United States · United States Congress · 22 June 1976
Provides that an elderly person residing in a dwelling unit receiving Federal assistance shall be entitled to terminate, without penalty, the lease or rental agreement if such person or his or her spouse dies, or incurs severe mental or physical disability during the period of such lease as long as proper notice is given to the management. Provides remedies for noncompliance with this Act which includes termination or reduction of financial assistance to the recipient of funds from a Federal housing program.
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 · 15 June 1976
Establishes a nine-member National Commission on Social Security. Requires the Commission to study and investigate titles II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) and XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act. Requires that annual reports be submitted to Congress and the President. Terminates the existence of the Commission after it files its fourth annual report. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 1976
Condemns the Soviet Union's failure to observe existing international conventions to which it is a party, especially the restriction respecting the delivery of parcels.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1976
Aircraft Noise Reduction and Airport Protection Act - Directs the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration to promulgate regulations prescribing noise standards for the operation of civil subsonic turbojet powered aircraft above a specified weight at any airport within the United States. States that such regulations shall provide for requirements of partial compliance at intervals prior to the end of a five-year period after the enactment of this Act. Prohibits the operation of aircraft which do not meet such requirements at the end of such five-year period. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to publish a list of the operators of noncomplying aircraft. Authorizes grants to such individuals to retrofit or replace such noncomplying aircraft. Authorizes appropriations out of the Airport and Airway Trust Fund of $300,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 1977, 1978, 1979, and 1980 to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1976
Extends the delimiting period in the case of any eligible veteran who is pursuing, during his or her tenth year of eligibility, a program of education. Terminates such extension on whichever of the following dates first occurs: (1) the date on which the veteran completes, or ceases to pursue, the program he was pursuing in his tenth year of eligibility; or (2) the last day of the 11-year period beginning on the date of his discharge from active duty. (Adds 38 U.S.C. 1662(e))
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1976
Consumer Communications Reform Act - States that Congress finds that the revenues from integrated interstate and foreign common carrier telecommunications services helped maintain a level of charges for telephone exchange service which is lower than otherwise would be required. Expresses the sense of Congress that the authorization of lines, facilities, or services of specialized carriers which duplicate the lines, facilities, or services of other telecommunications common carriers is contrary to the public interest. Reaffirms the intent of Congress that the complete authority to regulate terminal and station equipment used for telephone exchange service shall rest with the States even though such terminal and station equipment also may be used in connection with interstate services. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to provide that no compensatory charges for or in connection with such communication service may be found to be unjust or unreasonable on the ground that it is to low. Prohibits the Federal Communications Commission from holding the charge of a carrier up to a particular level to protect the traffic or revenues from a communication service offered or provided by another carrier if such charge proposed by the carrier is compensatory. Grants the Commission jurisdiction to approve the acquisition of control by a domestic common carrier of any other domestic common carrier or to approve the acquisition by a person which is not a common carrier of control of any domestic common carrier or the acquisition of the whole or any part of the property of a domestic common carrier after determining that the acquisition is in the public interest. Provides that the Commission shall not grant or authorize any construction permit, station license, or certificate, for the construction, acquisition, or operation of any communication or transmission line or facility, or extension thereof, or any modification or renewal thereof, unless the Commission shall find, after full opportunity for evidentiary hearing on the record, that such permit, license, or certificate will not result in increased charges or unnecessary duplication of communication lines.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1976
Establishes the House Committee on Intelligence to oversee and make continuing studies of the intelligence activities and programs of the United States Government. Provides that the committee shall make every effort to assure that the appropriate departments and agencies of the United States provide complete, informed, and timely intelligence necessary for the executive and legislative branches to make sound decisions affecting the security and vital interests of the Nation. Provides that the committee shall review all proposed legislation, messages, petitions, memorials, authorizations for appropriations, and other matters relating to the intelligence activities of all departments and agencies of the Government. Specifies that this resolution in no way restricts the authority of any other committee to study and review any intelligence activity to the extent that such activity directly affects a matter otherwise within the jurisdiction of such committee. Requires the committee to make regular and periodic reports to the House on the nature and extent of the intelligence activities of the various departments and agencies of the United States. Provides that the committee shall formulate and carry out such rules and procedures as it deems necessary to prevent the disclosure of information in the possession of such committee. Authorizes the committee