United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1977
Designates service as a Member of the Women's Air Forces Service Pilots as active duty for the purposes of all laws administered by the Veterans' Administration.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1977
Extends until September 30, 1979, the authority: (1) of the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to maintain an office in the Republic of the Philippines; (2) of the President to authorize the Administrator to enter into contracts with the Veterans' Memorial Medical Center to pay for hospital care and medical services to Commonwealth Army veterans and new Philippine Scouts for service-connected disabilities; (3) to make payments for such care and services; and (4) to appropriate specified sums for the training of health service personnel, for new equipment and the rehabilitation of the Veterans' Memorial Medical Center.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1977
Removes from the definition of "Veterans' Administration facility" private facilities contracted for when Government facilities are not capable of furnishing economical care because of geographic inaccessibility. Repeals the requirement that medical services be furnished only within the limits of Veterans' Administration facilities to: (1) any eligible veteran on an outpatient or ambulatory basis; or (2) any veteran on pension receiving a care and attendance allowance or who is permanently housebound.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1977
Veterans' Administration Medical Facilities Acquisition Act - Directs the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs, in carrying out his duties under this Act: (1) to provide for the construction and acquisition of medical facilities equitably throughout the United States with due regard for the comparative urgency of the need for each particular facility; and (2) to give due consideration to excellence of architecture and design. States that no appropriation shall be made to construct, alter, or otherwise acquire any medical facility which involves a total expenditure of more than $1,000,000 unless such construction, alteration, or acquisition is first approved by resolution adopted by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate, respectively. Stipulates that no appropriation shall be made to lease any space at an average annual rental of more than $200,000 for use for a medical facility unless such lease is first approved by resolutions adopted by such committees. Enumerates structural requirements for any medical facilities pursuant to this Act. Directs the Administrator to submit to Congress an annual report regarding the construction, alteration, and leasing of medical facilities. Requires such report to contain: (1) a five-year plan for those medical facilities most in need of construction, replacement and alteration; (2) a priority list of at least ten such hospitals, and (3) general plans for each medical facility in the five-year plan or the list. Directs the Administrator to establish and operate not less than 10,000 beds in the fiscal year 1980 and in each fiscal year thereafter, for the furnishing of nursing home care to eligible veterans in facilities over which the Administrator has direct and exclusive jurisdiction.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1977
Amends the Tariff Schedules of the United States to exempt specified textile, leather, rubber, and plastic products and wearing apparel from the duty imposed on articles assembled abroad from components produced in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1977
Amends the Rules of the House of Representatives to remove the 25-member limit to the number of sponsors of any House of Representatives bill. Permits the addition or deletion of any Member's name as the sponsor of any legislation by a request made by a Member to the Speaker on behalf of such Member.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1977
Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to eliminate the requirement that industrial users pay a proportional share of construction costs for waste treatment facilities as a condition of approval of Federal grants to assist States and localities in the construction of such facilities. Requires that recipients of Federal grants made after March 1, 1973, repay to industrial users such shares of the costs as previously required by the Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1977
Establishes an 11-member Commission on the Humane Treatment of Animals to study the treatment of animals. Requires that the membership include zoologists, veterinarians, and representatives from humane societies. Requires the Commission to determine if animals are caused needless pain or suffering as a result of their treatment on farms and in laboratory experimentation. Requires Commission investigation into domestic pet growth rates and the effectiveness of existing laws regarding the treatment of animals. Excludes the study of the treatment of animals occurring in connection with the exercise of any religion. Directs the Commission to report its findings to the Congress and the Commission 60 days after it submits its final report. Authorizes appropriations of $750,000 per year to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1977
Disapproves the recommendations of the President transmitted to Congress, pursuant to the Federal Salary Act of 1967, recommending rates of pay for: (1) the Vice President, Members of Congress and the Resident Commissioner from Puerto Rico; (2) specified positions in the legislative branch; (3) specified judicial personnel; (4) specified positions under the Executive Schedule; and (5) the Board of Governors of the United States Postal Service.
