to such independent Federal establishments and their regulatory activities. Requires that such study shall include, with regard to each independent Federal establishment whose regulatory activities are included in such study: (1) an analysis of the purposes for which it was created, its structure and jurisdiction, the statutory framework governing its operation and activities, and the procedures and policies it has adopted; (2) an assessment of its effectiveness in carrying out its purposes; (3) an analysis of the costs and benefits of its various programs and policies, with particular reference to any adverse economic impact; and (4) an examination of the relationship between its regulatory activities and those of State and local regulatory agencies. Sets forth the membership, powers, and authority of the Commission. Directs the Commission to submit to the President and Congress within one year a report containing: (1) a statement of the status of the study being conducted pursuant to this Act; (2) a detailed statement of any findings made or conclusions reached by the Commission; and (3) any recommendations for legislation or administrative action, or both, deemed appropriate by the Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 31 August 1976
Arthritis, Diabetes, and Digestive Disease Amendments - Title I: Arthritis and Related Musculoskeletal Diseases - Amends the Public Health Service Act to repeal the authority of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to establish and support projects for the development and demonstration of methods for arthritis prevention. Stipulates that projects for the development and demonstration of arthritis screening, detection, and referral methods shall emphasize new and improved methods for dissemination of information to the general public. Authorizes the appropriation of $3,000,000 for fiscal year 1978, $4,000,000 for fiscal year 1979, and $5,000,000 for fiscal year 1980 for arthritis screening, detection, and referral data system demonstration projects. Amends the Public Health Service Act to require that arthritis centers established under such Act conduct arthritis research training programs for physicians and other health professionals. Authorizes the appropriation of $18,700,000 for fiscal year 1978, $19,000,000 for fiscal year 1979, and $20,000,000 for fiscal year 1980 to arthritis centers for arthritis screening, detection, and referral demonstration projects. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish a National Arthritis Advisory Board to: (1) review and evaluate the Arthritis Plan formulated under the National Arthritis Act of 1974; and (2) assure the most effective utilization and organization of arthritis resources. Makes provision for staffing and compensation of the Board. Authorizes the appropriation of $100,000 for fiscal year 1978 and such sums as may be necessary for each of the following two fiscal years to carry out the activities of the Board. Title II: Diabetes - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish a National Diabetes Advisory Board to insure the implementation of the long-range plan formulated by the National Commission on Diabetes under the National Diabetes Mellitus Research and Education Act to combat diabetes. Specifies seven Federal health officers as members of the Board, in addition to seven health professionals and five members of the general public to be appointed by the Secretary. Makes provision for staffing and compensation. Authorizes the Board to enter into contracts or other arrangements, or to take such other action as may be necessary to carry out its functions. Authorizes the Board to engage in and sponsor activities, collect data, and provide technical assistance as it deems necessary and advisable in the performance of its functions. Requires the Board to submit simultaneously to the President and Congress an Annual Diabetes Report describing Board activities in the prior year and progress made in diabetes research, treatment, and education with specific reference to the long-range plan to combat diabetes mellitus and suggesting recommended future expenditures and legislation. Authorizes the appropriation of $500,000 for fiscal year 1978 and such sums as are necessary for each of the four fiscal years thereafter. Authorizes, under the Public Health Service Act, the appropriation of specified sums in fiscal years 1978-1980 for the purpose of making grants to centers for research and training in diabetes mellitus and related endocrine and metabolic disorders. Title III: Digestive Diseases - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish a National Commission on Digestive Diseases. Directs the Commission to develop and recommend a long-range plan for the use of national resources to deal with digestive diseases, such plan to include provisions for: (1) research studies into the biological process related to digestive diseases; (2) investigations into the epidemiology, etiology, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and control of such diseases; (3) development of coordinated health care systems to combat digestive diseases; and (4) education and training of scientists, clinicians, educators, and allied health professionals in fields related to digestive diseases. Makes provision for staffing and compensation for the Commission. Directs the Commission to make a final report to Congress within 18 months of its initial meeting, such report to include the projected costs of implementing programs to combat digestive diseases, legislative recommendations, and a long-range plan for dealing with such diseases. Authorizes the appropriation of $1,500,000, without fiscal year limitation, to carry out the activities of the Commission. Directs the Secretary to establish a Coordinating Committee for Digestive Diseases to improve coordination among Federal agencies in the research, training, control, and treatment of digestive diseases.
United States · United States Congress · 24 August 1976
Directs the Federal Communications Commission to take such steps as may be necessary to increase the channels available for use in the citizens radio service to 46 channels.
