United States · United States Congress · 2 September 1976
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the President shall submit a full report to Congress on fundamental human rights and cultural freedoms in Romania with special emphasis on the national minorities, showing concrete measures taken to ameliorate their situation by the Romanian Government. Directs that should no ameliorative measures occur, it is the sense of the House that the 1975 United States-Romanian Trade Agreement and the most-favored-nation treatment of the Socialist Republic of Romania shall not be extended.
United States · United States Congress · 1 September 1976
Expresses the sense of the Congress that Georgi Vins should be released from imprisonment and that the Government of the Soviet Union should allow him and all other religious believers within its borders to worship God freely, as the Soviet Union is committed to do by the provisions of its constitution and by the provisions of the United Nations Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
United States · United States Congress · 10 August 1976
Expresses the general policy of the United States Government to rely upon private commercial sources for the goods and services required to meet Government needs, and that this policy be administered by the Office of Federal Procurement Policy.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1976
Comprehensive Right-to-Quality Medical Care Act - Requires that any Federal officer or agency proposing any health care regulation submit such regulation to each House of Congress together with a report containing a full explanation thereof. Allows either House of Congress to keep the proposed regulation from becoming effective by adopting a resolution disapproving the regulation because: (1) it contains provisions contrary to law; (2) it is inconsistent with the intent of Congress; or (3) it goes beyond the mandate of the legislation which it is designed to implement or in the administration of which it is designed to be used. Establishes rules for the consideration of any resolution regarding such proposed regulations. Requires the head of any Federal agency or department, at least 60 days prior to the initial publication of any health cost regulation, to submit notice of intended publication and the text of such regulation to the appropriate committees of the House of Representatives and the Senate. Amends the Social Security Act to repeal specified Medicare utilization review provisions, specified utilization review provisions and maternal and child health programs, and specified professional standards review provisions. Guarantees the confidentiality of medical records of any patient whose medical or dental care is not paid by the Federal Government, under a Federal program, or by any program receiving Federal financial assistance, unless such patient has authorized such disclosure.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1976
Expresses the sense of the Congress that article I, section 6 of the Constitution of the United States does not grant any immunity from arrest or prosecution on a charge of violation of any criminal statute of any jurisdiction to a Member of either House of the Congress. Directs that all law enforcement agencies operating within the District of Columbia be made aware of this fact.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1976
Authorizes appropriations for grants to the Navajo Community College for fiscal years 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, and 1982, of $10,000,000 for construction costs. Authorizes appropriations of an annual sum for operation and maintenance of the college equal to the average amount of the per capita contribution made by the Federal Government to the education of Indian students at federally operated institutions of the same type.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1976
Creates a House select committee which shall conduct an investigation of all records, memorandums, papers, documents, books, and other information of any standing or select committee of the House or officer of the House respecting expenses incurred by or on behalf of any such committee or its members or employees.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1976
Eliminates the requirement, under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, that new drugs be regulated according to their effectiveness. States that such drugs be regulated solely to assure their safety.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1976
Requires the United States to pay to any defendant who prevails in a civil action in which the United States is a plaintiff a reasonable attorney's fee and other reasonable litigation costs.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1976
Eliminates the requirement, under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, that new drugs be regulated according to their effectiveness. States that such drugs be regulated solely to assure their safety.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1976
Right to Financial Privacy Act - Prohibits any financial institution from disclosing to a Federal agency any financial record of a customer unless such customer has so authorized or a valid warrant, subpena or summons has been obtained according to the terms of this Act. Provides civil and criminal penalties for violations of this Act, in addition to injunctive relief.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1976
Voting Rights Act Repealer Amendments Act - Amends the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to repeal the prohibitions against voting qualifications, prerequisites, tests, or devices which abridge the right of a citizen to vote who is a member of a language minority. Repeals the requirement that States and other political subdivisions make available registration and voting materials, and voting assistance in languages other than English in areas where (1) more than five percent of the citizens belong to a single language minority, and (2) the illiteracy rate of such minority exceeds the national rate.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 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 · 8 April 1976
Voting Rights Act Repealer Amendments Act - Amends the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to repeal the prohibitions against voting qualifications, prerequisites, tests, or devices which abridge the right of a citizen to vote who is a member of a language minority. Repeals the requirement that States and other political subdivisions make available registration and voting materials, and voting assistance in languages other than English in areas where (1) more than five percent of the citizens belong to a single language minority, and (2) the illiteracy rate of such minority exceeds the national rate.