United States · United States Congress · 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
Equity in Social Security Act - Amends Title II (Old-Age, Survivors', and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act: (1) to eliminate the requirement that a husband be receiving at least one-half of his support from his wife, and that a widower be receiving at least one-half of his support from his wife at the time of her death in order to qualify for husband's widower's insurance benefits; (2) reduces from 20 to 15 years the duration of-marriage requirement for divorced wives and former wives; (3) to extend eligibility for such benefits to unmarried divorced husbands and widowers; (4) to extend without regard to any age limitation, husband's benefits to a husband who has in his care a minor child who is entitled to child's insurance benefits under Title II; and (5) to extend to widowers and surviving divorced fathers the same benefits as are available to widows and surviving divorced mothers with minor children in their care. Permits the payment of old-age insurance benefits to a married couple on their combined earnings record.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1977
Federal Agency Control and Review Act - Requires the Office of Management and Budget to study the efficiency and effectiveness of each Federal agency every ten years and to recommend to the President and Congress reorganization or abolition of each such agency as may be necessary to improve such efficiency and effectiveness. Abolishes each such agency upon the due date of such report unless during the ten-year period since the last report Congress has passed legislation continuing such agency.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1977
Consumer Food Labeling Act - Title I: Truth in Food Labeling Act - Truth in Food Labeling Act - Requires, under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, that the labels on all foods disclose each of their ingredients in order of predominance and the amounts of the ingredients in the food. Title II: Nutritional Labeling Act - Nutritional Labeling Act - Requires any packaged consumer food product to be labeled by the processor in conformity with specified information, including: with respect to processed food products, an analysis of nutritional contents including fat content, vitamin, and protein value, fats and fatty acids, calories, and any other nutritional information deemed appropriate. Requires such label to contain a statement of the nutritional value of the food commodity, and to appear in conspicuous and easily legible type on the package. Provides that the label of any packaged consumer product which has been packaged in a container of any given net content (by weight or volume) and which afterwards is packaged in a container of a different net content, shall conspicuously set forth the amount of difference. States that the appropriate Federal agencies shall prescribe regulations to carry out the purposes of this title. Provides for injunctions in Federal courts to assure compliance with this title. Prescribes a civil penalty of not to exceed $1,000 for any willful violation of this title; such sum to be assessed by the appropriate agency and enforced in a Federal court in the name of the United States. Title III: Open Dating of Perishable Food Act - Open Dating of Perishable Food Act - Provides, under the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act, that no person who manufactures or packages a perishable or semiperishable food in the form in which it is sold by retail distributors to consumers may distribute for purposes of sale a perishable or semiperishable food packaged by him in such form unless he has labeled such packaged to show the pull date for such food and the optimum temperature and humidity conditions for its storage by the ultimate consumer. Provides, with certain exceptions, that no retail distributor may sell, offer to sell, or display for sale any food whose pull date has expired. States that no person may place perishable or semiperishable foods in packages in shipping containers or in wrappings, unless such containers or wrappings are labeled by him to show the pull date. Provides that no person may change, alter, deface or remove before sale to the ultimate consumer any pull date. States that any person who violates any provision of this title shall be imprisoned for not more than one year or fined not more than $5,000, or both. Provides that the United States district courts shall have jurisdiction to restrain violations of this title. Requires the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to submit an annual report to the Congress concerning activities and enforcement of this title. Title IV: Marketing Practices Disclosure Act - Marketing Practices Disclosure Act - Requires that labels on packaged foods contain the names and places of business of the manufacturer, packer and distributor, rather than just one of the three. Title V: Consumer Food Grading Act - Consumer Food Grading Act - Requires the Secretary of Agriculture, after consultation with representatives of consumers, producers, and processors, to develop and promulgate a system of retail quality grade designations for consumer food products expressed in a uniform nomenclature. Authorizes the