United States · United States Congress · 14 September 1977
Exempts disaster payments made in connection with the 1977 crops of wheat, feed grains, upland cotton, and rice from the payment limitations contained in the Agricultural Act of 1970 and the Agricultural Act of 1949.
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 1977
Authorizes the House Select Committee on Assassinations to make applications to courts and to bring and defend lawsuits arising out of subpoenas, orders immunizing witnesses and compelling them to testify, testimony or production of evidence, and failure to testify or produce evidence.
United States · United States Congress · 8 September 1977
Constitutional Amendment - Permits religious observances in governmental institutions and public places. Permits reference to a supreme being in a governmental or public document, activity, place, or on money. Declares that this amendment shall not constitute establishment of religion.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1977
Declares it the sense of Congress that our relations with the Republic of China should be continued, and that improved relations with the People's Republic of China can be accomplished without impairing our friendship with the Republic of China.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1977
Amends the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) to establish exceptions to the definition of the term " to use any registered pesticide in a manner inconsistent with its labeling. Amends FIFRA to prohibit the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency from using data previously submitted by a successful applicant for a pesticide registration to support a later applicant, unless (1) eight years have passed since the data was originally submitted; (2) the original data submitter has consented to use; or (3) the later data submitter offers to compensate the original submitter for such use. Specifies a procedure for negotiation and arbitration of the amount of compensation. Establishes procedures governing the generation of data needed to maintain existing registrations if the original data is incomplete or inadequate. Directs the Administrator to prescribe procedures for the registration of pesticides. Directs the Administrator, in establishing standards for data requirements for the registration of pesticides intended for minor uses, to (1) make the standards commensurate with the anticipated extent and pattern of use, and the level and degree of potential exposure of man and environment to the pesticides; and (2) consider the economic factors of volume of use and extent of distribution, and the impact of the cost of meeting such requirements. Authorizes the Administrator to conditionally register or amend registration of pesticides in accordance with prescribed criteria utilizing abbreviated procedures. Requires the Administrator, if practicable, to conduct programs for the certification of pesticides in accordance with prescribed criteria utilizing abbreviated procedures. Requires the Administrator, if practicable, to conduct programs for the certification of pesticide applicators in States for which a State plan for such applicators has not been approved by October 20, 1977. Requires the Administrator to issue a notice of intent to cancel a conditional registration if the condition upon which the registration was based has not been satisfied within the time required. Authorizes the Administrator, upon such cancellation, to permit the continued sale and use of existing stocks of the pesticide if it is determined that such action is not inconsistent with the purposes of the Act and will not have an unreasonable adverse effect on the environment. Revises the trade secrets provision of such Act to require disclosure of information relating to tests and testing methodology concerning the effects of pesticides on the environment. Authorizes the Administrator to disclose otherwise confidential information to individuals contracting with the Government if such disclosure is necessary in order to assure satisfactory performance of work by the contractor in connection with FIFRA. Establishes penalties for willful disclosure of FIFRA protected trade secrets to unauthorized persons by Government employees. Includes Indian tribes within provisions of the Act relating to cooperative agreements with the Administrator for training and enforcement programs. Requires the registration of (1) establishments producing active ingredients used in producing pesticides, and (2) establishments producing pesticides or active ingredients for export. Authorizes the appropriation of $46,636,000, $54,500,000, and $70,000,000 for fiscal years 1977-1979, respectively, to carry out the provisions of FIFRA. Requires the Administrator to perform a study examining the feasibility of assessing and collecting fees to cover the costs incurred in the FIFRA pesticide registration program. Establishes standards for State enforcement of pesticide use laws and regulations. Revises the definition of "misbranded" to include a nonregistered pesticide intended for export which bears a label not containing the phrase: "Not Registered fro use in the United States of America."