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1976
Authorizes the President to issue annually a proclamation designating the seven-day period commencing on April 30 of each year as "National Beta Sigma Phi Week," to recognize the National Beta Sigma Phi Sorority and its social, cultural, and service programs.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1976
Housing Authorization Act - Increases the authorization of funds for the following programs administered by the Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD): (1) housing assistance; (2) comprehensive planning; (3) research; and (4) flood insurance. Authorizes an increase in appropriations for HUD's administrative expenses for fiscal year 1977. Increases mortgage limitations under the National Housing Act homeownership assistance programs. Extends assistance under the Emergency Homeowners' Relief Act and the Emergency Home Purchase Assistance Act through fiscal year 1977. Reallocates community development block grant funds under the Housing and Community Development Act. Amends the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 to exempt from provisions of the Act requiring flood insurance, any loan to finance a residence acquired prior to March 1, 1976, or one year following identification of the area where such building is located as a flood hazard area, whichever is later. Sets limitations on the funds available for the Rehabilitation Loan Program of the Housing Act of 1964 for fiscal year 1977. Authorizes appropriations of $500,000,000 to cover losses sustained by the General Insurance Fund under the National Housing Act. Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to increase construction and rehabilitation of units in connection with the Housing Assistance Payments Program. Extends the period of assistance payments for low-income housing where the dwelling unit is unoccupied, so long as a good faith effort is made to fill the unit and the unit provides decent, safe, and sanitary housing. Amends the Community Development Act of 1974 to allow the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to extend discretionary grant funds to specified new community projects. Increases from $800,000,000 to $1,475,000,000 the amount authorized to be appropriated for long-term direct loans to nonprofit sponsors for construction of housing for the elderly and the handicapped. Amends the Housing Act of 1949 to provide that the interest rates for loans for the construction of rural housing shall be determined by the Secretary of the Treasury upon request of the Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Amends the National Housing Act to allow the Federal Housing Administration to insure supplemental loans for hospitals. Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to make grants to any State, metropolitan city, or urban county which meets the requirements of a community development program as specified in the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974. Authorizes appropriations of such sums as are necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act. Sets forth allocation requirements with respect to such grants. States that in any calendar quarter, 75 percent shall be allocated to metropolitan cities and urban counties, except that the Secretary may establish such percentage as he deems appropriate in view of unemployment and related factors. Requires that employment data, determined by the Secretary of Labor, shall be utilized to establish the supplementary grant amounts which will be distributed in any calendar quarter. Stipulates that any metropolitan city or urban county which has been allocated supplementary grant assistance shall submit an application which outlines the proposed job intensive use and demonstrates that the use is consistent with the recipient's community development program.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1976
Amends the Housing Act of 1949 to expand the definitions of "rural" and "rural areas" to include places not part of or associated with an urban area which have a population of between 10,000 and 20,000 people and which have a serious lack of mortgage credit for lower- and moderate-income families.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1976
Authorizes the President to issue a proclamation designating the week beginning April 4, 1976, as "National Rural Health Week." Urges improved health services and intensified dissemination of health information for rural America.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1976
Title I: Amends the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 to increase the amount of appropriations authorized under such Act to $300,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, $450,000,000 for fiscal year 1978, $625,000,000 for fiscal year 1979, and $800,000,000 for each fiscal year thereafter through fiscal year 1989. Revises procedures for the apportionment of land and water conservation fund moneys to States by the Secretary of the Interior. Imposes public participation requirements with respect to the preparation of comprehensive statewide outdoor recreation plans. Authorizes Federal financial assistance for the planning and development of sheltered facilities for swimming pools and ice skating rinks, provided specified conditions are met. Title II: Amends the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 to establish a historic preservation fund in the United States Treasury. Stipulates that $24,400,000 for fiscal year 1977, $75,000,000 annually for fiscal years 1978 and 1979 and $100,000,000 annually for each fiscal year thereafter until fiscal year 1989 be covered into the fund from revenues due and payable to the United States under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act and other Federal Mining laws. Stipulates that such moneys shall remain available until appropriated to carry out the purposes of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. Authorizes the appropriation of $175,000 per year for fiscal years 1977,1978, and 1979 for the International Center for the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1976
Prohibits the inspection, acquisition, or requisition by officers, employees, agents or departments of the United States of the medical or dental records of patients not receiving assistance from the Federal Government. Imposes penalties for violation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1976