Secretary to determine the manner in which the system of consumer food grade designations shall be displayed and disseminated to the public. Provides that in developing and updating quality grade standards, consideration shall be given to the nutritional quality and wholesomeness of food products, as well as the acceptability of the products. Requires that any food products sold more than nine months after the promulgation of applicable quality standards in accordance with this title shall either be conspicuously labeled in accordance with such standards or shall be conspicuously labeled "not quality graded by the United States Department of Agriculture". Title VI: Unit Pricing Act - Unit Pricing Act - Provides that no person engaged in business in the sale at retail of any packaged consumer commodity which has been distributed in commerce, or the distribution of which affects commerce, shall sell, offer for sale, or display for sale any such commodity unless: (1) the total selling price of such commodity is plainly marked by a stamp, tag, or label affixed to a principal display panel of the package; and (2) the retail unit price of such commodity is plainly marked by: (a) stamp, tag, or label affixed to a principal display panel of the package, or (b) a label or sign in close proximity to the point of display of such package, which label or sign shall also contain the name and quantity of contents of such commodity. Exempts from the requirement of marking the unit price of commodities: (1) any individual retail outlet which sells or offers for sale packaged consumer commodities and whose total gross sales do not exceed $250,000 annually unless such outlet is one of a number of outlets owned substantially or whose inventory is supplied substantially, by a single person, partnership, or corporation whose total gross sales exceed $500,000 annually; (2) any retail mandatory unit pricing laws and whose laws, in the judgment of the Federal promulgating authority, are in scope and comprehensiveness superior to the requirements of this title; except that retailers (including chainstores and affiliated stores) who operate outlets in any such geographical area shall be subject to the unit pricing requirement of this title if they also operate outlets in one or more other States or political subdivisions. Title VII: New Ingredient Notification Act - New Ingredient Notification Act - Requires a food to carry a label setting forth in a conspicuous manner any change in its ingredients for six months after such change. Title VIII: Misleading Brand Names Act - Misleading Brand Names Act - Expands the meaning of "unfair or deceptive act or practice" under the Federal Trade Commission Act to include advertising a brand name of a product which inherently misleads the public as to the product's value, quantity, quality of contents, or performance.
United States · United States Congress · 13 January 1977
Condemns terrorist activities. Declares it the sense of the House of Representatives: (1) that terrorists should be punished; (2) that the release of Abu Daoud by France was premature and unjustified; and (3) that such release should be condemned.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
National Agricultural Research Policy Act - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to coordinate and disseminate all agricultural research information affiliated with the Department of Agriculture, to keep abreast of developments in agricultural research and education and to represent the needs for such research and education within the executive branch of the United States Government. Establishes within the Department of Agriculture the National Agricultural Research Policy Advisory Board. States that the Board's responsibilities shall include: (1) establishing means for evaluating the economic, environmental and social impacts of research and extension programs; (2) reviewing programs, policies and goals of agricultural research agencies; (3) providing a forum for research-sponsoring agencies to exchange information on programs related to agriculture, food and nutrition; (4) recommending national policies, priorities and strategies for agricultural research and education; and (5) reviewing and making recommendations to the Secretary with regard to the allocation of funds for all programs of research and extension carried out by the Department. Directs the Department of Agriculture to establish a Clearinghouse for Federal Human Nutrition Research which shall collect from each Federal agency and report to Congress information pertaining to research with regard to human nutrition. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to land grant colleges and universities eligible for assistance under the First Morrill Act and the State agricultural experiment stations eligible for assistance under the Hatch Act to carry out mission-oriented basic research. Allows the Secretary to make grants on a competitive basis to Federal agencies, research institutions, organizations and individuals for agricultural research. Authorizes appropriations for the competitive grant program of $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1978 and such sums as may be necessary for fiscal year 1979 and fiscal year 1980, the total amount for the three-year period not to exceed $150,000,000. Authorizes appropriations for human nutrition research of $5,000,000 for fiscal year 1978 and such sums as may be necessary for fiscal year 1979 and fiscal year 1980. Authorizes appropriations of $600,000,000 for fiscal year 1978 for those agricultural research programs existing prior to the enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