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 1977
Makes it unlawful for any individual or entity to solicit to enroll or enroll any member of the armed forces in any labor organization, or for any member of the armed forces to join, or encourage other members to join, any labor union. Prescribes a penalty of not more than five years imprisonment for any individual violating this Act, and a fine of not less than $25,000 nor more than $50,000 for any labor organization in violation of this Act. (Adds 10 U.S.C. 975)
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 1977
Declares that the Federal Power Commission and other Federal agencies with authority over the allocation of natural gas shall give the highest priority to specified agricultural uses, including irrigation, grain drying, and the production of fertilizer and other agricultural chemicals.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1977
Directs the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a one year review of toxic and carcinogenic substances including: (1) current capabilities to predict the effect on humans of substances found to induce cancer in animals; (2) the benefits and risks to the public of such substances; (3) the validity of benefit-risk analysis of such substances; and (4) the relationship of Federal regulatory policies concerning the use of such substances for food and for non-food purposes. Directs the Institute to report its findings and legislative and administrative recommendations to the Congress and the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare within one year. Authorizes the continued use of saccharin for eighteen months. Prohibits the Secretary from taking any action under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to prohibit or restrict the sale or distribution (other than requiring labeling) of saccharin.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 1977
Tuition Tax Relief Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals alternative, limited income tax credits or deductions for the tuition paid for the primary, secondary or higher education of the taxpayer, or the taxpayer's spouse spouse and dependents.
United States · United States Congress · 2 June 1977
Authorizes the President of the United States to designate the week beginning on the Sunday preceding the fourth Thursday in November of each year as "National Family Week".
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1977
Increases the period of veterans' education assistance from 45 to 54 months, and eliminates the delimiting period. Grants eligibility for such assistance to any veteran of World War II, the Korean conflict, or the Vietnam era whose previous entitlement terminated without such veteran's availing himself of all the assistance to which he was entitled.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1977
Tuition Tax Relief Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals alternative, limited income tax credits or deductions for the tuition paid for the primary, secondary or higher education of the taxpayer, or the taxpayer's spouse spouse and dependents.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1977
Soil and Water Resources Conservation Act -- Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, in cooperation with other Federal u, State and local agencies, to carry out a continuing appraisal of the soil, water and related resources of the Nation and to develop a national soil and water conservation program, and to report to Congress on such appraisal and such program not later than December 31, 1979, and at each five-year interval thereafter during the period this Act is in effect. Specifies aspects of conservation problems to be dealt with in such appraisal and such program. Soil and Water Resources Conservation Act
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1977
Grants to the Administrator of the Federal Grain Inspection Service, under the United States Grain Standards Act of 1976, discretion as to the transactions and processes about which he shall require agencies and persons receiving official grain inspection or weighing services to maintain complete and accurate records. Reduces the amount of fees paid for inspection or weighing from 100 percent to 50 percent of the costs of direct inspection or weighing, or the direct supervision of personnel performing such functions by the field office personnel of the Federal Grain Inspection Service. Permits the Secretary of Agriculture to delegate authority to the Service to perform related functions for grain and similar commodities and products thereof under other statutes administered by the Department of Agriculture. Establishes a 12-member advisory committee to advise the Administrator with respect to the implementation of the United States Grain Standards Act of 1976. Requires such committee to terminate 18 months after the enactment of this Act. Amends specified provisions of such Act to: (1) delete the general exception to the provision limiting the number of official agencies for inspection or weighing to one for any geographic area; (2) authorize the Administrator to make exceptions to the general prohibition against the inspection by an official agency of grain samples not physically located within the geographical area assigned to such agency; and (3) provide for the collection of reasonable fees to cover the estimated costs to the Service incident to the testing of inspection and weighing equipment. Prohibits any person from knowingly making any false representation that any weighing service under such Act has been performed. Extends the deadline dates for submission to the appropriate Committees of Congress of reports on specified studies being conducted regarding the present grain inspection and weighing system. Specifies the factors which the Administrator must consider in making a determination with regard to a possible conflict of interest in the employment of personnel in inspection or weighing. Prohibits any person acting under a license or authorization to perform official functions under the United States Grain Standards Act from certifying or stating in writing or performing any analysis to determine: (1) the subclass of Hard Red Winter wheat on the basis of color or on the basis of the dark, hard, and vitreous kernel content; or (2) the percentage of dark, hard and vitreous kernels in Hard Red Winter wheat.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1977