National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act - Authorizes the appropriation of designated sums to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration for research and development programs, construction of facilities including land acquisition, and research and program management. Permits utilization of research and development appropriations for: (1) items of a capital nature which may be required at locations other than installations of the Administration for the performance of research and development contracts, and (2) grants to nonprofit institutions of higher education, or to nonprofit organizations whose primary purpose is the conduct of scientific research, for purchase or construction of additional research facilities. Sets forth further guidelines regarding the use and availability of funds appropriated pursuant to this Act. Specifies procedures where amounts designated for specific programs may be varied upward and whereby up to one half of one percent of the funds appropriated for research and development may be combined with $10,000,000 of funds appropriated for facility construction to construct or modify laboratories or other installations deemed by the Administration to be immediatley needed. Prohibits utilization of sums appropriated pursuant to this Act for: (1) any research or management program in excess of the amount specifically authorized for that program, (2) any program deleted by Congress from requests originally made, or (3) any program which has not been presented to either the House Committee on Science and Technology or the Senate Committee on Aeronautical and Space Sciences unless each such Committee has been given notice of any such proposed action and transmits written notice to the Administration that it has no objection. Directs the Administration to consider geographical distribution whenever feasible in allocating its research and development funds. Authorizes the Administration, when so provided in appropriation Acts, to enter into and to maintain a contract for tracking and data relay satellite services. Establishes an additional Associate Administrator for Advanced Research and Technology within the Administration. Revises the compensation of members of the Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel. Expresses the sense of Congress regarding the need for, and the construction, modernization, and availability of aeronautical test facilities. Declares that Congress finds that the general welfare of the United States requires application of the Administration's expertise to ground propulsion systems research and development.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1976
Social Security Reform Amendments - Repeals the earnings limitation under title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act. Provides benefits under such title to husbands, widowers, and fathers on the same basis as wives, widows, and mothers who presently receive benefits. Eliminates the five-month waiting period for disability benefits. Continues the benefit entitlement under such title through the month of the beneficiary's death. Permits individuals 65 years of age or older to elect an exemption from Social Security coverage and payment of Social Security taxes. Eliminates marriage or remarriage of a beneficiary as a factor in terminating or reducing the amount of benefits available. Authorizes direct payments to physicians and other providers at their option under the supplementary medical insurance program of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 December 1975
Truth in Government Accounting Act - Requires that the United States Government prepare and make public annual consolidated financial statements utilizing the accrual method of accounting.
United States · United States Congress · 10 December 1975
Occupational Safety and Health Reform Act - Makes it the purpose of this Act to improve the administration of the Occupational Safety and Health Act and to provide for regulatory procedures related to such administration. States that the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare shall not propose any rule promulgating a new occupational health or safety standard before he: (1) has, as part of each such proposal, reviewed and published in the Federal Register the financial impact of such proposed standard; and (2) has determined with due regard for that impact that the benefit to be derived from such standard justifies such proposal. Provides that no standard adopted or promulgated shall require any employer to phase out, change, or replace existing equipment or facilities before the normal useful life of that equipment or facility has expired unless failure to so phase out, change, or replace that equipment or facility prematurely would result in a serious violation. Directs the Secretary to prescribe, as soon as practicable after the date of enactment of this Act, as part of each existing standard adopted under the Occupational Safety and Health Act: (1) the estimated average and maximum cost per unit to the average employer who is subject to that standard for compliance with the conditions, practices, means, methods, operation, or process used or proposed to be used by that employer under that standard; and (2) the period within which it is, in fact, possible for such employers to meet such standard including, but not limited to, availability of required devices, and possibility of performance of required procedures. Sets forth requirements with respect to notifying an employer of violations of the requirements prescribed pursuant to this Act. States that any employer who has been found to be not in compliance with any rule or standard adopted or promulgated under this Act shall not receive a notice for such violation if he is able to show: (1) that implementing such rule or standard would not materially affect the safety or health of his employees in the facility inspected; (2) that he has employed alternative procedures to protect his employees from the hazards contemplated by the rule or standard which are as effective in protecting the safety and health of his employees; or (3) that he has furnished adequate notice and exerted all reasonable efforts, pursuant to such regulations as the Secretary may prescribe, to obtain the compliance of his employee, that such violation was attributable to such employees, and that he could not otherwise have reasonably prevented such violation. Sets forth procedures for enforcement of these regulations. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into compliance agreements with an employer believed to be in violation of an occupational safety and health standard promulgated pursuant to such Act under which enforcement and penalty provisions are waived or deferred upon condition that the employer will voluntarily comply with the applicable standard upon such terms and conditions as the Secretary determines appropriate under the circumstances. States that failure of an employer to abide by such an agreement may be taken into account in resulting enforcement and penalty procedures. Directs the Secretary to provide technical advice, assistance, and consultation to employers with less than 100 employees whenever it is necessary to assist them in complying with applicable standards.
