The world's political record
Person
![Official portrait of Rep. Clay, William (Bill) [D-MO-1]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/c000488_200.jpg)
United States · Official source
3,655 records where Rep. Clay, William (Bill) [D-MO-1] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 1977
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to authorize payment for specified services performed by chiropractors, including x-rays and physical examinations, and related routine laboratory tests.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 1977
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide payment for optometric and medical vision care under the supplementary medical insurance program.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 1977
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide payment for certain clinical psychologists' services under the supplementary medical insurance program.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1977
Adds Title X - "Special Demonstration Programs in the Biomedical Sciences for Secondary School Students from Disadvantaged Backgrounds" to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. Authorizes the Commissioner of Education to make grants to, and enter into contracts with, institutions of higher education for the purpose of offering five-year demonstration programs to encourage disadvantaged secondary education students to pursue professional training in the biomedical sciences. Directs the Commissioner to appoint an advisory committee to advise on the approval of applications for assistance under this title. Stipulates that the amount of assistance for any one five-year demonstration program shall not exceed a specified sum. Sets forth the activities each demonstration program must provide and the criteria which each applicant must meet in order to be eligible for assistance under this title. Requires each demonstration project to have an advisory committee of at least nine members. Sets forth the authorized uses of funds made available under this title. Authorizes the appropriation of $12,000,000 for fiscal year 1978. Stipulates that such sum shall remain available for expenditure or obligation through fiscal year 1983.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1977
Designates February, 1977, as "Black History Month."
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals an income tax credit for five percent of the rent paid for their principal residence. Limits the credit to $75 in the case of a joint return, $37.50 for married individuals filing separately, and $50 for other taxpayers.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1977
Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to authorize reduced air fares for persons 60 years of age or older.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1977
Educational Expenses Tax Deferral Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a deferral of an individual's income tax liability to the extent it equals a limited portion of the higher educational expenses incurred for the taxpayer, his spouse and dependents. Defers payment until the year following the end of the individual's attendance at an institution of higher education, or the tenth year following the taxpayer's initial deferral, which ever is earlier. Directs the Secretaries of the Treasury and Health, Education, and Welfare to each make two biannual reports to Congress on the effects of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1977
Provides that recipients of veterans' pension and compensation will not have the amount of such pension or compensation reduced, or entitlement thereto discontinued, because of increases in monthly social security benefits. Applies these amendments to annual income determinations made for calendar years after 1972. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 415(g), adds 38 U.S.C. 503(d))
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1977
Handgun Crime Control Act - Makes it unlawful for any person to import, manufacture, sell, buy, transfer, receive, or transport any handgun. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to exempt from such prohibition any licensed importers, manufacturers, or dealers and pistol clubs licensed under this Act. Exempts from the prohibitions of this Act: (1) handguns the Secretary determines are being imported or manufactured for, sold or transferred to, purchased, received, or transported by, or issued for the use of, the United States Government or any State or local governments; and (2) handguns which are unserviceable, not restorable to firing condition, and intended for use as a curio, museum piece, or collection item. Provides for the voluntary delivery of handguns to any law enforcement agency for disposition, and entitles the transferor to a payment of $25 or the fair market value of the handgun, whichever is greater. Authorizes the Secretary to license pistol clubs conforming to specified minimal standards. Provides for administrative and judicial review of a license denial or revocation. Imposes criminal penalties on persons who violate provisions of this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to prescribe such rules and regulations necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1977
National Employment Priorities Act - Declares that it is the purpose of this Act: (1) to require prenotification to employees and communities of dislocation of business concerns; (2) to prevent Federal support for unjustified dislocation; and (3) to provide assistance to employees, and affected communities threatened with dislocation. Defines the terms used in this Act. Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to establish in the Department of Labor a National Employment Relocation Administration, to be headed by an Administrator and Deputy Administrator appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to perform enumerated functions in order to carry out the purposes of this Act. Establishes a National Employment Relocation Advisory Council. Directs the members of such Council to perform enumerated functions, including to advise the Secretary and Administrator with respect to the activities of the National Employment Relocation Administration and to evaluate the effectiveness of programs carried out under this Act. Requires written notice to be given to the Secretary whenever: (1) a business concern intends to close or transfer all or part of the operations of an establishment of that business concern; and (2) at least 15 percent of the employees who are members of any labor organization or 15 percent of all employees in that establishment will suffer an eligible employment loss as a result of any such closing or transfer. Authorizes the Secretary to investigate a proposed closing or transfer of operations under specified circumstances. Directs the Secretary to establish a program of adjustment assistance for employees who become unemployed or receive a weekly wage of less than 85 percent of their former wage as a result of a closing or transfer of a business concern. Provides that such adjustment assistance shall include: (1) income maintenance payment; (2) maintenance of pension and health benefits; (3) job placement and retraining benefits; (4) relocation allowances; (5) early retirement benefits; (6) emergency mortgage and rent payments; and (7) food stamps and surplus commodities. Directs the Secretary to make every effort to place employees for substantially equivalent full employment in accordance with their capacity and prospective employment opportunities. Provides that a unit of local government is eligible for assistance under this Act upon determination by the Secretary that the closing or transfer of operations of business establishments has contributed substantially to an unemployment rate within such jurisdiction exceeding eight percent on a seasonally adjusted basis. Authorizes the Secretary to provide assistance to businesses within such areas. Authorizes the Secretary to develop a retraining program for employees who will be required to acquire new or additional skills as a result of the economic adjustment assistance proposal. Makes business concerns ineligible for specified benefits under the Internal Revenue Code if the Secretary makes certain determinations. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Secretary such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1977
Grand Jury Reform Act - Entitles a witness who is accused of having unjustifiably withheld information in any proceeding before or ancillary to any court or grand jury of the United States to a hearing prior to being held in contempt and confined. Grants the right to counsel to such witness at a contempt hearing. Sets forth guidelines relative to such hearings and any subsequent confinement. Prohibits persons who are confined for refusing to testify before a grand jury about any transaction, from being later confined for a subsequent refusal to testify about such transaction. Establishes as a defense to contempt for refusal to testify or otherwise refusing to produce information, proof that the interrogation is based on, or is directly or indirectly derived from, an improper interception of any wire or oral communication. Requires that witnesses compelled to testify before any Federal court or grand jury, any Federal agency, or either House of Congress or any Congressional Committee be given transactional immunity. Prohibits a United States district court from issuing an order to compel testimony before such a body unless it finds that: (1) there is no danger that the witness will be prosecuted or will be subjected to any fine or forfeiture by a foreign government on account of any transaction about which testimony is sought; and (2) in the case of testimony before a grand jury, that the investigation is proper and the testimony sought is relevant. Sets the size for grand juries impaneled before United States district courts at not less than nine nor more than 15 persons. Stipulates that an indictment may be found only if at least nine jurors are present and two-thirds of those present concur. Specifies criminal penalties for disclosure of evidence introduced, statements made, or other matters occurring before a Federal grand jury by a person present at the grand jury proceedings. Exempts the following from such penalties: (1) disclosure to or by an attorney for the Government in the performance of his duties; (2) disclosure directed or permitted by the court; (3) disclosure by a witness who has appeared before the grand jury, or by his attorney, of any matter concerning which the witness has provided information; and (4) disclosure by any representative of the press acting in his professional capacity. Requires the court to give adequate and reasonable notice to the grand jury and to assure that the grand jury understands specified rights