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 · 30 September 1976
Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Acency to make grants and provide technical assistance to eligible States, municipalities, or municapal or interstate agencies for the construction or acquisition of facilities for the use or land disposal of sewage sludge. Conditions eligibility for such grants or assistance on possession of a permit issued under the Marine Protection Research and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 for the dumping of sewage in waters subject to such Act or to this Act. Sets forth regulations for the administration of this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of not in excess of $100,000,000 to carry out the purposes of this Act for the first fiscal year subsequent to enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1976
Prohibits mining or related operations from discharging amphibole asbestos fibers except on land and in accordance with regulations promulgated by the Secretary of the Interior. Imposes a civil penalty of up to $1,000 per day for violations of requirements imposed under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1976
Provides, under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, that whenever an employer's failure to comply with any provision of that Act or any State requirement relating to industrial safety causes or contributes to an accident resulting in bodily injury, no provision of any workers' compensation law or similar statute shall be construed to bar an action at law for contribution, indemnification, or other relief against the employer by a person alleged liable for such injury.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1976
Stipulates that mining companies or related operations which have discharged amphibole asbestos fibers into Lake Superior shall be required to pay the cost of removing such fibers from water used for human consumption, under regulations promulgated by the Secretary of the Interior. Imposes a civil penalty of up to $1,000 per day for failure to make any payment required under this Act or under regulations promulgated by the Secretary under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 1976
Amends Titles XVIII (Medicare), XIX (Medicaid), and XX (Grants to States for Services) of the Social Security Act to establish the Special Commission on Quality Assurance and Utilization Control in Home Health Care. States that the Commission shall be composed of 17 members appointed by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. Sets forth the fields of experience and expertise from which Commission members are to be drawn, including five representatives of professional groups with expertise in accreditation and three who are recipients of benefits under Medicare, Medicaid, or under a State plan of services. Requires Senate approval of the member designated chairman of the Commission. States that the function and duty of the Commission shall be: (1) to conduct a full and complete study, investigation, and review of the provision of home health care and services to individuals in the United States, including care and services furnished by agencies which do not qualify as providers of services under the Social Security Act as well as care and services furnished by agencies which do so qualify, with the particular objective of determining: (a) the extent to which additional quality assurance and utilization control in the provision of such care and services is needed; and (b) the manner in which the standards, conditions, and requirements of Title XVIII, Title XIX, or Title XX should be modified in order to provide additonal assurance and control; and (2) on the basis of such study, investigation, and review, to develop a detailed plan for quality assurance and utilization control in home health care. Directs the submission to the Secretary and the Congress of the required plan within one year of the appointment of the majority of the members of the Commission. Requires the Secretary, within 90 days of the submission of such plan, to issue regulations making such modifications in the Social Security Act as may be necessary to implement the plan and carry out the Commission's accompanying recommendations, and to submit to the Congress any recommendations which would require a change in existing law.
United States · United States Congress · 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 · 20 September 1976
Amends Titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require automatic sprinkler systems in all skilled nursing facilities and intermediate care facilities certified for participation in the Medicare or Medicaid programs unless a waiver of such requirement is granted in accordance with conditions set forth in this Act. Establishes a program of low-interest Federal loans to assist such facilities in constructing or purchasing and installing automatic sprinkler systems.