United States · United States Congress · 9 December 1975
Declares it to be the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the Government of the United States should maintain and protect its sovereign rights and jurisdiction over the canal and zone, and should in no way cede, dilute, forfeit, negotiate, or transfer any of these sovereign rights, power, authority, jurisdiction, territory, or property that are indispensably necessary for the protection and security of the United States and the entire Western Hemisphere; (2) that there be no relinquishment or surrender of any presently vested United States sovereign right, power, or authority or property, tangible or intangible, except by treaty authorized by the Congress and duly ratified by the United States; and (3) that there be no recession to Panama, or other divestiture of any United States-owned property, tangible or intangible, without prior authorization by the Congress (House and Senate), as provided in article IV, section 3, clause 2 of the United States Constitution.
United States · United States Congress · 14 November 1975
Provides that no debt owned to the United States by any foreign country may be settled in an amount less than full value of such debt unless the Congress by concurrent resolution approves of such settlement.
United States · United States Congress · 12 November 1975
Limits United States contributions to the United Nations to an amount bearing the same ratio to the total budget of the United Nations and its affiliated agencies as the vote of the United States in the United Nations General Assembly bears to the total number of member states in the United Nations General Assembly.
United States · United States Congress · 28 October 1975
National Food Stamp Reform Act - Defines "household" under the Food Stamp Act as meaning a group of individuals who are sharing common living quarters, but who are not residents of an institution or boarding house, and who have access to cooking facilities and for whom food is customarily purchased in common. Provides that the Secretary of Agriculture may not approve any plan which permits any household to simultaneously participate in both the food stamp program and the distribution of federally donated foods. Requires the Secretary to establish uniform national standards of eligibility for participation by households in the food stamp program. States that the income standards of eligibility shall be the income poverty guidelines prescribed by the Office of Management and Budget adjusted pursuant to the Economic Opportunity Act. Directs the Secretary to prescribe additional standards of eligibility which shall include, but not be limited to, the amounts of liquid and nonliquid assets. Provides that household income for purposes of the food stamp program shall be the gross income of the household less: (1) a standard deduction of $100 a month applicable to all households; (2) an additional deduction of $25 a month for any household in which there at least one member who is age sixty-five or older. Limits eligibility to participate in the food stamp program to citizens and aliens lawfully admitted for permanent residency. States that no individual shall be considered eligible for the food stamp program as a member of a household if he is: (1) over 18; (2) is enrolled at an institution of higher education; and (3) is a dependent child for income tax purposes of a taxpayer who is not a member of an eligible household. Prohibits households which transfer liquid or nonliquid assets for the purpose of qualifying for the food stamp program from becoming eligible for at least a ninety-day period. Requires the Secretary to issue photo identification cards to households certified eligible to participate in the program. States that households shall be charged thirty percent of their income for the coupon allotment issued to them. Provides that if a State agency does not comply with the provisions of the Food Stamp Act, the Secretary may refer the matter to the Attorney General with a request for an injunction, or he may direct that there be no further inssuance of coupons in the political subdivisions where such failure has occurred until such time as satisfactory corrective action has been taken. Directs the Secretary to pay to each State agency out of funds appropriated by Congress an amount equal to 75 percent of all direct costs of State food stamp program investigations, prosecutions, and State activities related to recovering losses sustained in the food stamp program. Provides for a civil money penalty of up to $10,000 for each violation of the Food Stamp Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 October 1975
Condemns the resolution adopted by the Third Committee of the United Nations General Assembly which equates Zionism with racism, and urges the U.N. General Assembly to disapprove such resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 1975
Provides that the Administrator of the Small Business Administration may render onsite consultation and advice to small business employers who request such assistance in writing to assist such employers in providing safe and healthful working conditions for their employees. Provides that the Administration may issue recommendations and/or written notice with respect to hazards and/or serious violations under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, but no citation or civil penalty shall follow directly from such onsite consultation and advice.