United States · United States Congress · 10 August 1976
Regulatory Cost Impact Act - Requires every Federal agency to prepare in conjunction with every regulation it proposes which may have a significant impact on costs to the public a Regulatory Cost/Benefit Assessment setting forth the foreseeable costs and benefits of and alternatives to such regulation. Requires that hearings on such regulations include comments solicited from the public, Federal, State, and local agencies on the final wording of such cost/benefit assessment. Provides special procedures for emergency regulations which must be promulgated immediately to protect the public. Requires each committee of Congress which reports legislation which may have a significant impact on costs to the public to prepare a Regulatory Cost/Benefit Assessment.
United States · United States Congress · 10 August 1976
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to authorize payment under such title for services furnished by physician extenders and clinical staff of community mental health centers. Defines the term "physician extender" to mean a "physicians asssistant," "Medex," and "nurse practitioner" who, having completed an educational program meeting guidelines prescribed by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, is trained and qualified to provide primary health care under the supervision of a physician.
United States · United States Congress · 9 August 1976
Designates the following trails for study as potential additions to the national trails system: (1) Bartram Trail, extending through Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee; (2) Daniel Boone Trail, extending through North Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, and Kentucky; (3) Desert Trail, extending through Washington, Idaho, Oregon, California, Nevada, and Arizona; (4) Dominguez-Escalante Trail, extending through New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, and Arizona; (5) Florida Trail; (6) Indian Nations Trail, Oklahoma; (7) Nez Perce Trail, extending through Oregon, Idaho, and Montana; and (8) Pacific Northwest Trail, extending through Washington, Idaho, and Montana.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1976
Suspends the rule of the Federal Trade Commission which removed the holder in due course status of purchasers of consumer notes until the General Accounting Office has studied the effect of such rule on the consumer credit market and the Commission has considered such study in a formal rulemaking proceeding.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1976
Authorizes the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs, in providing therapeutic and rehabilitation activities, to provide for the participation of patients and members in Veterans' Administration health facilities in the assemblage of poppies or other similar projects carried out at such facilities, which are sponsored by a national veterans service organization or its auxiliary. Directs that patients and members be compensated by the sponsoring organization for their participation in such programs.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1976
National Influenza Program - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish, conduct, and support activities necessary to carry out a national influenza immunization program. Directs the Secretary to make quarterly reports to Congress on the administration of such activities. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study of the scope and extent of liability for personal injuries arising out of immunization programs and of alternative approaches to providing protection against such liability and compensation for such injuries. Requires the Secretary to report the results of such study, along with legislative recommendations, to Congress within one year of enactment of these provisions. Makes the United States liable with respect to claims for personal injury or death resulting from the administration of vaccine under the immunization program. Establishes procedures under which all such claims will be asserted directly against the United States and makes such procedures the exclusive legal remedy.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1976
Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to public and nonprofit private entities which are engaged in the development of new schools of veterinary medicine to assist in such development. Requires applying schools to demonstrate that there is a reasonable indication that non- Federal financial resources for development will be available and that Federal assistance will accelerate the date on which the school will be able to begin its teaching program.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1976
Amends the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 to provide that any employer who successfully contests a citation or penalty under such Act shall be awarded a reasonable attorney's fee and other reasonable litigation costs.
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 1976
National Digestive Diseases Act - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish a National Commission on Digestive Diseases. Directs the Commission to develop and recommend a long-range plan for the use of national resources to deal with digestive diseases, such plan to include provisions for: (1) research studies into the biological process related to digestive diseases; (2) investigations into the epidemiology, etiology, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and control of such diseases; (3) development of coordinated health care systems to combat digestive diseases; and (4) education and training of scientists, clinicians, educators, and allied health professionals in fields related to digestive diseases. Directs the Commission to make a final report to Congress within 18 months of its initial meeting, such report to include the projected costs of implementing programs to combat digestive diseases, legislative recommendations, and a long-range plan for dealing with such diseases. Authorizes the appropriation of $1,500,000, without fiscal year limitation, to carry out the purposes of the Commission set forth in this Act. Directs the Secretary to establish a Coordinating Committee for Digestive Diseases to improve coordination among Federal agencies in the research, training, control, and treatment of digestive diseases.