to disclose publicly any information in its possession after a determination by such committee that the public interest would be served by such disclosure. Requires approval by a committee vote before such disclosure is allowed and the vote must be reported to the President. Directs that upon certification by the President that the disclosure of such information would be a threat to the national interest of the United States that outweighs any public interest in the disclosure, the information shall be withheld; unless decided otherwise by a vote of the entire House. Provides that the House may vote to disclose all or any part of the information or to return the issue to the committee for final determination. Provides that it shall be the duty of the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct to investigate any unauthorized disclosure of intelligence information by a Member, officer, or employee of the House and to report such findings to the House. Provides that no funds shall be appropriated for any fiscal year beginning after September 30, 1976, for the use of any department or agency of the United States to carry out intelligence activities, unless such funds shall have been previously authorized by a bill or joint resolution passed by the House during the same or preceding fiscal years. Limits the expenses of the committee, for the period from the date this resolution is agreed to through the end of the 94th Congress, to $250,000.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1976
Medicare Long-Term Care Act - Repeals existing provisions for post-hospital home health services under Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act. Establishes, within the hospital insurance program of such Title, a program of long-term care benefits to be provided for aged and disabled individuals including all recipients of supplemental security income benefits and to be financed without additional cost to such individuals, through the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund, from funds appropriated by the Federal Government. States that the benefits provided to an individual by such program shall consist of: (1) home health services; (2) homemaker services; (3) nutrition services; (4) long-term institutional care services; (5) day care and foster home services; and (6) community mental health center outpatient services. Requires that, to the maximum extent possible, such benefits shall be provided by or through community long-term care centers, as defined in this Act; and, in any case where a State has an agency which performs the functions of planning and developing such centers and overseeing their operation the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare shall make grants to the State or State agency to reimburse it for expenses incurred in the performance of such functions. Directs the Secretary to pay 75 percent of the amount expended by a State for the operation of a State long-term care agency. Enumerates the functions of such an agency. Declares that a community long-term care center shall: (1) provide the items and services listed in this Act to each individual (i) who is eligible for benefits under this part, (ii) who resides in the area served by such center and (iii) who is certified as requiring such services; (2) evaluate and certify the long-term care needs of an individual for whom such care may be required in order to maintain such individual in an independent living arrangement which is reasonable given such individual's state of health and other circumstances (but not including such individual's economic circumstances); (3) maintain a continuous relationship with (and periodically evaluate not less than annually) each individual who is receiving any of the items and services listed in this Act; (4) provide full opportunity for such individual and his family to participate in the determinations and functions under this Act; (5) provide an organized system for making its existence and location known to all individuals in its service area who are eligible for benefits under this part, and for making known to such individuals the method or methods by which they may most efficiently obtain and use the services which it makes available; and (6) perform such other functions as the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare may by regulation prescribe in order to have such center most effectively carry out the purposes of this Act. Defines terms used in this Act, including the services to be provided by community long-term care centers. Directs the Secretary to develop and promulgate to community long-term care centers one or more methods of obtaining payment for the benefits covered under this Act. Requires the Secretary to prescribe regulations setting forth the standards of care for homemaker and nutritional services. Establishes the Federal Advisory Council on Long-Term Care. Sets forth the qualifications of the five members of such Council. States that it shall be the duty and function of the Council to provide advice and recommendations for the consideration of the Secretary on regulations under this Act and on matters of general policy with respect to this Act. States that no regulations of the Secretary under this Act shall become effective unless they have first been approved by the Council. States that the determination of whether an individual is entitled to benefits under this Act shall be made by the Secretary in accordance with regulations prescribed by him. Authorizes the appropriation to the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund of such sums as the Secretary considers necessary for any fiscal year for the purposes of the program created by this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants and enter into contracts with institutions to meet the cost of training programs in the techniques and methods of providing long-term health care.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1976