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 1976
Small Business Growth and Job Creation Act - Title I: Small Business Independence and Continuation - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish graduated corporate income tax rates. Changes the holding period for capital assets from six months to one year. Establishes a new alternative tax on capital gains. Increases the estate tax exemption from $60,000 to $180,000. Establishes a new rate schedule for the estate tax. Increases the gift tax exclusion from $3,000 to $9,000, and the gift tax exemption from $30,000 to $90,000. Replaces the present gift tax schedule with a flat rate of 75 percent of whatever the estate tax on such a sum would be. Provides that a distribution of property by a corporation in redemption of stock to pay death taxes shall be treated as a distribution in full payment in exchange for the stock if all of the stock of such corporation which is included in determining the value of the decedent's gross estate is either, (1) more than 20 percent (generally, 35 percent), of the value of the gross estate of such decedent, or (2) more than 40 percent (generally, 50 percent) of the taxable estate of such decedent. Provides that if stock in a corporation is sold by a shareholder owning stock representing more than 30 percent of the fair market value of all outstanding stock of the corporation whose stock is being sold, the gain from such sale shall be recognized only to the extent that the taxpayer's sale price exceeds the cost of replacement property purchased by the taxpayer within two years. Defines "replacement property" as property which is held for the production of income or which is held for investment. Allows the executor of an estate involving an interest in a closely held business to elect to include in the value of the gross estate the decedent's basis in such business rather than the fair market value of such interest. States that the basis of property acquired from a decedent as to which such an election was made shall be the decedent's basis in such property rather than the fair market value of such interest. Allows the marital deduction of the estate tax to exceed 50 percent of the value of the adjusted gross estate when an interest in a specially defined small business is included in the estate. Title II: Small Business Growth Incentives - Allows a taxpayer to choose the cash method of accounting in any case where inventory is an income determining factor and the ending inventory for the taxable year does not exceed $200,000. Provides a deferred tax credit against taxable income for unincorporated businesses. Establishes a graduated investment tax credit. Amends the definition of a small business corporation to allow domestic corporations with up to 20 shareholders (presently, ten) to qualify for subchapter S treatment. Allows a small business to make a subchapter S election at any time during the taxable year. Allows to a business a credit equal to 50 percent of the wages paid during the taxable year to new employees, up to two employees and $20,000 for the taxable year. Allows a similar credit for new disadvantaged employees up to a maximum of $60,000 per taxable year. Allows the practical cost recovery method to be used in computing depreciation. Title III: Small Business Tax Simplification - Allows a corporation to file an application for refund of overpayment of estimated income tax at any time during the taxable year. Provides a special rule for treatment of net operating loss adjustments in the case of new corporations. Increases the minimum credit on accumulated earnings from $150,000 to $500,000. Redefines "section 1244 stock" to mean common stock in a corporation if: (1) such corporation during its preceding taxable year derived more than 50 percent of its aggregate gross receipts from sources other than royalties, rents, dividends, interest, annuities, and sales or exchanges of stock or securities; and (2) the equity capital of such corporation does not exceed $1,000,000. Increases the losses on section 1244 stock which may be treated as ordinary losses (rather than capital losses) from $25,000 to $50,000.
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 1976
Amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act to require all meat products containing mechanically deboned meat to carry a label indicating that such product contains mechanically deboned meat and the amounts of fat, protein, and calcium contained in such meat food product.
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 · 2 September 1976
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Secretary of Defense shall inter an Unknown Soldier from the Vietnam War in Arlington National Cemetery and make a permanent display of representative medals, ribbons, and tributes of the Vietnam War in the Arlington Memorial Amphitheater.
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 · 25 August 1976
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President call a White House Conference on Marriage and the Family in order to establish a national understanding of the role played by marriage and the family in the development of a viable society.
United States · United States Congress · 24 August 1976
Directs the House Committee on Armed Services to make a study of the murder by members of the North Korean Armed Forces serving as guards at Panmunjom of two American Army officers attached to the United Nations Command, and other recent North Korean violations of the armistice agreement. Requires the committee to transmit a report to the House containing a statement of the findings of the committee no later than January 3, 1977.