and duties which it possesses. Establishes procedures whereby any person may request to appear before a grand jury and request that the grand jury conduct an independent inquiry pursuant to this Act. Requires the grand jury to consider all such requests forwarded to it and, unless a majority of the grand jury votes to the contrary, the Government to subpena the witness or evidence offered. Conditions appearance of a witness so subpoenaed upon a waiver of immunity. Requires that upon the service of any subpena directing a witness to testify or produce evidence before a grand jury the witness be given notice of the following: (1) the right to counsel set forth in this Act; (2) the privilege against self incrimination; (3) the subject matter of the grand jury investigation; (4) whether the witness's own conduct is under investigation; (5) the criminal statutes, violation of which is under consideration, if known; and (6) any other rights which the court deems appropriate. Sets forth jurisdictional and procedural rules regarding motions relative to subpenas to appear before grand juries. Requires upon proper motion, the attorney for the Government or, if applicable, the special attorney appointed under this Act to show that: (1) the primary purpose of the information sought is not or will not be to secure testimony for the trial or other information regarding a person already under formal accusation by the United States, a State, or a subdivision thereof; for activities relative to testimony sought; (2) the witness has been advised of his rights; (3) the evidence sought is relevant to the grand jury investigation properly conducted within the grand jury's jurisdiction; and (4) compliance with the subpena will not be unreasonable or oppressive. Limits a grand jury's inquiry to offenses committed within the district in which it is convened. Authorizes a court to quash subpena or to transfer its proceedings upon a finding of hardship to the witness. Prohibits the bringing before a grand jury of any witness who has given advance notice of intention to exercise the privilege against self-incrimination or the bringing to the attention of the jurors the invocation of the privilege by such witness. Prohibits a grand jury inquiry into any transaction or event if another jury has failed to return an indictment based on the same occurrence, unless the court finds that additional relevant evidence has been discovered. Empowers any grand jury impaneled before any district court to inquire on its own initiative into offenses against the criminal laws of the United States alleged to have been committed within that district. Sets the term of grand juries conducting such inquiries. Authorizes a jury conducting an independent inquiry to request at any point by a majority vote the court to appoint a special attorney in lieu of the attorney for the Government. Entitles every witness subpoenaed to appear and testify or to produce information before a grand jury impaneled by a district court to the assistance of counsel. Limits the role of counsel of a grand jury witness to being present in the grand jury room while his client is testifying and advising him. Prohibits requiring a witness to testify sooner than one week after service of the subpena unless the Court finds special need. Entitles a defendant to examine and copy a transcript or electronic recording of: (1) the grand jury testimony of all witnesses to be called at trial; (2) all statements relating to the defendant's case made to the grand jury by the court and by the attorney for the Government or special attorney; (3) all grand jury evidence which in any manner could be considered exculpatory; and (4) all other grand jury evidence which the court may deem material to the defense. Authorizes the court, upon a showing of good cause, to modify or deny such disclosure. Entitles a defendant to a preliminary examination when charged with any offense, other than a petty offense, which is to be tried by a judge of the district court. Directs the Attorney General to annually report to Congress and the Administrative Office of the United States Courts with respect to specified aspects of grand jury proceedings, including: (1) the number of investigations conducted and the nature of each such investigation; (2) the number of requests for witness immunity and the nature of arrests, indictments, trials and convictions which resulted from orders granting such immunity; (3) the number of contempt citations and confinements; and (4) description of the procedures by which grand jury information is processed, stored, and used by the Department of Justice.
United States · United States Congress · 7 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 · 7 February 1977
Extends to former employees of county soil Conservation committees who are employed by any Federal agency, specified civil service compensation, leave, and seniority benefits afforded to former employees of such county committees who are employed by the Department of Agriculture. u9
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1977
Amends the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 to make the provisions, formerly applicable to persons between 40 and 65 years of age, applicable to anyone 40 years of age or older.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1977
Federal Employees' Political Activities Act - Revises provisions prohibiting Federal employees, Postal Service employees, and District of Columbia employees from engaging in political activities. Continues proscriptions against employees using their official authority or influence to interfere with the result of any election or to coerce the political action of any person. Modifies provisions relating to the solicitation and offering of political contributions by Federal employees. Prohibits employees from: (1) giving or offering to give a political contribution to any individual either to vote or refrain from voting; (2) soliciting or receiving a political contribution to vote or refrain from voting; (3) knowingly giving a political contribution to a superior; (4) knowingly soliciting or receiving a political contribution from another employee with respect to whom such employee is a superior; (5) knowingly soliciting or receiving a political contribution in specified facilities; or (6) knowingly soliciting or receiving a political contribution from or giving a political contribution to an employee, Member of Congress or officer of a uniformed service. Places additional restrictions on specified employees of the Internal Revenue Service, the Department of Justice and the Central Intelligence Agency. Prohibits employees, with specified exceptions, from engaging in political activities while on duty, while wearing a uniform or official insignia identifying their position, or in designated areas. Establishes the Board on Political Activities of Federal Employees to decide cases regarding violations of this Act. Directs the Civil Service Commission to investigate reports and allegations of prohibited activity. Requires the Commission to give notice to the Board and the employees involved of apparent violations, except when the conduct of specified officials is involved, in which case the Commission is directed to refer the matter to the Attorney General and to report to Congress and the President. Directs the Board to render a final decision on the apparent violation on the basis of the record after a hearing conducted by a hearing examiner, which record shall include the recommended decision of the hearing examiner and any exception to such decision filed by the employee. Permits an employee upon whom a penalty is imposed by an order of the Board to seek judicial review. Specifies penalties for violation of the prohibitions contained in this Act. Directs the Commission to establish a continuing program to inform all employees of their rights of political participation and to educate employees with respect to those activities which are prohibited. Creates a specific criminal offense for extortion of political contributions from Federal personnel.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1977
National Meals-on-Wheels Act - Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to allow States to distribute Federal Funds for the establishment of: (1) projects to provide home-delivered meals to qualified homebound elderly persons; (2) an information and referral system for homebound individuals receiving such meals; and (3) an operation to seek volunteer personnel for the delivery of such meals and to compensate such personnel for related transportation expenses. Authorizes the appropriation of specified sums in fiscal years 1978 and 1979 for the purpose of providing home-delivered meals under this Act. Limits to five percent the amount of such funds which may be spent upon the administration of such program. Directs the Commissioner of the Administration on Aging to conduct a demonstration project involving at least three States to determine the feasibility of using the meals system designed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration for the elderly as a component of, or substitute for, regular nutrition projects assisted under the Older Americans Act of 1965.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1977
Civil Rights Amendments - Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to prohibit discrimination based on affectional or sexual preference in: (1) public accommodations; (2) public facilities; (3) public education; (4) federally assisted opportunities; (5) equal employment opportunities; (6) housing; and (7) educational programs receiving Federal assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1977
Designates the anniversary of Martin Luther King Junior's birth, January 15, as a legal public holiday.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1977
Requests that the concerns of the United States be conveyed to the Soviet government regarding adherence to the Helsinki Declaration with respect to freedom to emigrate.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1977
Diplomatic Immunities Act - Deems void any suit or judicial or administrative process against a person or the property of a person entitled to immunity under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. Makes Presidential determinations of entitlement to immunity binding upon governmental authorities. Requires the President to publish a list of missions and personnel entitled to such immunity. Repeals the criminal penalties for wrongful suit against an immune person. Repeals exceptions to suits against servants in the service of personnel of a foreign mission. Repeals the present criteria for determining eligibility for immunity.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1977