Amends the Health Revenue Sharing and Health Services Act to permit the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants and loans for the initial costs of establishing and operating home health agencies and for expansion of their services. Permits the Secretary to make grants to educational institutions and other public and nonprofit private entities for programs for the training of guidance counselors, social workers, nurses, geriatric specialists, and other home health services personnel. Authorizes the appropriation of specified amounts for fiscal year 1977 for the purpose of making such grants. Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to include within its medical coverage: (1) preventive health care, including an annual comprehensive physical examination of older individuals, and diagnostic services; (2) hearing aids, foot care, dental care, and vision aids (including hearing and vision examinations for older individuals); (3) care and services provided by outpatient clinics for the elderly; (4) nutritional counseling; (5) professional guidance and counseling for aged and disabled individuals living alone at home; (6) periodic chore services; and (7) hospital outreach services. Revises such Act to require State comprehensive medical plans to include provisions for intermediate care facility services. Charges the Professional Standards Review Organization with the same responsibility for review of health care services in the case of skilled nursing homes, intermediate care facilities, and other long-term care providers as now required with respect to hospitals. Permits the Secretary to make grants to States to assist them in funding specified demonstration and pilot projects to determine the effectiveness of various home health and supportive services. Permits the Secretary to make grants to political subdivisions of States to enable them to conduct annual health fairs through which individuals over age 60 would be provided free medical checkups. Authorizes the Secretary to make demonstration grants to help meet the cost of establishing and operating private nonprofit entities to provide community care to persons over age 65. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to political subdivisions of States to enable them to establish and operate programs to provide mobile health facilities to persons over age 60. Amends the Public Health Service Act to require that a minimum of $20,000,000 be obligated for grants and contracts for emergency medical services systems for the elderly.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1976
Appropriates $7,000,000 out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated as an additional amount for carrying out the home health services provisions of the Health Revenue Sharing and Health Services Act. Appropriates specified sums, out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, for making multipurpose senior center grants under the Older Americans Act of 1965.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1976
Authorizes a tax deduction, under the Internal Revenue Code, for any taxpayer who contributes the right to use any real property owned by the taxpayer to a tax-exempt organization for use by a qualified senior citizen facility. Limits such deduction to 50 percent of the lesser of the fair market rental value of such property or the amount of State or local property taxes which are paid or incurred by the taxpayer and which are allocable to such property.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1976
Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, under title XX (Grants to States for Services) of the Social Security Act, to allot social services funds which are unused in one year to States for use in the succeeding fiscal year for the purpose of preventing or reducing inappropriate institutional care by providing for community-based or home-based care, or other forms of less intensive care. Requires that States requesting such funds have approved plans for the provision of such care. Directs the Secretary to pay quarterly to each State 85 percent of the State's expenditures for the provision of services in or through multipurpose senior centers. Directs the Secretary to standardize the eligibility requirements applicable to the provision of assistance, under the individual State programs, to multipurpose senior centers.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1976
Older Persons Comprehensive Counseling Assistance Act - Title I: General Provisions - Declares it the finding of Congress that systematic, organized community programs of counseling can help make older persons as independent as possible, encouraging meaningful lives in the community and outside care institutions. Authorizes the appropriation of specified amounts for fiscal years 1977-1981 for the purposes of making grants under this Act. Directs the United States Commissioner on Aging, through the National Information Resource Clearing House for the Aging, to collect, analyze, and disseminate information related to counseling services for older persons. Title II: Counseling Assistance Programs - Requires each State desiring a grant under this Act to submit a comprehensive State plan for providing counseling assistance to the elderly, such plan to conform to specified criteria. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to States having approved plans, such grants to be distributed to area agencies on aging for counseling assistance programs for the elderly on the basis of statewide needs and priorities. Permits the use of grants to fund counseling assistance outreach programs, preretirement counseling programs, career counseling assistance programs, referral services, community activities, and counseling for families of sick and disabled senior citizens. Enumerates requirements for State programs and for State training and retraining programs for counseling personnel. Directs the Commissioner of the Administration on Aging to contract with postsecondary education institutions and area agencies on aging for the purpose of providing needed training and retraining of counseling personnel. Directs the Commissioner on Aging to carry out a program of demonstration and evaluation for specified purposes, including: (1) identification of existing effective practices in counseling older persons; (2) identification of areas where further development is needed; and (3) development of model training programs for professional counselors.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1976
Directs the Administrator of the Energy Research and Development Administration to make grants to assist communities in developing solar energy community utility programs. Establishes procedures and criteria for approval of recent proposals by the Administrator. Stipulates that 50 percent of the costs of such programs shall be borne by the Federal Government. Requires that 50 percent of the revenues obtained from such programs be deposited in a revolving fund for use by the Administrator in making additional grants.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1976