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1975
Requires Executive agencies to submit proposes ruless and an explanation thereof to Congress. Provides that such proposes rules shall become effective within 60 days after submission unless either House of Congress disapproves of such rules by resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1975
Peer Review and Grants Management Act - Adds a new title to the National Science Foundation Act. Requires the Director of the National Science Foundation to establish a Peer Review Office to administer a peer review system for the evaluation of all grant proposals submitted to the Foundation. Directs the Office to: (1) maintain a list of peer reviewers available to evaluate grant proposals submitted to the Foundation; (2) maintain a log of all solicitations by program officers of evaluations; (3) maintain a list of all proposals submitted for funding during each fiscal year; (4) furnish to applicants upon request the names and institutional affiliation of all peer reviewers and complete signed copies of all peer review evaluations; and (5) report to Congress all information required to be maintained by the Office. Requires the Foundation to establish provisions for appellate procedures to independently review, upon request of any applicant, proposals disapproved by the Foundation. Directs the Foundation to establish a program to upgrade the science programs of small public and private four-year institutions of higher education in all areas of the country. Requires the Foundation to provide complete information, data, and documents to applicants, Members and committees of Congress, and the general public.
United States · United States Congress · 5 September 1975
Calls upon the National Park Service to take all appropriate steps to assure the availability of lodging and other services in the National Park System.
United States · United States Congress · 3 September 1975
Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States Government while engaged in a lessening of tensions with the People's Republic of China, do nothing to compromise continued close relations with the Republic of China.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1975
Declares the solidarity of the United States Congress in support of the democratic aspirations of the Portuguese people. Denounces the conspirational maneuvers of the Communists. Calls for congressional hearings on the Portuguese crisis. Urges NATO to warn Moscow against supporting communist subversion in Portugal. Calls upon Moscow to terminate such actions. Requests that the Department of State ask the Helsinki Conference to adopt a resolution proclaiming the right of the Portuguese people to determine their form of government through free election, and to appoint a committee to supervise such an election.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 1975
Electric Vehicle Research, Development and Demonstration Act - Declares it to be the policy of the United States and the purpose of this Act to demonstrate the commercial feasibility of electric and hybrid vehicles for urban indiviual and business use, and to encourage research and development in new technologies for electric vehicles with wider applications, in order to promote long-range conservation of liquid fuel and reduce environmental pollution. Defines terms as used in this Act. States that a hybrid vehicle is one propelled by a combination of an electric motor and an internal combustion engine. Directs the Administrator of the Energy Research and Development Administration to initiate and provide for the conduct of research and development in areas related to electric and hybrid vehicles. Directs the Administrator to enter into such contracts as may be necessary and appropriate: (1) for the production, within one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, of significant numbers of urban passenger and commercial vehicles which have electric propulsion systems on conventional chassis; and (2) for the production, within three years after such date, of significant numbers of urban passenger and commercial vehicles which are specifically designed for electric propulsion as the primary power source. Directs the United States Postal Service, the General Services Administration, the Secretary of Defense, and the heads of other Federal agencies to arrange for the introduction of electric and hybrid vehicles into their fleets as soon as possible. Provides guaranties of loans made to small businesses for commercial development of electric and hybrid vehicles. Authorizes the appropriation of an amount not to exceed $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1976, $40,000,000 for 1977, $30,000,000 for 1978, $60,000,000 for 1979 and $20,000,000 for 1980; to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1975
Provides in addition to the punishment otherwise provided for the commission of a felony that anyone who uses a firearm to commit any felony, or carries a firearm unlawfully during the commission of any felony, the commission of which may be prosecuted in a court of the United States, shall be sentenced to a term of imprisonment for not less than two years nor more than ten years. Allows the United States to appeal a suspended or probationary sentence following a first conviction under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 1975
Disapproves the loan of three landing craft (LCM-8's) to Panama, as proposed by the letter from the Department of the Navy of May 5, 1975, to the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 1975
Food Supplement Amendment - Defines the term "food supplement" for purposes of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetics Act to mean food for special dietary uses, and defines the meaning of "special dietary uses" as particular uses of food for man which meets specified requirements. Provides that in administering such Act the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare shall not limit the potency, number, combination, amount, or variety of any synthetic or natural vitamin, mineral, or other nutritional substance or ingredient of any food for special dietary uses unless such articles is injurious to health in the recommended dosage.
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 1975
Authorizes the President to issue a proclamation designating the week in November which includes Thanksgiving Day in each year as "National Family Week."