Declares the support of the House of Representatives for the President's intentions (1) to proceed with a comprehensive nuclear test ban treaty, (2) to seek ratification of the SALT II agreement, and (3) to seek an agreement with the Soviet Union for major reductions in atomic weapons.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1977
National Academy of Peace and Conflict Resolution Commission Act - Establishes a Commission on Proposals for the National Academy of Peace and Conflict Resolution to study the establishment of such academy and alternative proposals which would assist the Federal Government in promoting peace. Directs the Commission to review the theory and techniques of conflict resolution and the institutions for conflict resolution in international relations, race relations, community relations, and family relations. Directs the Commission to report its findings to the President and the Congress within one year from the availability of appropriations. Authorizes the appropriation of $500,000 to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1977
Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1968 to allow the Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development to initiate civil actions to enforce the provisions of such Act. Extends from 30 to 60 days the period during which no civil suits may be initiated and the Secretary must make efforts to obtain voluntary compliance with such Act. Permits courts to award attorneys' fees to prevailing plaintiffs without regard to his financial ability to assume such fees.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1977
Federal Employees' Political Activities Act - Revises provisions prohibiting Federal employees, Postal Service employees, and District of Columbia employees from engaging in political activities. Continues proscriptions against employees using their official authority or influence to interfere with the result of any election or to coerce the political action of any person. Modifies provisions relating to the solicitation and offering of political contributions by Federal employees. Prohibits employees from: (1) giving or offering to give a political contribution to any individual either to vote or refrain from voting; (2) soliciting or receiving a political contribution to vote or refrain from voting; (3) knowingly giving a political contribution to a superior; (4) knowingly soliciting or receiving a political contribution from another employee with respect to whom such employee is a superior; (5) knowingly soliciting or receiving a political contribution in specified facilities; or (6) knowingly soliciting or receiving a political contribution from or giving a political contribution to an employee, Member of Congress or officer of a uniformed service. Places additional restrictions on specified employees of the Internal Revenue Service, the Department of Justice and the Central Intelligence Agency. Prohibits employees, with specified exceptions, from engaging in political activities while on duty, while wearing a uniform or official insignia identifying their position, or in designated areas. Establishes the Board on Political Activities of Federal Employees to decide cases regarding violations of this Act. Directs the Civil Service Commission to investigate reports and allegations of prohibited activity. Requires the Commission to give notice to the Board and the employees involved of apparent violations, except when the conduct of specified officials is involved, in which case the Commission is directed to refer the matter to the Attorney General and to report to Congress and the President. Directs the Board to render a final decision on the apparent violation on the basis of the record after a hearing conducted by a hearing examiner, which record shall include the recommended decision of the hearing examiner and any exception to such decision filed by the employee. Permits an employee upon whom a penalty is imposed by an order of the Board to seek judicial review. Specifies penalties for violation of the prohibitions contained in this Act. Directs the Commission to establish a continuing program to inform all employees of their rights of political participation and to educate employees with respect to those activities which are prohibited. Creates a specific criminal offense for extortion of political contributions from Federal personnel.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1977
Federal Employees' Political Activities Act - Revises provisions prohibiting Federal employees, Postal Service employees, and District of Columbia employees from engaging in political activities. Continues proscriptions against employees using their official authority or influence to interfere with the result of any election or to coerce the political action of any person. Modifies provisions relating to the solicitation and offering of political contributions by Federal employees. Prohibits employees from: (1) giving or offering to give a political contribution to any individual either to vote or refrain from voting; (2) soliciting or receiving a political contribution to vote or refrain from voting; (3) knowingly giving a political contribution to a superior; (4) knowingly soliciting or receiving a political contribution from another employee with respect to whom such employee is a superior; (5) knowingly soliciting or receiving a political contribution in specified facilities; or (6) knowingly soliciting or receiving a political contribution from or giving a political contribution to an employee, Member of Congress or officer of a uniformed service. Places additional restrictions on specified employees of the Internal Revenue Service, the Department of Justice and the Central Intelligence Agency. Prohibits employees, with specified exceptions, from engaging in political activities while on duty, while wearing a uniform or official insignia identifying their position, or in designated areas. Establishes the Board on Political Activities of Federal Employees to decide cases regarding violations of this Act. Directs the Civil Service Commission to investigate reports and allegations of prohibited activity. Requires the Commission to give notice to the Board and the employees involved of apparent violations, except when the conduct of specified officials is involved, in which case the Commission is directed to refer the matter to the Attorney General and to report to Congress and the President. Directs the Board to render a final decision on the apparent violation on the basis of the record after a hearing conducted by a hearing examiner, which record shall include the recommended decision of the hearing examiner and any exception to such decision filed by the employee. Permits an employee upon whom a penalty is imposed by an order of the Board to seek judicial review. Specifies penalties for violation of the prohibitions contained in this Act. Directs the Commission to establish a continuing program to inform all employees of their rights of political participation and to educate employees with respect to those activities which are prohibited. Creates a specific criminal offense for extortion of political contributions from Federal personnel.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1977
Federal Employees' Political Activities Act - Revises provisions prohibiting Federal employees, Postal Service employees, and District of Columbia employees from engaging in political activities. Continues proscriptions against employees using their official authority or influence to interfere with the result of any election or to coerce the political action of any person. Modifies provisions relating to the solicitation and offering of political contributions by Federal employees. Prohibits employees from: (1) giving or offering to give a political contribution to any individual either to vote or refrain from voting; (2) soliciting or receiving a political contribution to vote or refrain from voting; (3) knowingly giving a political contribution to a superior; (4) knowingly soliciting or receiving a political contribution from another employee with respect to whom such employee is a superior; (5) knowingly soliciting or receiving a political contribution in specified facilities; or (6) knowingly soliciting or receiving a political contribution from or giving a political contribution to an employee, Member of Congress or officer of a uniformed service. Places additional restrictions on specified employees of the Internal Revenue Service, the Department of Justice and the Central Intelligence Agency. Prohibits employees, with specified exceptions, from engaging in political activities while on duty, while wearing a uniform or official insignia identifying their position, or in designated areas. Establishes the Board on Political Activities of Federal Employees to decide cases regarding violations of this Act. Directs the Civil Service Commission to investigate reports and allegations of prohibited activity. Requires the Commission to give notice to the Board and the employees involved of apparent violations, except when the conduct of specified officials is involved, in which case the Commission is directed to refer the matter to the Attorney General and to report to Congress and the President. Directs the Board to render a final decision on the apparent violation on the basis of the record after a hearing conducted by a hearing examiner, which record shall include the recommended decision of the hearing examiner and any exception to such decision filed by the employee. Permits an employee upon whom a penalty is imposed by an order of the Board to seek judicial review. Specifies penalties for violation of the prohibitions contained in this Act. Directs the Commission to establish a continuing program to inform all employees of their rights of political participation and to educate employees with respect to those activities which are prohibited. Creates a specific criminal offense for extortion of political contributions from Federal personnel.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1977
Adds the following title to the Social Security Act: Title XX: Assured Minimum Annual Income Benefits for the Aged. Amends the Social Security Act to assure a minimum annual income of $5,200 annually for a married individual living with a spouse or $3,850 for any other individual if such individual has reached the age of 62 and is a resident of the United States. Directs that no married individual who is living with a spouse for any month shall be entitled to a payment for such month if the spouse of such individual receives such a payment for such month. Specifies that "annual income" means the total amount of income from all sources received in the calendar year. Directs that in calculating income any individual who is engaged in any trade or business shall deduct from income any expenses incurred in carrying on such trade or business. Sets forth a formula for an annual adjustment of minimum income and benefit levels.