Broadcast License Renewal Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to set the term of a broadcast station license, or renewal, at five years. Provides that any license granted may be renewed upon its expiration, if the Commission finds that the public interest, convenience, and necessity would be served by the renewal of such license. Allows appeals from decisions and orders of the Commission to be taken to the United States court of appeals for the circuit in which such broadcast facility is located. Sets guidelines for expeditious action on applications for renewal of broadcasting station licenses by limiting material required to be filed. Requires the Commission to examine the renewal process and report within six months on methods of reducing and consolidating filings and supporting documents.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1977
Postal Service Reform Act - Requires all revenues and fees collected by the Postal Service to be deposited in the general fund of the Treasury of the United States. Requires the Postal Service to describe all operations and provide any other necessary information to Congress when seeking appropriations for its operations before the appropriate Congressional committees as required by this Act. Authorizes appropriations to the Postal Service for public service costs incurred in maintaining post offices which are not self-sustaining. Requires the Postal Service to provide door or curbline mail delivery to all permanent residential addresses receiving such service on or after the date of enactment of the Postal Reorganization Act Amendments of 1976 until September 15, 1977.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a limited tax credit in an amount of $250 for each individual who is at least 65 years of age before the beginning of the taxable year, whose principal place of abode during the taxable year is the principal residence of the taxpayer, and who is not a lodger with the taxpayer.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1977
Constitutional Amendment - Requires Congress to assure that the total outlays of the Government, during any fiscal year, do not exceed the total receipts of the Government during such fiscal year. States that by the fourth fiscal year after the ratification of this amendment the budget shall be balanced. Permits expenditures to exceed national revenues in time of declared emergency, but states that such expenditures shall never exceed receipts by more than ten percent. Provides that during the fifth fiscal year beginning after the ratification of this amendment and for the next 19 succeeding fiscal years thereafter, the total receipts of the Government shall exceed outlays by an amount equal to five percent of the Federal indebtedness at the beginning of the fifth year fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1977
Public Disclosure of Lobbying Act - Requires organizations which expend more than $1,250 per quarter year or which employ at least one or more individuals who spend a specified amount of time engaged in lobbying activities to register with the Comptroller General and to update such registration annually. Requires the identification of any persons retained for lobbying purposes and the source and amounts of income of such organization as a part of such registration. Requires such organization to file quarterly reports concerning such lobbying activities including: (1) listing of total lobbying expenditures including each expenditure over $35 made to or for the benefit of any Federal officer, congressional employee, or Member of Congress; (2) expenditures made for dinners or receptions; and (3) the issue for which lobbying was carried out identified by bill number or agency involved. Requires the Comptroller General to make copies of each registration and report required by this Act available for public inspection and copying. Requires the Comptroller General to render written advisory opinions upon request of any individual or organization with respect to the requirements of this Act. States that anyone who acts in good faith reliance upon such advisory opinion shall be presumed to be in compliance with this Act. Requires the Comptroller General to enforce this Act using informal methods of conference or conciliation or, if necessary, by referring apparent violations to the Attorney General. Sets forth civil and criminal sanctions for violation of this Act. Repeals the Federal Regulation of Lobbying Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1977
States that this Congress should expeditiously determine the future telecommunications policy of this Nation. Requests the Federal Communications Commission to defer implementation of any further new telecommunications policies until Congress has completed its study on the matter and determined what such future policy should be.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1977
Authorizes the Administrator of General Services to accept land, buildings, and equipment, without reimbursement, for the John Fitzgerald Kennedy Library in Boston, Massachusetts, as part of the National Archives system. Provides that such acceptance shall not occur until after the expiration of 60 days of continuous congressional session following the date on which a report is submitted by the Administrator to Congress on any such proposed Presidential archival depository.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1977
Civilian Conservation Corps Act - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior to establish a Civilian Conservation Corps for the purpose of providing employment for unemployed persons through public projects in connection with the conservation, improvement and utilization of the natural resources of lands and waters under the ownership or control of the United States or its agencies. Permits the Corps to undertake certain cooperative projects on State, local governments, or private lands. Sets forth eligibility requirements to be met by persons employed under this Act as Corps members. Directs that preference for employment be given to persons residing in areas having an employment rate of 6.5 percent or greater for three consecutive months. Limits employment of Corps members under this Act to a period of 24 months total employment. Sets forth the duties of the Secretaries under this Act. Authorizes the Secretaries to make grants to the States to assist them in employing unemployed individuals to carry out on non-Federal lands projects similar to those performed by the Corps.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1977
Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to allow the use of a food additive for dietary management of health disorders or disease, even though such additive is found to induce cancer in animals, if the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare determines the benefits to human health of such use outweigh the risks. Directs the Secretary to take into account in making such a determination (1) all scientific data and information on the additive; (2) the scientific validity, analysis, and other conditions concerning the animal testing of such additive; and (3) current knowledge about the reliability of predicting cancer in humans from use of an additive found to induce cancer in animals.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1977
Regulatory Reform Act - Requires the President to submit to Congress a plan recommending reforms with respect to the regulation of: (1) energy, the environment, housing, and occupational health and safety by specified Federal agencies by April 30, 1979; (2) transportation and communications by specified Federal agencies by April 30, 1981; (3) banking and finance, international trade, and Government procurement by specified Federal agencies by April 30, 1983; and (4) food, consumer health and safety, economic trade practices, and labor- management concerns by specified Federal agencies by April 30, 1985. States that each such plan shall include recommendations for reform of such specified agencies and shall report on the cumulative impact of all Government regulatory activity reviewed, up to that date, on specific industry groupings. States that if the President fails to submit such plans by the specified dates, the Senate and House Committees on Government Operations shall draft their own plans to be submitted to Congress for action. Requires the Comptroller General and the Congressional Budget Office to, contemporaneously with the development of the President's plan, submit a report assessing the purpose, effects, efficiency, and cost effectiveness of each agency included in the plans submitted by the President. States that if no comprehensive regulatory reform legislation is enacted by August 1 of the year following the year in which a comprehensive plan has been submitted by the President, then all agencies affected thereby shall have no authority to issue any new rules not essential for preserving the public health and safety; if such reform is not enacted by October 1 of such year, such agency shall have no authority to enforce any rule not essential for preserving the public health and safety; if no such reform is enacted by December 31 of such year, such agency shall be terminated on such date. States that all rules of such terminated agency essential for preserving the public health and safety shall remain effective and shall be enforced by the Department of Justice. Requires the President to submit subsequent plans in the manner and in the order and frequency set forth by this Act every ten years.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1977
Amends the Postal Reorganization Act Amendments of 1976 to extend to June 15, 1977, the period during which the Postal Service is prohibited from: (1) increasing rates and fees to levels exceeding those in effect on the date of enactment of the Act; (2) offering levels and types of services which are less than those available on July 1, 1976; and (3) closing certain postal facilities which were in operation on July 1, 1976.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1977
Amends the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act to revise pesticide registration procedures under such Act to allow for variations in costs imposed upon applicants for required tests dependent upon size of market interest. Authorizes non-disclosure of certain test information where deemed to constitute a trade secret. Stipulates that the identity of inert ingredients of pesticides be disclosed only where (1) a hazard is posed to the public or (2) disclosure would not be likely to harm the registrant's competitive position. Establishes special procedures governing registration of pesticides substantially similar to currently registered pesticides without adherence to full registration requirements imposed by the Act. Authorizes conditional registration of pesticides containing previously untested active ingredients for a period of time sufficient for the generation of ample test data. Establishes procedures for cancellation of pesticides registered under the special procedures contained in this Act. Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to permit continued sale and use of existing stocks in such circumstances. Authorizes the appropriation of $65,000,000 for fiscal year 1978 to carry out the purposes of the Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1977
Amends the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 to prohibit any cost-of-living adjustments to the salaries of Senators and Representatives which take effect before October 1, 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1977
Drug Pushers Elimination Act - Increases maximum penalties for distribution, possession with intent to distribute, or domestic or certain foreign manufacture of coca leaves or certain of its derivatives, specified opiates or stimulants, or counterfeits thereof. Imposes mandatory minimum sentences for such violations. Excepts addicted persons from the applicable minimum term of imprisonment specified in this Act. Stipulates that one conspiring or attempting to manufacture, distribute, import, or export certain controlled substances shall be punished the same as one who commits the offense which was the object of the conspiracy or attempt. Directs a judicial officer to consider whether a person charged with an offense under the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970 poses a danger to himself, the persons or property of others, or the community in setting conditions of release pending trial. Denies release prior to trial to a person charged with an offense for which penalties are increased in this Act, upon a judicial officer making any one of specified findings in a special hearing to be conducted at the time of arraignment. Prohibits persons convicted of certain narcotics crimes, with certain exceptions for addicts, from being released while awaiting sentence or after having filed an appeal or a petition for a writ of certiorari. Permits an addict charged with unlawfully importing, selling, or conspiring to import or sell a narcotic drug to be eligible for civil commitment and rehabilitation in lieu of criminal prosecution if the court determines that such alleged violation was for the primary purpose of enabling the offender to obtain a narcotic drug required for personal use because of the addiction.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1977