Removes all limits on the number of home health visits for which payments may be made under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act. Authorizes appropriate health professionals, as well as physicians, to establish home health services plans under the Medicare program. States that when such services are planned by a health professional other than a physician, such services shall include nutritional counseling, and "periodic chore services," and "hospital outreach services" as are defined in this Act. Includes within the term "medical and other health services" as defined in title XVIII: (1) annual, comprehensive physical examinations; (2) examinations for eyeglasses; (3) examinations for hearing aids; (4) dental services; (5) foot care services; and (6) the provision of eyeglasses, hearing aids, and dentures. Includes "outpatient rehabilitation services" within the medical and other health services for which payment will be made under the Medicare program. Defines the term "outpatient rehabilitation services. Includes, within the class of medical and other health services for which payment will be made under the Medicare program, health and supportive services furnished by, or under the direction of, health professionals in elderly day care centers. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to publish regulations governing the provision of such services. Extends the scope of the review functions of professional standards review organizations under title XI (General Provisions) of the Social Security Act to include the review of health care services at skilled nursing homes, intermediate care facilities, and other long-term care providers, and the performance of nurses, social workers, guidance counselors, and other health care professional, as well as physicians. Declares it to be the policy of the United States that all Federal and federally supported health programs include comprehensive home health care to the same extent as it is provided for under the Medicare program.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1976
Prohibits any nursing home or skilled nursing facility which is participating in the hospital insurance program of title XVIII (Medicare) or in the medical assistance program of title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act from requiring any patient to turn over to it any social security benefit check to which the patient is entitled after such patient has given 30 days written advance notice of his intention to leave such home or facility.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1976
Older Americans Health Services Act - Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to increase the amounts authorized to be appropriated in fiscal year 1976 through 1978 for purposes of informational exchange on the subject of restraining programs for older Americans. Allows the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants under such Act to cover the cost of administering and operating multipurpose senior centers. Declares it the sense of Congress that any Federal legislation establishing a national health insurance program should include specified provisions relating to the availability of home health services for older persons.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1976
Amends the National Housing Act to direct the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to give special emphasis to insuring mortgages covering medical practice facilities which are primarily for the purpose of providing preventive, diagnostic, and treatment services to elderly outpatients. Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to entitle a grant recipient to an additional grant if such recipient plans to use such additional grant for the construction or maintenance of a senior center providing recreational, health, and nutritional services. Directs the Secretary to insure mortgages made in connection with senior centers offering health, nutritional, recreational, and social facilities to elderly persons, regardless of whether such centers offer housing facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1976
Amends the Legal Services Corporation Act to direct the Corporation to provide financial assistance to qualified programs designed to furnish legal assistance to eligible older persons in connection with any determination relating to eligibility or payment for home health services or specified health-related hearings under the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1976
Establishes within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare a Home Health Clearinghouse. Directs such Clearinghouse to establish and maintain a computer system to gather information on services and benefits available to the elderly through public and private agencies. Directs the Clearinghouse to publish and keep current a publication describing services and benefits available to the elderly under Federal law. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as are necessary to establish and maintain the Clearinghouse. Creates in the Department an Assistant Secretary for Elderly Health, to perform specified duties, including the coordination of Department policy relating to the health of the elderly and coordination of the interagency task force on long-term home and institutional care of the elderly.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1976
Motor Fuel Franchise Protection Act - Prohibits refiners or distributors of motor fuels from terminating, cancelling, or failing to renew franchises without prior written notification in accordance with specified criteria. Exempts trial franchises for an intial term of not more than one year from provisions relating to failure to renew a franchise. Permits retailers or distributors to maintain a civil action against franchisors who fail to comply with the requirements of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1976
Establishes the House Committee on Health which shall have the responsibility for investigating health measures generally, health facilities, health care programs, national health insurance, public health and quarantine, and biomedical research and development.