United States · United States Congress · 17 January 1977
Directs the Joint Committee on the Library to procure a bronze bust or statue of Martin Luther King, Jr. and to place it in a suitable location in the Capitol.
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income tax credit for 25 percent of the amount of rent paid by the taxpayer which is equal to the taxpayer's proportionate share of the local and State property taxes imposed on the land and building in which his dwelling unit is located.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Tax Equity Act - Title I: Capital Gains and Losses - Repeals the alternative tax presently allowed to corporations, individuals and life insurance companies on long-term capital gains. Provides, in lieu of the present 50 percent deduction for net long-term capital gain, an exclusion of so much of the gain as does not exceed one-half of one percent of adjusted basis of the property times the number of months the property was held over 12 months. Limits capital losses to capital gains and gains from the exchange of business property in the case of corporations, and, in the case of other taxpayers, to capital gains and gains from the exchange of business property plus the taxable income of the taxpayer or $3,000, whichever is smaller. Allows the executor of a decedent's estate to include in gross income any unrealized capital gains on descendent's property to the extent that the decedent had a net capital loss for the taxable year. Provides that income from the sale or exchange of patent rights shall be treated as royalties (ordinary income) rather than as gain from the sale or exchange of a capital asset. Title II: Income Derived from Extraction of Minerals - Repeals the percentage depletion allowance for taxable years beginning after 1977. Allows the deduction of expenditures (including intangible drilling costs) incurred in the exploration and development of mineral property, but only to the extent of taxable income derived from such properties. Provides an exclusion from gross income of amounts derived from foreign mineral properties, provided that such income is not derived from: (1) a nonoperating mineral interest; (2) distributions received with respect to the stock of a corporation; and (3) amounts includible in gross income as undistributed profits of controlled foreign corporations. Limits the losses allowable from the disposition of mineral property to the extent of the gains from the sale or exchange of such properties during the taxable year. Title III: Reform Measures Affecting Primarily Individuals - Provides that the maximum rate of income tax for individuals shall be 50 percent of taxable income. Allows a credit of 24 percent of the amount of deductions which would be allowable, but for this credit, for the following: (1) personal exemptions; (2) interest on non-business obligations; (3) non-business State and local taxes; (4) non-business losses of property; (5) charitable contributions; (6) medical care; and (7) taxes and interest paid by a cooperative housing association. Authorizes the President to increase or decrease the 24 percent credit rate authorized by this Act subject to the disapproval by either House of Congress. States that the income received by a child from a trust created by his parent, and dividends, interest, and royalties from property given the child by his parent shall be included in the gross income of the parent if the parent claims the above credit for the exemption allowable for such child as a dependent. Provides that shareholder-employees of closely held corporations must include in gross income that part of contributions paid by an employer-corporation (and deductible by it) to trusts, annuities, or bond purchase plans for the benefit of the shareholder-employee in excess of (1) the lesser of 15 percent of his compensation; or (2) $7500, and the amount of any forfeitures allocated to the employee's account under a stock bonus or profit-sharing plan. Repeals the $100 exclusion from gross income for dividends and trust income. Restricts the business and income-producing expense deduction for business or trade-related conventions held outside of the United States to the cases where it is more reasonable for the meeting to be held outside of the United States than within it. Disallows business expense deductions for the use of a dwelling unit which is used by the taxpayer during the taxable year as a residence. Limits such deductions for vacation homes. Limits the allowable deductions attributable to farming by individuals whose nonfarm adjusted gross income exceeds $20,000 to gross income derived from farming for the taxable year, plus, in the case of an individual, the higher of $10,000 or the amount of certain allowable deductions. Provides for the computation of earnings and profits on a consolidated basis with respect to distributions by the common parent corporation of a controlled group of corporations. Provides for the recognition of gains incurred upon transfers to corporations controlled by the transferor where the gain qualifies as a dividend. Specifies that stock options granted to an employee by an employer corporation shall be treated as an option without a readily ascertainable value unless the option is traded on a stock exchange. Taxes trust income payable to the children of a grantor with a reversionary interest to the grantor if the child is under 21 years of age or a student. Applies the limitation on partnership losses to real estate partnerships. Repeals the exemption for earned income from foreign sources. Provides that a partnership shall be treated as a corporation for purposes of income taxation upon filing of a registration statement for the offering of units of interest in a partnership with the Securities Exchange Commission. Title IV: Reform Measures Affecting Primarily Corporations - Repeals the investment credit for business property placed in service after 1977. Repeals the Asset Depreciation Range System. States that, in the case of a corporation, the depreciation allowance shall not exceed the depreciation recorded on the corporation's books. Provides that the deduction for repair expenses shall be limited to the amount recorded on the corporation's books. Provides that if a deduction is allowable to a corporation during the taxable year for interest on purchases of stock of an unaffiliated corporation, the dividends received from such corporation shall be eligible for the dividends received deduction only to a limited extent. Repeals the provision allowing nonrecognition of gain on the sale of inventory in certain liquidations. Disqualifies as reorganization certain transactions which result in the shareholders of a merging corporation owning less than 20 percent of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the surviving corporation. Repeals the special treatment of bad debt reserves of financial institutions. Taxes the undistributed profits of foreign corporations to such corporations' American shareholders based on each shareholder's pro rata share of such undistributed profits. Repeals the tax exemption presently permitted to Domestic International Sales Corporations. Provides that where property acquired through involuntary conversion is stock of a corporation owning property similar or related in service or use to the converted property, the basis of such property owned by the corporation shall also be reduced by the amount of gain which is not recognized on account of the purchase of such stock. Repeals an exception to the penalty provisions for underpayment of estimated income tax insofar as they pertain to corporations whose tax for any of the preceding three tax years exceeded $300,000. Title V: Reforms Affecting Individuals and Corporations - Provides that amounts which otherwise would be allowable as a deduction and are attributable to the development of any fruit or nut grove or any vineyard shall be charged to capital account, with exceptions for specific types of development and for replanting of groves and vineyards damaged by weather, disease, or casualty. Repeals the tax exemptions for ships under foreign flags. Provides that the Commissioner of Internal Revenue shall have the authority to conduct any civil litigation in any court concerning tax liability, taxpayer suits, or the collection of internal revenue taxes in the name of the United States. Provides that the 15 percent minimum tax will apply to all tax preferences which exceeds $10,000. Subjects interest on governmental obligations and foreign tax credits to the minimum tax on preferences. Provides that the difference between the cost to a shareholder of the use of corporate property and the fair market value of such use shall be includible in the gross income of the shareholder. Limits the allowable depreciation deduction for rental real estate to an amount which will not reduce the adjusted basis to an amount below any mortgage indebtedness on such property. Reduces the deduction for charitable gifts of appreciated property to the amount of the property's basis at the time of the