Amends the Disaster Relief Act of 1974 to authorize the President to make contributions to States or local governments to help repair or replace a public facility damaged or destroyed in an emergency. Limits the amount of any such contribution to 75 percent of the cost of repair or replacement of such facility.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 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 · 5 April 1977
Creates a Select House Committee on Population to conduct an investigation and study of: (1) the major adverse effects of current population growth throughout the world; (2) approaches which have been shown to be effective in coping with excessive population growth; and (3) means to encourage countries with excessive population growth rates to adopt methods proven to be successful in reducing population growth rates.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1977
Congressional Pay Raise Deferral Act - Amends the Federal Salary Act of 1967 and the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 to provide that any adjustment in the rate of pay for Members of Congress proposed during any Congress shall not take effect earlier than the beginning of the next Congress. States that any such pay adjustment proposed in an even-numbered year of any Congress after the congressional elections and before the beginning of the following Congress, shall be considered as occurring during the first session of the following Congress for the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 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 · 30 March 1977
Automotive Transport Research and Development Act - Directs the Administrator of the Energy Research and Development Administration to establish a program to develop advanced automobile propulsion systems within five years of the date of enactment of this Act. Directs the Administrator to make grants for research projects designed to assist the furtherance of such program. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to evaluate and report the extent to which the automobile industry utilizes advanced automotive technology. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to test vehicles developed pursuant to the program established by this Act, in order to determine compliance with applicable standards under the Clean Air Act and the Noise Control Act of 1972. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to test such vehicles in order to determine compliance with applicable standards under the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966, the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act, and the Automobile Information Disclosure Act. Establishes contracting procedures consistent with applicable provisions of the Federal Nonnuclear Energy Research and Development Act of 1974 and the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974. Directs the Administrator of the Energy Research and Development Administration to submit annual reports to Congress of activities pursuant to this Act, including results of economic surveys designed to evaluate the extent to which Federal guarantees of financial obligations may aid in developing commercial markets for advanced automobile technology. Amends the National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958 to require that efforts of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration be directed towards the development of advanced automobile propulsion systems. Authorizes the appropriation of $25,000,000 for fiscal year 1977 and $75,000,000 for fiscal year 1978 to carry out the purposes of this Act. Stipulates that no more than 60 percent of such appropriations shall be directly expended in Federal laboratories.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 1977
Petroleum Marketing Practices Act - Title I: Franchise Protection - Prohibits a franchisor from terminating or failing to renew a franchise unless specified conditions exist. Enumerates the basis upon which a franchisor may terminate or fail to renew a franchise. Exempts trial franchises from the requirements of this Act. Requires that 90 days advance notice of termination or nonrenewal be made in writing and delivered to the franchisee. Directs the Administrator of the Federal Energy Administration to publish in the Federal Register a summary of this Act. Authorizes civil actions in a United States district court against any franchisor who violates any requirement of this Act. Provides for the preemption of State laws unless such law is the same as the applicable provisions of this Act. Title II: Octane Disclosure - Requires the Federal Trade Commission to: (1) establish testing procedures for the determination of the octane rating of automotive gasoline; (2) establish requirements applicable to refiners with respect to the testing of automotive gasoline; (3) establish a certification procedure applicable to the distribution of automotive gasoline; and (4) establish requirements applicable to retailers of gasoline with respect to display of the octane rating of automotive gasoline at the point of sale. Prohibits any person who distributes automotive gasoline from making representations respecting the octane rating of gasoline unless the gasoline has been tested in accordance with the procedures established by the Federal Trade Commission. Grants to the Commission the procedural, investigative, and enforcement powers necessary to make effective the rules required to be prescribed. Makes it an unfair or deceptive act or practice in or affecting commerce under the Federal Trade Commission Act to violate the rules prescribed by this Act. Authorizes judicial review of the rules prescribed under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 1977