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 1976
Increases the number of members of the Civil Service Commission from three to five. Empowers the Commissioners, rather than the Chairman, to appoint the Executive Director of the Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 1976
National Home Health Care Act - Broadens the coverage of home health services under Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act and removes the 100-visit limitation presently applicable to the home health service program. Extends the coverage of posthospital home health services to include payment for items and services which the individual could otherwise obtain in a skilled nursing facility. Requires the inclusion of home health services under Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act, and permits the payment of rent under such program for elderly and handicapped persons who would otherwise require nursing home care. Provides expanded Federal funding for congregate housing for the displaced and the elderly by increasing the amount available for such housing under the low-income housing program. Establishes, in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, a Home Health Patient Ombudsman, who shall be appointed and provided with adequate staff and facilities by the Secretary. Makes it the duty and responsibility of the ombudsman to monitor specified programs under the Social Security Act and the various medical assistance programs under the State plan approved pursuant to such Act, and to maintain such oversight of those programs and their operation and administration as may be necessary to: (1) assure that home health patients under such programs are receiving the care to which they are entitled; (2) provide safeguards against over-charging for home health services; (3) identify abuses against home health patients; (4) receive, handle, and expedite complaints by home health patients; (5) recommend to the Secretary any changes in the regulations affecting home health services which may appear necessary or desirable; and (6) take appropriate action (including the transmission of findings to the Attorney General) with respect to abuses and violations of law affecting the provision or receipt of home health services under such programs. Requires the disclosure to the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare of the identity of all persons with an ownership interest in a skilled nursing facility. Requires the Secretary to conduct a study and report to the Congress on the feasibility of extending to the Medicare program the prospective cost-related method of computing payments to nursing homes and home health agencies which is currently provided for under the Medicaid programs.
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 1976
Denies the benefits of the foreign tax credit, under the Internal Revenue Code, to any taxpayer, or a member of a controlled group which includes the taxpayer, who is determined by the Secretary of the Treasury to have participated in or cooperated with the boycott of Israel, with respect to income, war profits, or excess profits taxes paid or accrued to any country which requires such participation or cooperation as a condition of doing business within that country. Denies DISC benefits to any Domestic International Sales Corporation that the Secretary of Treasury determines has participated in or cooperated with the boycott of Israel. Requires taxpayers with foreign source income derived directly or indirectly from sources within a country which requires participation in or cooperation with the boycott of Israel as a condition of doing business with or within such country to report such fact to the Secretary of the Treasury, who shall make a determination whether the taxpayer participated in or cooperated with the boycott of Israel for the taxable year.