gift. Title VI: Reforms Affecting Private Foundations and Estate and Gift Taxes - Provides that a trust or other organization which is controlled by non-tax exempt organizations may still be considered a private foundation if its trustees or directors may distribute 50 percent or more of its income to qualified persons. Extends the disqualification of controlled foundations to include those which are only supervised or controlled in connection with unqualified organizations. Provides that organizations qualifying for tax exempt status because of their substantial support from Federal, State or local governments or from the general public may not receive more than one-half of one percent of their total support from any one individual or group related individuals. Excludes transfers with a reversionary interest in the decedent from the value of the decedent's gross estate. Requires the inclusion in the gross estate of the full value of an annuity provided by an employer. Includes in the value of a decedent's gross estate, life insurance proceeds on policies owned by the decedent's surviving spouse and on any policies not owned by the decedent to the extent that they are attributable to premiums paid by the decedent or his spouse. Limits the aggregate amount of charitable deductions allowed under the estate tax to 50 percent of the amount by which the value of the gross estate exceeds the aggregate amount of deductions for expenses, indebtedness, taxes, and casualty losses incurred during the settlement of the estate, or $1,000,000, whichever is greater. Allows a deduction from the gift tax of charitable gifts where the donor retained some interest in the transferred property which was later extinguished. Title VII: State and Local Obligations - Repeals the income tax for interest on State and local obligations issued after 1977. Directs the United States to pay 35 percent of the interest yield on State and local obligations. Title VIII: Withholding of Income Tax on Dividends and Interest - Directs every person who pays interest or dividends to deduct and withhold on such interest or dividends a tax equal to ten percent of the amount thereof. Directs every person required to deduct and withhold any tax to make quarterly returns of such tax to the appropriate Government officer.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Elementary and Secondary Career Education Act - Establishes a career education program for elementary and secondary schools to increase the emphasis such institutions place upon career awareness, exploration, decisionmaking, and planning. Authorizes appropriations for carrying out provisions of this Act for the next five fiscal years. Directs the Commissioner of Education to allot to each State an amount which bears the same ratio to the appropriated sums as such State's population, aged five to eighteen, bears to the total population, aged five to eighteen, of all the States. Stipulates that no State shall be allotted from such sums less than $100,000. Directs the Commissioner to allocate for each fiscal year an amount equal to three percent of the sums appropriated for that year to make grants to local educational agencies located in Puerto Rico, Guam, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands. Sets forth procedures for applying to the Commissioner for receiving such funds. Requires that an application contain specified assurances, including assurances that: (1) the State educational agency will be the agency responsible for planning the use and administering the expenditure of funds received under this Act; (2) the State educational agency or State Board of Education will adopt a statement of policy that career education is of prime importance in elementary and secondary schooling within the State; and (3) the State legislature and Governor have been notified of the State's application for such funds. Details the use of funds by the States which are permissible, including: (1) conducting inservice institutes for educational personnel; (2) training local career education coordinators; (3) collecting, evaluating, and disseminating career education materials; and (4) coordinating career education activities with other State and private agencies. Designates the Office of Career Education to be the administering agency within the Office of Education for the review of State plans, applications, and reports submitted pursuant to this Act. Provides that the Office of Career Education shall perform a national leadership role in furthering the purposes of career education. Directs the National Institute of Education to continue its complementary efforts in career education and calls for coordination between the Institute and the Office of Career Education in (1) identifying research and development priorities and (2) disseminating the products and findings of research and development undertaken by the Institute.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Federal Employees' Political Activities Act - Revises provisions prohibiting Federal employees, Postal Service employees, and District of Columbia employees from engaging in political activities. Continues proscriptions against employees using their official authority or influence to interfere with the result of any election or to coerce the political action of any person. Modifies provisions relating to the solicitation and offering of political contributions by Federal employees. Prohibits employees from: (1) giving or offering to give a political contribution to any individual either to vote or refrain from voting; (2) soliciting or receiving a political contribution to vote or refrain from voting; (3) knowingly giving a political contribution to a superior; (4) knowingly soliciting or receiving a political contribution from another employee with respect to whom such employee is a superior; (5) knowingly soliciting or receiving a political contribution in specified facilities; or (6) knowingly soliciting or receiving a political contribution from or giving a political contribution to an employee, Member of Congress or officer of a uniformed service. Places additional restrictions on specified employees of the Internal Revenue Service, the Department of Justice and the Central Intelligence Agency. Prohibits employees, with specified exceptions, from engaging in political activities while on duty, while wearing a uniform or official insignia identifying their position, or in designated areas. Establishes the Board on Political Activities of Federal Employees to decide cases regarding violations of this Act. Directs the Civil Service Commission to investigate reports and allegations of prohibited activity. Requires the Commission to give notice to the Board and the employees involved of apparent violations, except when the conduct of specified officials is involved, in which case the Commission is directed to refer the matter to the Attorney General and to report to Congress and the President. Directs the Board to render a final decision on the apparent violation on the basis of the record after a hearing conducted by a hearing examiner, which record shall include the recommended decision of the hearing examiner and any exception to such decision filed by the employee. Permits an employee upon whom a penalty is imposed by an order of the Board to seek judicial review. Specifies penalties for violation of the prohibitions contained in this Act. Directs the Commission to establish a continuing program to inform all employees of their rights of political participation and to educate employees with respect to those activities which are prohibited. Creates a specific criminal offense for extortion of political contributions from Federal personnel.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