Makes changes in the management program of Redwood National Park, California, including authorizing the Secretary of Agriculture to alter the boundaries of the Park Protection Zone. Authorizes the Secretary to acquire specified lands and sets forth procedures for such takings. Requires the Secretary to submit an annual written report on such acquisition.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 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 · 29 March 1977
Medicare-Medicaid Anti-Fraud and Abuse Amendments - Amends Titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require that Medicare and Medicaid payments be made directly to the physician or other person providing the service involved. Allows payment in accordance with an assignment from the person or institution providing care or service if such assignment is made to a governmental agency or entity or is established by the order of a court of competent jurisdiction or to an agent of such person or institution if the agent does so pursuant to an agency agreement under which the compensation to be paid to the agent for his services or in connection with the billing or collection of payments due such person or institution under the plan is unrelated to the amount of such payments or the billings thereof, and is not dependent upon the actual collection of any such payment. States that the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare shall by regulation (or by contract provision) provide that any entity (other than a public entity) which is a provider or supplier that furnishes, or arranges for the furnishing of items or services with respect to which is claimed under Title XVIII, Title V (Maternal and Child Welfare), or under Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act or a party to an agreement with the Secretary under such titles shall promptly comply with any request, specifically addressed to that entity by the Secretary or the Comptroller General of the United States, for information concerning ownership, control, or costs of such entities. Increases the maximum penalty for defrauding the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Makes review and certification requirements of the Social Security Act inapplicable to providers, suppliers, and practitioners being reviewed by any Professional Standards Review Organization designated by the Secretary to be competent to perform review responsibilities. Directs the Secretary to give priority to requests by Professional Standards Review Organizations for review responsibility with respect to services furnished in shared health facilities. States that where a Professional Standards Review Organization has been found competent by the Secretary to assume review responsibility with respect to specified types of health services, such reviews shall constitute the conclusive determination on those issues for purposes of payment under the Social Security Act. Requires professional Standards Review Organizations to provide data and information to assist Federal and State agencies having responsibility for identifying and investigating cases or patterns of fraud or abuse, and to assist the Secretary in carrying out appropriate health care planning and related activities. Requires the Secretary to make payment to qualified Professional Standards Review Organizations in an amount equal to the reasonable amount of the expenses incurred in connection with the defense of any suit, action, or proceeding brought against such organization, member, employee, or person related to the performance of any duty or function of such organization. Directs the Secretary to submit to the Congress an annual report on the administration, impact, and cost of the program during the preceding fiscal year. Authorizes the Comptroller General of the United States to sign and issue supoenas for the purpose of any audit, investigation, examination, analysis, review, evaluation, or other function authorized by law with respect to any program authorized under this Act. Requires the Secretary to suspend any physician or practitioner from participation in the Medicare or Medicaid programs whenever such individual is convicted of a criminal offense related to their involvement in such programs. Conditions participation in, or certification or recertification under, the programs established by titles XVIII, XIX, and XX (Grants to States for Services) upon disclosure of the name of any person who: (1) has a direct or indirect ownership or control interest of five percent or more in such provider, institution, organization, or agency, and (2) has been convicted of a criminal offense related to the involvement of such person in any of such programs. Prohibits expenditure under the Medicaid plan to the extent that any agency, organization, or other person (other than a member of the individual's family) would have been obligated by a State law or contract to provide such care or services but for a provision of the State law or contract which limits or excludes such obligation because the individual is eligible for or receives care or services under the plan.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1977
Wheat and Wheat Foods Research and Nutrition Education Act - States that the purpose of this Act is to authorize and enable the creation of an orderly procedure, adequately financed through an assessment and voluntary contributions, for the development and initiation of an effective and continuous coordinated program of research and nutrition education designed to improve and enhance the quality and make the most efficient use of American wheat, processed wheat, and wheat end products to insure an adequate diet for all Americans. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to issue orders to effectuate the declared purpose of this Act. States that such orders shall include provisions: (1) for establishing projects for research and nutrition education for wheat and wheat products; (2) for establishing and carrying on research or studies with respect to the sale, distribution, marketing, and utilization of wheat and wheat products and the creation of new products; and (3) requiring that processors, distributors of processed wheat, and end product manufacturers maintain and make available for inspection such books and records as may be required by an order issued pursuant to this Act. Directs the Secretary to issue orders providing for the establishment of a Wheat Industry Council to: (1) administer and make rules and regulations to effectuate orders issued pursuant to this Act; (2) receive, investigate and report to the Secretary complaints of violations of such orders; and (3) recommend to the Secretary amendments to such orders. States that membership of such Council shall represent wheat producers, processors, end product manufacturers and consumers on an equal basis. Requires each end product manufacturer to pay to such Council an assessment, not to exceed five cents per hundredweight, based on the total number of hundredweights of processed wheat purchased by or transferred to such manufacturer, to be uses for expenditures and expensed incurred by the Council or Secretary under this Act. Exempts from this Act any end product manufacturer who does not purchase more than 2,000 hundredweight of processed wheat per year for use in manufacture. Requires the Secretary to conduct a referendum among end product manufacturers to determine whether the issuance of an order under this Act is favored by such manufacturers. States that no such order shall become effective unless: (1) votes were cast by more than 50 percent of the registered end product manufacturers; and (2) not less than two-thirds of such voting manufacturers approve of such order or by a majority of such manufacturers if such majority manufactured not less than two-thirds of the total processed wheat contained in all end products manufactured by those voting in referendum. Allows end product manufacturers who have reserved the right to seek refunds and who disfavor the programs under this Act to receive from the Council the assessment paid to such Council. Sets forth the procedures for the administrative and judicial review of orders or obligations imposed under this Act. States that any person who willfully violates any order issued under this Act or who fails to remit any required assessment or fee shall be liable to a civil penalty of not more than $1,000 per violation. Requires the Secretary to conduct a referendum on request by ten percent or more of the end product manufactures to determine whether such manufacturers favor the suspension or termination of any order. States that such order shall be suspended or terminated if more than 50 percent of the voting manufacturers or manufacturers who produce end products containing more than 50 percent of the total processed wheat contained in all end products manufactured by those voting approve of such action. Authorizes the Secretary to make investigations for the effective carrying out of his or her responsibilities under this Act or to determine whether any person has or is about to violate any of the provisions of this Act. Sets forth the eligibility requirements for any organization wishing to: (1) participate in the nominating of Council members; (2) represent wheat producers, processors, end product manufacturers or consumers; and (3) request the issuance of an order under this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of such funds as are necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1977
Constitutional Amendment - Provides that the people of the several States, and the District of Columbia, shall elect the President and Vice President. Requires each elector to cast a single vote for two persons who shall have consented to the joining of their names as candidates for the offices of President and Vice President. Requires the electors of President and Vice President in each State to have the qualifications requisite for electors of the most numerous branch of the State legislature, except that for electors of President and Vice President, the legislature of any State may prescribe less restrictive residence qualifications and for electors of President and Vice President the Congress may establish uniform residence qualifications. Provides that the pair of persons having the greatest number of votes for President and Vice President shall be elected, if such number be at least 40 percent of the whole number of votes cast for such offices. Provides that if no pair of persons has such number, Congress shall assemble in special session from which the choice of President and Vice President shall be made from the two pairs of persons who received the highest numbers of votes. Requires the days for such elections to be determined by Congress and to be uniform throughout the United States. Requires Congress to prescribe by law the time, place, and manner in which the results of such elections shall be ascertained and declared. Allows Congress to provide for the case of the death, disability, or withdrawal of any candidate for President or Vice President before a President and Vice President have been elected, and for the case of the death of both the President-elect and Vice President-elect.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1977
Declares that the House Select Committee on Assassinations shall continue in operation for the duration of the Ninety-fifth Congress. Authorizes the select committee to bring, defend, and intervene in lawsuits and make applications to courts in carrying out its purpose.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt aircraft used primarily for agricultural operation from the excise tax on civil aircraft. Provides for the refund of the excise tax on gasoline used for farming purposes in an aircraft to the aerial applicator who purchased it.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 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 · 17 March 1977
Family Farm Preservation Act - Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to prohibit any insured bank from investing any of the funds of a common trust fund or other fund for the collective investment of assets held by the bank as fiduciary, agent, or in any similar capacity, in real estate used principally for agricultural purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1977
Amends the Arms Export Control Act, with respect to approval for the transfer of defense articles, training, or services under that Act, to delay the effective date of such approval until the end of the first period of 30 days of continuous Congressional session after the President has certified the proposed transfer to Congress, unless Congress disapproves such transfer by concurrent resolution within that period. Permits such proposed transfer to become effective immediately if the President certifies to Congress that a state of emergency exists which requires such transfer in the national security interests of the United States.
![Official portrait of Rep. Fithian, Floyd J. [D-IN-2]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/f000161_200.jpg)