United States · United States Congress · 24 August 1976
Condemns North Korea for its continued acts of treachery culminating in the axe murders of two American officers and the wounding of five others. Directs the Speaker of the House to make known the regrets of the House to the wives and children and other survivors of Major Bonifas and Lieutenant Barrett.
United States · United States Congress · 24 August 1976
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should take such steps as may be necessary to place the threat to the peace created by the murder of two American Army officers attached to the United Nations Command by members of the North Korean Armed Forces serving as guards at Panmunjom, and other recent North Korean violations of the armistice agreement, on the agenda of the United Nations.
United States · United States Congress · 23 August 1976
Federal Support Payment Act - Authorizes individuals, to whom the proceeds of a child support order are payable, to register such order in any court in any State in which the individual responsible for making such payments resides. Allows courts, in which such an order is registered, to entertain contempt proceedings against an individual who fails to comply with the support order in the same manner as if the court originally issued the order. Requires a court in which any support order is registered or any enforcement proceedings are undertaken to send written notice of such action to the original court.
United States · United States Congress · 23 August 1976
Establishes an 11 member Commission on the Humane Treatment of Animals to study the treatment of animals. Requires that the membership include zoologists, veterinarians, and representatives from humane societies. Requires the Commission to determine if animals are caused needless pain or suffering as a result of their treatment: (1) on farms; (2) in zoos; (3) in laboratory experimentation; and (4) in other situations. Excludes the study or treatment of animals occurring in connection with the exercise of any religion. Directs the Commission to report its findings to the Congress and the President within two years after its last member is appointed. Terminates the Commission 60 days after it submits its final report. Authorizes appropriaions of $750,000 per year to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 August 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 · 10 August 1976
Amends the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 to provide that any employer who successfully contests a citation or penalty under such Act shall be awarded a reasonable attorney's fee and other reasonable litigation costs.
United States · United States Congress · 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
Requires the inclusion of professional registered nurses in Professional Standards Review Organizations of medical professionals in carrying out the functions of such review organizations under Title XI (General Provisions and Professional Standards Review) of the Social Security Act. Requires the inclusion of two professional registered nurses on the Statewide Professional Standards Review Councils. Requires the inclusion of three professional registered nurses on the National Professional Standards Review Council. Includes professional registered nurses in that class of health care practitioners which may not be held civilly liable for action taken in compliance with or reliance upon norms of care and treatment applied by a Professional Standards Reveiw Organization.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1976
Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to public and nonprofit private entities which are engaged in the development of new schools of veterinary medicine to assist in such development. Requires applying schools to demonstrate that there is a reasonable indication that non- Federal financial resources for development will be available and that Federal assistance will accelerate the date on which the school will be able to begin its teaching program.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1976
Government Economy and Spending Reform Act - Title I: Authorizations of New Budget Authority - Terminates on specified dates budget authority for all Government programs except health care services, general retirement and disability insurance, and Federal employee retirement and disability programs which are funded by trust funds. Declares out of order in either the Senate or the House of Representatives any legislation which authorizes new budget authority not in compliance with this Act. Requires the Committees on Appropriations and the Committees on the Budget of both Houses of Congress to identify each program's functional and subfunctional category (as so characterized in the Budget of the United States, Fiscal Year 1977, transmitted to Congress by the President on January 21, 1976), the committees having legislative jurisdiction over such program, and whether such program operates under permanent authorizations and budget authority. Makes the budget termination provisions of this Act effective on the first day of the Ninety-fifth Congress. Title II: Early Elimination of Inactive and Duplicate Programs - Requires the Comptroller General of the United States to identify for Congress any programs which have duplicate objectives or for which no outlays have been made for the last two fiscal years. Directs the standing committees of both Houses to consider such programs and report recommendations on such programs before March 15, 1978, if possible. Title III: Quadrennial Program Review and Evaluation - Sets forth a timetable for reviewing the budget of a Government program. Requires review by standing committees of the Congress every four years of each program's cost, effectiveness, and the extent to which such program duplicates or is similar to any other program. States that such review shall include a comprehensive evaluation of the merits of such program to determine if it warrants continuation. Requires justification of any recommendation to fund any program which has objectives similar to or the same as another program's objectives. Directs the Comptroller General and the Congressional Budget Office to provide Congress with information and analysis of programs being reviewed under this Act. Requires the President to similarly review the merits of continuing programs contained in the annual Budget and to report the finding of such review prior to transmitting the Budget to Congress. Title IV: Continuing Review and Evaluation - Directs the Comptroller General to report to Congress the result of any audit which shows a substantial deficiency in achievement of the objectives of any Government program. Requires subsequent audits, a report of which must be submitted to Congress, to determine if such deficiency has been eliminated. Title V: Miscellaneous - States that those provisions of this Act which direct the operation of either House are enacted as an exercise of the rulemaking power of such House and recognizes the right of either House to change such rules.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1976
Authorizes and requests the President to issue a proclamation designating the week beginning on November 7, 1976, as "National Respiratory Therapy Week".