National Employment Priorities Act - Declares that it is the purpose of this Act: (1) to require prenotification to employees and communities of dislocation of business concerns; (2) to prevent Federal support for unjustified dislocation; and (3) to provide assistance to employees, and affected communities threatened with dislocation. Defines the terms used in this Act. Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to establish in the Department of Labor a National Employment Relocation Administration, to be headed by an Administrator and Deputy Administrator appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to perform enumerated functions in order to carry out the purposes of this Act. Establishes a National Employment Relocation Advisory Council. Directs the members of such Council to perform enumerated functions, including to advise the Secretary and Administrator with respect to the activities of the National Employment Relocation Administration and to evaluate the effectiveness of programs carried out under this Act. Requires written notice to be given to the Secretary whenever: (1) a business concern intends to close or transfer all or part of the operations of an establishment of that business concern; and (2) at least 15 percent of the employees who are members of any labor organization or 15 percent of all employees in that establishment will suffer an eligible employment loss as a result of any such closing or transfer. Authorizes the Secretary to investigate a proposed closing or transfer of operations under specified circumstances. Directs the Secretary to establish a program of adjustment assistance for employees who become unemployed or receive a weekly wage of less than 85 percent of their former wage as a result of a closing or transfer of a business concern. Provides that such adjustment assistance shall include: (1) income maintenance payment; (2) maintenance of pension and health benefits; (3) job placement and retraining benefits; (4) relocation allowances; (5) early retirement benefits; (6) emergency mortgage and rent payments; and (7) food stamps and surplus commodities. Directs the Secretary to make every effort to place employees for substantially equivalent full employment in accordance with their capacity and prospective employment opportunities. Provides that a unit of local government is eligible for assistance under this Act upon determination by the Secretary that the closing or transfer of operations of business establishments has contributed substantially to an unemployment rate within such jurisdiction exceeding eight percent on a seasonally adjusted basis. Authorizes the Secretary to provide assistance to businesses within such areas. Authorizes the Secretary to develop a retraining program for employees who will be required to acquire new or additional skills as a result of the economic adjustment assistance proposal. Makes business concerns ineligible for specified benefits under the Internal Revenue Code if the Secretary makes certain determinations. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Secretary such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Amends the Local Public Works Capital Development and Investment Act of 1976 to increase the amount authorized to be appropriated under such Act to $6,000,000,000.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Federal Service Labor-Management Act - Sets forth a plan for the conduct of labor-management relations in the Federal service. Grants certain employees the right to form, join, and assist any labor organization without fear of penalty or reprisal. Establishes the Federal Labor Relations Authority, responsible for carrying out the purposes of this Act. Empowers and directs the Authority to prevent any person from engaging in conduct violative of this Act. Requires that exclusive recognition be granted to a labor organization which has been selected by a majority of employees in an appropriate unit in an election held in conformity with this Act. Denies recognition to labor organizations under specified circumstances. Authorizes the Authority to certify labor unions as exclusive representatives without an election under certain conditions. Specifies the kinds of employees who may not constitute a unit. Grants labor organizations which have been given exclusive recognition below the agency level national consultation rights, and requires that such organizations be informed of proposed changes in conditions of employment. Stipulates that a labor organization, accorded exclusive recognition, becomes the exclusive representative of all employees in the unit, and requires that such organization represent the interest of all such employees regardless of organization membership. Requires that labor organizations be given the opportunity to be represented at discussions between management and employees concerning personnel policies and practices, and matters affecting general working conditions, and that both parties meet and negotiate in good faith. Stipulates that any policy or regulation which affects conditions of employment of employees of an agency for which a labor organization holds exclusive recognition at the agency level shall be subject to negotiation. Establishes a Federal Personnel Policy Board to consider policies and regulations regarding conditions of employment in specified circumstances, to be comprised of management officials of the agencies and representatives of labor organizations holding exclusive recognition under this Act. Requires agencies to honor written assignments from employees which authorize the deduction from wages of amounts for the payment of regular dues of labor organizations having exclusive recognition, without cost to employees or organizations. Requires each employee in a unit having an exclusive representative, who is not a member of a recognized organization, to pay such organization an amount equal to the fees paid by a member. Defines conduct which will be considered an unfair labor practice for agencies and labor organizations. Authorizes the Authority to prevent such practices. Requires the General Counsel of the Authority to investigate charges of unfair labor practices, and authorizes the General Counsel to issue a complaint against such agency or organization. Requires the Authority to conduct hearings on such complaints and authorizes the subpena of documents and witnesses. Prescribes remedies for violations of this Act. Requires the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, upon request, to provide assistance to agencies and labor organizations in the resolution of negotiation impasses. Establishes within the Authority a Federal Service Impasses Panel which may, upon request, consider any matter which has not been resolved by other means. Authorizes the parties to adopt a procedure for binding arbitration of an impasse when voluntary arrangements have failed. Sets forth standards of conduct for labor organizations. Entitles any employee against whom an adverse action under this title is taken to appeal such action to the Civil Service Commission. Requires that agreements between agencies and organizations having exclusive recognition contain procedures for the settlement of grievances, including questions of arbitrability. Authorizes the filing of an exception with the Authority to an arbitrator's award, and specifies the procedures for review by the Authority. Outlines the procedure for judicial review in the United States courts of appeals of the Authority's orders. Authorizes the Authority to petition the appropriate United States district court for temporary relief. Stipulates that labor organizations and their members are subject to specified reporting and disclosure procedures. Authorizes official time to be given to employees, representing an exclusively recognized labor organization, for negotiation of agreements. Requires the Authority to maintain files of its proceedings and copies of agreements and decisions, and to publish its decisions and certain actions taken by the Panel. Requires the Authority, the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, and the Panel to prescribe rules and regulations. Modifies or repeals all laws inconsistent with this Act. Increases the compensation recoverable by employees found to have been affected by an unjustified or unwarranted personnel action. Sets forth the procedures to be followed by an agency in bringing an adverse action against an employee.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Health Security Act - Title I: Health Security Benefits - Makes every resident of the U.S. (and every non-resident citizen when in the U.S.) eligible for covered services. Permits reciprocal and "buy-in" agreements for groups or non-resident aliens, and in some cases benefits to U.S. residents when visiting in other countries. Entitles every eligible person to have payments made by the Health Security Board for covered services provided within the United States by a participating provider. Extends coverage to all necessary professional services of physicians, wherever furnished. Extends coverage to: (1) comprehensive dental services (exclusive of most orthodontic services) for children under age 15, with the covered age group increasing by two years each year until all those under age 25 are covered; (2) inpatient and outpatient hospital services and services of a home health agency; and (3) pathology and radiology services as parts of institutional services. Limits payment for skilled nursing home care. Limits the psychiatric hospital benefit to 45 consecutive days of active treatment during a spell of illness. Extends coverage to two categories of drug use: prescribed medicines administered to inpatients or outpatients within participating hospitals; or to enrollees of comprehensive health service organizations, and drugs necessary for the treatment of specified chronic illnesses or conditions requiring long or expensive therapy. Requires the Board and the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish two lists of approved drugs, taking into account the safety, efficacy and cost of each drug. Lists approved medicines available for use in institutions and by comprehensive health service organizations and those available for use outside such organized settings. Declares that the appliances benefit is similar in concept and operation to the drug benefit, subject to a limitation