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1975
National Food Stamp Reform Act - Defines the term "income" as used in the Food Stamp Act 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 a color photograph of the recipient. 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 "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 closer 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 · 12 June 1975
Indian Health Care Improvement Act - States that the Congress declares that it is the policy of this Nation, in fulfillment of its special responsibilities and legal obligation to the American Indian people, to meet the national goal of providing the highest possible health status to Indians and to provide existing Indian health services with all resources necessary to effect that policy. Defines the terms used in this Act. Title I: Indian Health Manpower - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare acting through the Indian Health Service, to make grants to public or nonprofit private health or educational entities or Indian tribes or tribal organizations to assist such entities in meeting the costs of: (1) identifying Indians with a potential for education or training in the health professions and encouraging and assisting them; (2) publicizing existing sources of financial aid available to Indians enrolled in any medical or health-related school referred to in this Act or who are undertaking training necessary to qualify them to enroll in any such school; or (3) establishing other programs which the Secretary determines will enhance and facilitate the enrollment of Indians, and the subsequent pursuit and completion by them of courses of study, in any school referred to in this Act. Authorizes to be appropraited specified sums for each of the seven fiscal years commencing with that of 1977 for payment of such grants. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Service, to make scholarship grants for up to two years to Indians who: (1) have successfully completed their high school education or high school equivalency; and (2) have demonstrated the capability to successfully complete courses of study in schools of medicine, osteopathy, dentistry, veterinary medicine, optometry, podiatry, pharmacy, public health, nursing, or allied health professions. Authorizes appropriations for scholarship grants of $2,000,000 for fiscal year 1977; $2,500,000 for fiscal year 1978; and similar sums through fiscal year 1983. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Service, to make scholarship grants to individuals who are enrolled in schools of medicine, osteopathy, denistry, veterinary medicine, optometry, podiatry, pharmacy, public health, nursing, or allied health professions, and who agree to provide their professional services to Indians after the completion of their professional training. Authorizes appropriations for such grants of specified sums for the fiscal years 1977 through 1983, and of such sums as are necessary for the succeeding fiscal years, to continue to make scholarship grants under this Act to individuals who have received such grants prior to the end of the fifth fiscal year and who are eligible for such grants during each such succeeding fiscal year. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Service, to make grants to individuals, nonprofit entities, appropriate public or private agencies, educational institutions, or Indian tribes and tribal organizations to enable the recipients of such grants to establish and carry out programs to train individuals so as to enable them to provide their services to Indians. Authorizes to be appropriated specified sums to carry out such provisions for the fiscal years 1977 through 1983. States that the Secretary may provide allowances to health professionals employed in the Service to enable them for a period of time each year prescribed by regulation of the Secretary to take leave of their duty stations for professional consultation and refresher training courses. Title II: Health Services - Authorizes the Secretary to expend specific amounts of funds over a five-fiscal year period for the following health services: (1) patient care; (2) field health, excluding dental care; (3) dental care; (4) mental health; (5) provision of health care personnel in primary and secondary Bureau of Indian Affairs schools; and (6) maintenance and repair. Title III: Health Facilities - Authorizes the Secretary to expend $528,637,000 over a seven-fiscal year period in order to eliminate inadequate, outdated, and otherwise unsatisfactory service in hospitals, health centers, health stations, staff housing, and other service facilities. Authorizes the Secretary to expend $378,000,000 within a five-fiscal year period following the enactment of this Act, to supply unmet needs for safe water and sanitary waste disposal facilities in existing and new Indian homes and communities. Title IV: Access to Health Services - Provides that the Secretary may enter into agreements with the appropriate State agency for the purpose of reimbursing such agency for health care and services provided in Service facilities to Indians who are beneficiaries of the Medicaid provisions of the Social Security Act. Title V: Health Services for the Urban Indians - Directs the Secretary, acting through the Service, to enter into contracts with urban Indian organizations to assist such organizations to establish and administer, in the urban centers in which such organizations are situated, programs which meet the requirements set forth in this Act of making health services more accessible to the urban Indian population. Authorizes to be appropriated for the purpose of this title $5,000,000 for fiscal year 1977; $10,000,000,000 for fiscal year 1978; and $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1979. Title VI: Miscellaneous - Requires the Secretary to report annually to the President and the Congress on progress made in effecting the purposes of this Act. Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary of $150,000 to support a one-year study by the National Indian Health Board of mental health problems, including alcoholism and related problems, among Indians.