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 1976
Provides that no Member of the House of Representatives shall expend or draw funds against the stationery allowance except by presentation of a receipt of purchase of stationery or office supplies. Requires that any amount of the stationery allowance of a Member of the House of Representatives which is unexpended shall be paid from the revolving fund for stationery allowances into the contingent fund of the House. Provides that stationery funds allocated to a Member of the House who ceases to serve as a Member shall be paid from the stationery fund into the contingent fund of the House.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1976
Narcotic Sentencing and Seizure 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) less than 18 years old; (2) mentally impaired; (3) under unusual and substantial duress; or (4) an accomplice whose participation in the offense was minor. 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. Title IV: Illegal Export of Cash - Requires that anyone who intends to transport, or have transported, monetary instruments in an amount exceeding $5,000 from any place within the U.S. to or through any place outside the U.S., or from any place outside the U.S. to or through any place within the U.S. file a report containing specified information. Requires that such reports also be filed by anyone who receives monetary instruments in an amount exceeding $5,000 at the termination of their transportation by common carrier to the United States from or through any place outside the U.S. Permits any Customs officer to search individuals and objects without a warrant where probable cause exists to believe that the report requirement for transport and receipt of monetary instruments has been violated and where exigent circumstances prevent obtaining a warrant. Title V: Prompt Reporting of Vessels - Requires the master of any vessel from a foreign port or of a foreign vessel from a domestic port, or of a vessel of the U.S. carrying bonded merchandise, or foreign merchandise for which entry has not been made, arriving at any place within the U.S., to immediately report the arrival of the vessel at the nearest custom-house.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1976
Joint Committee on Intelligence Operations Act - Establishes a Congressional Joint Committee on Intelligence Operations to conduct continuing oversight of, and to exercise exclusive legislative jurisdiction over, the foreign intelligence activities of: (1) the Central Intelligence Agency; (2) the Defense Intelligence Agency; (3) the National Security Agency; (4) the Bureau of Intelligence and Research; (5) Army, Navy, and Air Force Intelligence; and (6) other agencies to the extent that such agencies engage in foreign intelligence activities. Requires that the Director of Central Intelligence must keep the joint committee fully informed with respect to all foreign intelligence activities of the United States. Sets forth the administrative powers of the joint committee. Charges the joint committee with the establishment of guidelines for the classification of information originating with the joint committee. Prescribes penalties for the public release of classified materials by any congressional officer, employee of the joint committee, or former congressional officer or employee of the joint committee. Requires that no nonintelligence gathering operation, under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, may be conducted until 30 days after the President reports such operation to the joint committee, unless it is essential to national security that such operation begin immediately. Ceases all such operations which at any time are disapproved by the joint committee.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1976
Agenda for Government Reform Act - Directs the President to report to Congress concerning the effects of Federal agency activity upon: (1) the transportation and agriculture industries by January 31, 1978; (2) the mining, heavy manufacturing, and public utilities industries by January 31, 1979; (3) the light manufacturing and construction industries by January 31, 1980; and (4) the communications, finance, insurance, real estate, trade, and service industries by January 31, 1981. Requires that such report include a determination of whether any such agency activity has fulfilled its purposes, whether it is duplicative or conflicts with other agency activity, and whether the benefits of such activity exceed its costs. Directs the President to present in such report his recommendation for reform. States that the Congressional committee to which a proposal made by the President is referred must report to its respective House a bill approving or disapproving, in whole or in part, such proposal. Provides that if such a bill has not been reported by November 15 next following the submission of such report, the President's proposal shall become the pending order of business in both Houses and remain so until acted upon.
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 1976
Provides that funds shall not be expended from the contingent fund of the House of Representatives for allowances to Members, officers, or standing committees of the House except through the adoption of a resolution by the House of Representatives.
United States · United States Congress · 2 June 1976
Housing Incentive Investment Act - Amends the National Housing Act to authorize the Government National Mortgage Association (GNMA) to make monthly housing investment interest differential payments to lenders. Prohibits GNMA from approving a mortgage for assistance unless: (1) the mortgage covers a one-to-four family dwelling; (2) the home mortgage is not in excess of $35,000; (3) the purchaser's interest payments are at least two but not more than six percent below the market rate of interest for home mortgages; (4) the lender's interest rate will be adjusted every six months by GNMA to reflect the yield on VA-FHA mortgages; and (5) the purchaser agrees to repay the aggregate amount of differential payments with interest. Requires that upon sale or other disposition of the dwelling or upon termination of the use of the dwelling by the purchaser as his principal residence prior to retirement of the first mortgage, the cost of the extra assistance by GNMA be repaid by the borrower from the appreciation on his home. Authorizes GNMA to establish a lender's interest rate which may not exceed the average yield on VA-FHA mortgages during the six calendar months preceding the date of execution of the mortgage. Allows GNMA to adjust the lender's interest rate upward or downward every six months except that no single adjustment may exceed one quarter of one percent nor may an aggregate upward adjustment exceed two and one-half percent. Provides that if the lender's rate falls below the borrower's rate that the borrower shall be credited with the difference. Establishes in the Treasury a Housing Incentive Investment Fund to carry out the provisions of this Act. Authorizes GNMA to issue to the Secretary of the Treasury notes or other obligations in an aggregate amount not to exceed $1,000,000,000. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to purchase and sell such notes and obligations. Sets the termination of this program for five years after the date of enactment.
![Official portrait of Rep. Broyhill, James T. [R-NC-10]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/b000966_200.jpg)