on aggregate cost. Extends coverage to professional services of optometrists and podiatrists, subject to regulations, and diagnostic or therapeutic services furnished by independent pathology laboratories and radiology services. Excludes from coverage: (1) health services furnished or paid for under a workmen's compensation law; and (2) services of a professional practitioner if they are furnished in a hospital which is not a participating provider. Requires that participating providers meet standards established in this title or by the Board. Makes professional practitioners licensed when the program becomes eligible to practice in the State where they are licensed and requires that all newly licensed applicants for participation meet national standards established by the Board in addition to existing State standards. Establishes conditions of participation for general hospitals. Makes psychiatric hospitals eligible to participate only if the Board finds that the hospital is engaged in furnishing active diagnostic, therapeutic and rehabilitative services to mentally ill patients. Establishes conditions of participation for skilled nursing homes similar to those established for extended care facilities under Medicare. Makes provisions for the participation of home health service agencies. Allows the participation of the following as providers of health services under this Act: (1) a health maintenance organization which undertakes to provide an enrolled population either with complete health care or, at least, with complete health security services (other than institutional services, mental health or dental services) for the maintenance of health and the care of ambulatory patients; (2) a foundation sponsored by a county or other local medical society; and (3) community health centers or the like which, though furnishing services as comprehensive as are required by this Act, do not serve an enrolled or otherwise predetermined population and may not meet other requirements of this Act. Authorizes the Board to deal separately with the primary care portion of a system of comprehensive health care where it is necessary to rely on arrangements with other providers. Permits the Board to contract directly with public or other nonprofit mental health centers and mental health day care services. Specifies the conditions under which independent pathology laboratories, independent radiological services, and providers of drugs, devices, appliances, equipment, or ambulance services may qualify as providers under Health Security. Requires that a participating skilled nursing home have in effect an agreement with at least one participating hospital for the transfer of patients and medical and other information as medically appropriate. Prohibits in malpractice judgments any damages to be awarded to the injured party for the cost of medical services which he is entitled to receive under this Act. Excludes the institutions of the Department of Defense and the Veterans Administration, and institutions of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare serving merchant seamen or Indians or Alaskan natives, from serving as participating providers, as well as any employee of these institutions when acting as an employee. Allows reimbursement for any services furnished by such institutions or agencies to eligible persons who are not a part of their normal clientele. Permits a physician, dentist, optometrist, or podiatrist, licensed in one State and meeting the national standards, to furnish Health Security benefits in any other State. Grants similar authority to other professional and nonprofessional health personnel. Establishes the Health Security Trust Fund, to receive the net assets of existing (Medicare) funds taken over by the Health Security program, the yield of the Health Security taxes, and the Government's contribution from general revenues amounting to 100 percent of the yield from these taxes. Directs that three separate accounts be established in the Health Security Trust Fund: a Health Service Account, a Health Resources Development Account, and an Administration Account. Make provision for allocation of the Health Services account among the regions of the country. Stipulates that the allocation to each region shall be based on the aggregate sum expended during the most recent 12-month period for covered services (with appropriate modification for estimated changes in the consumer price index, the expected number of eligible beneficiaries, and estimated changes in the number of participating providers). Directs the Board to divide the allocation to each region into funds available to pay: institutional services; physician services; dental services; furnishing of drugs; furnishing of devices, appliances, equipment; and miscellaneous services. Stipulates that payments for covered services provided to eligible persons by participating providers shall be made from the Health Service Account in the Trust Fund. Authorizes the Board to experiment with other methods of reimbursement so long as the experimental method does not increase the cost of service or lead to overutilization or underutilization of services. Stipulates that skilled nursing homes and home health agencies shall be paid in the same manner as a general hospital (on an approved annual budget basis). Stipulates that a health organization shall be paid for covered services, on the basis of a fixed capitation rate multiplied by the number of eligible enrollees. Authorizes special improvement grants: (1) to any public or other nonprofit health agency or institution to establish improved coordination and linkages with other providers of services; and (2) to organizations providing comprehensive ambulatory care, to improve their utilization review, budget, statistical, or records and information retrieval systems, to acquire equipment needed for those purposes, or to acquire equipment useful for mass screening or for other diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. Sets forth the responsibilities and duties of the Secretary of HEW and the Board with regard to this title. Creates an administrative structure within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare with exclusive responsibility for the administration of the Health Security program. Establishes a five-member, full-time Health Security Board serving under the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. Requires that the members be appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, for five-year overlapping terms. Establishes a National Health Security Advisory Council, with the Chairman of the Board serving as the Council's Chairman and 20 additional members not in the employ of the Federal Government. Authorizes the Advisory Council to appoint professional or technical committees to assist in its functions. Directs the Advisory Council to advise the Board on matters of general policy in the administration of the program, the formulation of regulations and the allocation of funds for services. Charges the Board with responsibility for informing the public and providers about the administration and operation of the Health Security program. Requires the Board to make a continuing study and evaluation of the program, including adequacy, quality and costs of services. Authorizes the Board to make detailed statistical and other studies on a national, regional, or local basis of any aspect of the title; to develop and test incentive systems for improving quality of care, methods of peer review of drug utilization and of other service performances; to develop and test systems of information retrieval, budget programs, instrumentation for multiphasic screening or patient services, and reimbursement systems for drugs; and to make such other studies which it considers would improve the quality of services and the administration of the program. Grants authority to the Board, in accordance with regulations, to make determinations of who are participating providers of services, determinations of eligibility, of whether services are covered, and the amount to be paid to providers. Allows a provider of services who is dissatisfied with a final Board determination to obtain a hearing before a Board panel, and judicial review of a final decision. Authorizes the Board, with the advice and assistance of the Commission on the Quality of Health Care, to issue and review regulations assuring the quality of care furnished under this Act. Requires continuing professional education by physicians, dentists, optometrists, and podiatrists. Authorizes the appointment of a Deputy Secretary of HEW and an Under Secretary for Health and Science. Stipulates that no provision of this Act shall alter any contractual obligation of an employer to provide health services to his employees and their dependents. Title II: Health Security Taxes - Converts the existing Medicare hospital insurance payroll taxes into Health Security taxes, and raises the rates to one percent on employees and 3.5 percent on employers. Excludes from the gross income of employees, for income tax purposes, payment