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1976
Creates a nine member House Select Committee on the Fiscal Problems of Cities. Directs the committee to conduct a study to identify the nature and causes of problems afflicting large cities which face severe fiscal imbalance. Provides that consideration shall be given problems which contribute to the financial plight of cities, including: (1) net outmigration of population; (2) decline in employment opportunities; (3) adverse city/suburban relationships; (4) cost of public services; (5) rising crime rates; (6) lack of new investment in housing; and (7) racial, ethnic, and economic segregation. Calls upon the committee to develop a policy regarding the appropriate role of various levels of government in the solution of such problems. Requires the committee to evaluate the consequences of, and coordination among, existing Federal policies and programs which relate to the major problems identified by the committee. Directs the committee to formulate specific recommendations regarding Federal legislation and executive administrative action for modifications of or alternatives to present Federal programs.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 1976
Directs the Federal courts to consider, in their determinations of the imposition of terms of imprisonment for criminal offenses, the following factors: (1) the nature and circumstances of the offense and the history and characteristics of the defendant; (2) the need for the sentence imposed to reflect the seriousness of the offense and the providing of adequate deterrence to criminal conduct; (3) whether other less restrictive sanctions have been applied to the defendant frequently or recently; and (4) any sentencing guidelines established by the Commission under this Act. Establishes a United States Commission on Sentencing as an independent commission within the judicial branch of the United States Government to consist of five members appointed by the United States Judicial Conference. Directs such Commission to promulgate and distribute to all Federal courts guidelines for sentencing consistent with this Act. Empowers the Commission to establish general policies and rules necessary to carry out this Act. Empowers the Commission to utilize the services and information of other Federal, State, local and private agencies with or without reimbursement therefor. Empowers the Commission to establish a research and development program for the purpose of: (1) serving as a clearinghouse and information center for the collection, preparation, and dissemination of information on Federal sentencing practices; and (2) assisting and serving in a consulting capacity to Federal courts, departments, and agencies in the development, maintenance, and coordination of sound sentencing practices. Empowers the Commission to devise and conduct a training program of short-term instruction in sentencing techniques for judicial and probation personnel and other persons connected with the sentencing process. Requires the Commission to report annually to the Congress, the Judicial Conference, and the President on its activities. (Adds 18 U.S.C. 3579, 3621, 3657, 3742, 3801-5)
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 1976
National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Conference Act - Establishes a National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Conference. Enumerates the duties of the Conference, including: (1) the formulation of a national program to develop capabilities for earthquake hazards reduction; (2) the establishment of means for disseminating earthquake prediction information and technical assistance; (3) the coordination of earthquake and related hazard research programs; and (4) the establishment of an earthquake prediction board. Details provisions relating to the powers, composition, structure, and reporting requirements of the Conference.
![Official portrait of Rep. Heckler, Margaret M. [R-MA-10]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/cbb617b482e186b253684e67ee44091e_200.jpg)