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 1976
Combined Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance - Income Tax Reporting Amendments - Amends the Internal Revenue Code and Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of the Treasury to make available specified tax returns to the Secretary of Health, Education, Welfare. Empowers the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare (HEW) and the Secretary of the Treasury to enter into an agreement for the processing of information contained in such returns. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to provide to the Secretary of HEW any documents they agree are necessary for such processing. Directs the Managing Trustee of the Trust Funds established pursuant to the Social Security Act, including the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund, to pay into the Treasury the amounts he and the Secretary of HEW estimate will be expended from the general fund of the Treasury by the Departments of HEW and Treasury for the administration of (1) titles II and XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, and (2) specified chapters and subchapters of the Internal Revenue Code. Requires the Secretary of HEW to apportion (between each trust fund and the general fund in the Treasury) the costs of administrating titles II, XVI (Supplemental Security Benefits) and XVIII of the Social Security Act and its costs in carrying out specified functions of this Act. Revises the formula by which the adjustment to the contribution and benefit base is to be computed following an increase in social security benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 1976
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States Postal Service shall not close or suspend the operation of any post offices, unless there is a clear and compelling need to do so. Encourages the service to continue cost-cutting programs which do not affect levels of service.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 1976
Abolishes the Federal Energy Administration, created by the Federal Energy Administration Act of 1974, and the following of its offices: the Office of Management and Administration (other than the Office of Private Grievances and Redress); the Office of Intergovernmental, Regional, and Special Programs; the Office of Congressional Affairs; the Office of Communications and Public Affairs; the Office of the General Counsel; and the Office of the Administrator. Transfers the functions of other offices as follows: the functions of the Offices of Energy Policy and Analysis, Energy Conservation and Environment, and International Energy Affairs are transferred to the Energy Research and Development Administration; the functions of the Office of Energy Resource Development (including the Office of Strategic Petroleum Reserve) are transferred to the Department of the Interior; and the functions of the Office of Regulatory Programs (including the Office of Private Grievances and Redress) are transferred to the Federal Power Commission. Continues all agency rules involving the transferred offices until acted upon by the President or other authorized official. Continues allocations before any court involving such offices or actions before such transferred offices Authorizes the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to oversee the transfer of functions directed by this Act. Requires the Director to report to Congress on the progress of such transfer 90 days after the enactment of this Act. Specifies appropriations authorized by this Act to carry out the functions transferred by this Act for the period July 1, 1976, through September 30, 1976 and for fiscal year 1977. Makes this Act effective on the date of its enactment or on July 1, 1976, whichever is earlier.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 1976
Grants judicial officers the power to deny pretrial release to persons charged with the commission of violent crimes if there is reason to believe that such persons would flee or pose a danger to others or the community. (Adds 18 U.S.C. 3146A; Amends 18 U.S.C. 3156a)
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 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 · 25 May 1976
Equal Opportunity for Displaced Homemakers Act - Requires the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish a multipurpose service program for displaced homemakers, including: (1) job counseling and training services; (2) health education and counseling services; (3) financial management services; (4) educational services; and (5) outreach and information services with respect to Federal employment, education, health, and unemployment assistance programs. Defines a "displaced homemaker" as an individual who: (1) has worked in the home, providing unpaid household services for family members; (2) is not gainfully employed; (3) has had, or would have, difficulty in securing employment; and (4) has been dependent on the income of another family member but is no longer supported by such income, or has been dependent on Federal assistance but is no longer eligible for such assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 1976
Creates the Select Joint Committee on the Congressional Page School to determine whether it is necessary to have the Congressional Page School. Directs the joint committee to conduct a full investigation of the school, including: (1) its method of faculty selection; (2) its method of curriculum choice; (3) the adequacy of the location of the school; and (4) the availability of adequate housing for pages attending the school. Provides that the total expenses of the joint committee shall not exceed $35,000 which shall be paid from the contingent fund of the House.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1976