by their employers of part or all of the Health Security taxes on the employees. Converts the existing Medicare self-employment tax into a Health Security self-employment tax, raising the rate to 2.5 percent. Adds a new one percent Health Security Tax on unearned income (unless such income is less than $400 a year), subject to the same maximum on taxable income as is applicable to the employee and self-employment taxes. Title III: Commission on the Quality of Health Care - Establishes in the Department of HEW a Commission on the Quality of Health Care, with the primary responsibility of: (1) initiating and continuing development of methods of assessing the quality of health care furnished under the Health Security Act; and (2) submitting to the Secretary and the Health Security Board its findings and recommendations. Stipulates that in carrying out its duties the Commission shall emphasize, and give first consideration to, care furnished for those illnesses and conditions which have relatively high incidence in the population and which are relatively amenable to medical or other care. Title IV: Repeal or Amendment of Other Acts - Requires that after the effective date of benefits received under this Act no State shall be required to furnish any service covered under Health Security as a part of its State plan for participation under Medicaid. Title V: Studies Related to Health Security - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare in consultation with the Secretary of State and the Secretary of the Treasury to study the coverage of health services for U.S. residents in other countries. Directs the Secretary of HEW to study the feasibility and desirability of coordinating the Federal health benefit programs for merchant seamen and Indians and Alaskan natives and also veterans and members of the Armed Forces, with the Health Security Benefit Program.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1976
Requests a United States Government policy toward Namibia which maintains the commitment of the United States to provisions of United Nations Security Council resolutions numbered 276, 301, and 385, which call for withdrawal of South African administration of Namibia and transfer of power to Namibians. Request United States adherence to policies which uphold additional obligations toward Namibia set forth in International Court of Justice decisions.
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 1976
Amends Rule X of the Rules of the House of Representatives by replacing the Committee on the District of Columbia with the Committee on Urban and District of Columbia Affairs. States that the Committee shall have jurisdiction over all measures relating to the municipal affairs of the District of Columbia in general, other than appropriations therefor. Provides that the committee shall have the function of studying and investigating the problems confronting urban areas, including problems relating to municipal fiscal affairs.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1976
Amends the Service Contract Act of 1965 to extend its coverage to professional employees who are paid at a rate not exceeding the rate received by Federal government employees in grade 15 of the General Schedule. Requires that the minimum fringe benefits and salaries paid to such employees conform to the most recent National Survey of Professional, Administrative, Technical, and Clerical Pay issued by the Department of Labor.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1976
Youth Opportunities Industrialization Centers Job Creation and Training Act - Directs the Secretary of Labor to enter into contracts with Opportunities Industrialization Centers, Incorporated, and with any other nonprofit community-based organization for the provision of (1) comprehensive employment services and jobs for unemployed persons, especially unemployed youth; (2) career education and counseling services for secondary school students; (3) career education for unemployed persons, especially unemployed youth; or (4) work-study projects in community development and improvement for unemployed youth. Directs the head of each Federal agency administering enumerated revenue sharing and public works programs to assure that special consideration is given to Opportunities Industrialization Centers and other nonprofit community-based organizations for the provision of comprehensive employment services and job opportunities for unemployed persons. Specifies standards and guidelines relative to contracts entered into under this Act, including guidelines with respect to (1) persons and types of positions to be given priority under job placement programs, (2) mandatory benefits and maximum salaries of positions filled under job placement programs, and (3) hiring preference and working conditions regarding the staffs of contract programs. Amends the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act to authorize the Secretary of Labor to provide financial assistance for year-round jobs for economically disadvantaged youths. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to qualify wages paid to specified previously unemployed persons for the work incentive program expenses credit.
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
Condemns the murders of Orlando Letelier and Ronni Karpen Moffitt and the serious injury of Michael Moffitt. Urges a complete and thorough investigation by federal authorities of the circumstances surrounding the bombing.
United States · United States Congress · 8 September 1976
Legal Fees Reimbursement Act - Provides that in any legal action initiated by the government, or in any action instituted by a taxpayer contesting the accuracy of a deficiency or claiming a refund of taxes paid where the taxpayer prevails, or substantially prevails, the Government shall be liable for the reimbursement in full of all reasonable litigation expenses incurred by the taxpayer as a consequence of legal defense, under the Internal Revenue Code.
United States · United States Congress · 2 September 1976
Foreclosure Forebearance Standards Act - Requires any person who makes a federally related mortgage loan to maintain facilities sufficient to insure availability of information concerning such mortgage. States that within 60 days after payments on a mortgage become delinquent and within 30 days before the initiation of any foreclosure proceedings the following must occur: (1) a meeting with the mortgagor to work out a repayment plan; and (2) a transfer of information with respect to such proceedings to the mortgagor. Places restraints on the initiation proceedings, including the requirement that a mortgagee refrain from instituting such proceedings until at least three full monthly installments are due and unpaid, except where the mortgagor abandons the secured property. States that a mortgagee must cease foreclosure proceedings where a mortgagor tenders the total amount due plus attorney's fees. Provides that any mortgagee who fails to comply with state requirements shall no longer be eligible for Federal assistance. Defines the term "federally related mortgage loan" for purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 30 August 1976
Older American Special Nutritional and Medical Assistance Act - Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to direct the Commissioner on Aging to establish a program to make supplemental food available to older persons determined to be nutritional risks because of inadequate nutrition and inadequate income. Directs the Commissioner to establish a program to make medical services and medical supplies available to older persons determined to be in special need of such services and supplies because of their medical condition and inadequate income. Requires States receiving grants for such purposes to distribute such grants to local health or welfare agencies or private nonprofit agencies. Requires the Commissioner to insure that foods, services, and supplies provided under this Act will be delivered to homes of older persons otherwise unable to procure them. Requires the Commissioner to insure that there is an equitable distribution of such foods, services, and supplies to older persons residing in rural areas. Requires the Commissioner and the Comptroller General to submit to Congress an interim evaluation report and a final evaluation report, detailing the administration of any program established under this Act together with legislative and administrative recommendations. Authorizes the appropriation of specified sums in fiscal years 1977 through 1979 to carry out the purposes of this Act.
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
Amends the Service Contract Act of 1965 to redefine "service employees" for purposes of Federal service contract labor standards.
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
Requires that electric power in the soutwestern power area be sold at agreed points of delivery and at uniform, nondiscriminatory rates. Stipulates that agreed points of delivery shall not be changed unilaterally by the Secretary of the Interior.