Housing Incentive Investment Act - Amends the National Housing Act to authorize the Government National Mortgage Association (GNMA) to make monthly housing investment interest differential payments to lenders. Prohibits GNMA from approving a mortgage for assistance unless: (1) the mortgage covers a one-to-four family dwelling; (2) the home mortgage is not in excess of $35,000; (3) the purchaser's interest payments are at least two but not more than six percent below the market rate of interest for home mortgages; (4) the lender's interest rate will be adjusted every six months by GNMA to reflect the yield on VA-FHA mortgages; and (5) the purchaser agrees to repay the aggregate amount of differential payments with interest. Requires that upon sale or other disposition of the dwelling or upon termination of the use of the dwelling by the purchaser as his principal residence prior to retirement of the first mortgage, the cost of the extra assistance by GNMA be repaid by the borrower from the appreciation on his home. Authorizes GNMA to establish a lender's interest rate which may not exceed the average yield on VA-FHA mortgages during the six calendar months preceding the date of execution of the mortgage. Allows GNMA to adjust the lender's interest rate upward or downward every six months except that no single adjustment may exceed one quarter of one percent nor may an aggregate upward adjustment exceed two and one-half percent. Provides that if the lender's rate falls below the borrower's rate that the borrower shall be credited with the difference. Establishes in the Treasury a Housing Incentive Investment Fund to carry out the provisions of this Act. Authorizes GNMA to issue to the Secretary of the Treasury notes or other obligations in an aggregate amount not to exceed $1,000,000,000. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to purchase and sell such notes and obligations. Sets the termination of this program for five years after the date of enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1976
Youth Counseling and Employment Act - Establishes within the Department of Labor a Youth Employment Office, to be headed by a Director appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Authorizes the Director to provide financial assistance through grants and contracts in urban and rural areas for comprehensive work and training programs, and necessary supportive and follow-up services; including: (1) programs to provide useful work experience for high school students from low-income families; (2) programs to provide unemployed, underemployed, or low-income persons aged 16 and over with useful work and training; and (3) jobs for economically disadvantaged youths during the summer months. Requires that to the maximum extent feasible programs conducted under this Act be linked to work and training programs conducted pursuant to the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act of 1973. States that assistance shall be provided, to the maximum extent feasible, for a minimum period of three years. Requires the Director of the Office to conduct necessary studies to assess the effectiveness of the programs and to keep appropriate Congressional committees fully informed. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor, under the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act, to provide financial assistance in urban and rural areas with large concentrations of unemployed and low-income persons for comprehensive work and training programs and necessary supportive and followup services. Authorizes appropriations of sums necessary to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1976
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) and Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to include as "medical and other health services" for which coverage will be provided under Medicare, and as "medical assistance" for which coverage will be provided under Medicaid, that medical or other remedial care furnished by licensed (registered) nurses within the scope of their practices as defined by State law.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 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 · 19 May 1976
Requires, under the Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973, that the Federal Government Interagency Committee on Handicapped Employees shall include not less than five disabled individuals nominated by national organizations of handicapped or disabled persons. Permits handicapped individuals who believe they have been discriminated against in hiring or placement by Federal agencies to file a complaint with the Chairman of the Civil Service Commission and request a hearing by an Arbitration Panel convened by the Chairman. States that the Panel shall be composed of three individuals: one designated by the accused agency, one designated by the aggrieved handicapped individual, and one jointly designated by the other two members of the Panel. Provides that the decisions of the panel shall be matters of public record. Directs the Chairman of the Civil Service Commission to pay all reasonable costs of arbitration. Requires that before entering into any contract, the head of any Federal department or agency must be satisfied that the contractor has taken affirmative action to employ and promote qualified handicapped individuals. Permits handicapped individuals who believe a contractor has failed to comply with the provisions of his contract relating to handicapped persons to file a complaint with the Secretary of Labor and request a hearing by an Arbitration Panel convened by the Secretary. Authorizes handicapped individuals who believe they have been subjected to discrimination under any program receiving Federal financial assistance to file a complaint with the Secretary and request a hearing by an Arbitration Panel. Establishes within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare an office to assist handicapped individuals to obtain information about employment placement opportunities.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1976
Federal Reports Act Amendments - Prohibits the use of any form, under the Federal Reports Act of 1942, to collect information from ten or more persons unless such form has been approved by the Comptroller General. Prohibits approval of such forms unless such forms require only essential information, are easily understood, do not require professional help to complete of persons who are unable to obtain such help, and do not require excessive time or resources to complete. Requires the Comptroller General to inform Congress in the event of disapproval of such a form. Extends the Act to cover forms issued by the Internal Revenue Service. States that this Act shall apply to all forms first prescribed on or amended on or after the date of enactment of this Act. (Adds 44 U.S.C. 3513; Amends 44 U.S.C. 3507)
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1976
Directs the Postmaster General to issue a special postage stamp in honor of Doctor Martin Luther King, Junior, and in tribute to his accomplishments as a citizen of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1976
Public Service Employees Retirement Income Security Act - Sets forth regulations governing employee welfare or pension benefit plans established or maintained by State or local government entities. Requires that every employee benefit plan be established and maintained pursuant to a written instrument. Requires that such instrument provide for one or more named fiduciaries who jointly or severally shall have authority to control and manage the operation and administration of the plan. Specifies that all such fiduciaries shall discharge their duties with respect to a plan solely in the interest of the participants and beneficiaries. Requires that every benefit plan: (1) provide a procedure for establishing and carrying out a funding policy and method consistent with the objectives of the plan and the requirements of this Act; (2) describe any procedure under the plan for the allocation of responsibilities for the operation and administration of the plan; (3) provide a procedure for amending such plan, and for identifying the persons who have authority to amend the plan; and (4) specify the basis on which payments are to be made to and from the plan. Requires that all assets of an employee benefit plan be held in trust by one or more trustees. Specifies the method of appointment of the trustees and stipulates that the trustees shall have exclusive authority and discretion to manage and control the assets of the plan, subject to limitations. Establishes qualifications for, and limitations on, the acquisition and holding of securities and real property by plans subject to this Act. Prohibits any fiduciary who has the authority or discretion to control or manage the assets of a plan from permitting the plan to hold or acquire any employer security or employer real property if such fiduciary knows or should know that holding such security or real property violates this Act. Directs the Secretary of Labor to establish an exemption procedure under which an exemption of any fiduciary or transaction, or any class of fiduciaries or transactions, from the securities and real property holding restrictions of this Act may be granted. Prohibits the Secretary from granting any such exemption unless the exemption is: (1) administratively feasible; (2) in the interests of the plan and its participants and beneficiaries; and (3) protective of the rights of participants and beneficiaries of such plan. Authorizes the following transactions by fiduciaries and plans, with specified limitations: (1) loans made by the plan to parties in interest who are participants or beneficiaries of the plan; (2) contracts or arrangements with a party in interest for office space, or legal, accounting, or other services necessary for the establishment or operation of the plan; (3) provision of any ancillary service by a bank or similar financial institution supervised by the United States or a State, if such bank or other institution is a fiduciary of such plan; (4) exercise of a privilege to convert securities, to the extent provided in regulations of the Secretary of Labor; and (5) distribution of the assets of the plan by a fiduciary in accordance with the terms of the plan if such assets are distributed in the same manner as assets are allocated under specified provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. Specifies reporting and disclosure requirements to be followed by the administrator of an employee benefit plan with respect to the Secretary of Labor and plan participants. Declares that any person who is a fiduciary with respect to a plan who breaches any of the responsibilities, obligations, or duties imposed upon fiduciaries by this Act shall be personally liable to make good to such plan any losses resulting from such breach. Declares void any agreement or instrument which purports to relieve a fiduciary from such liability. Prohibits persons who have been convicted of specified crimes from serving as fiduciaries of employee benefit plans during, or for five years after, such conviction, or imprisonment for such conviction. Imposes criminal penalties for violation of this Act. Specifies the grounds for civil actions which may be brought by the participant, fiduciary, or beneficiary of an employee benefit plan or the Secretary of Labor, to enforce the provisions of this Act with respect to such plan. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to investigate fully the operation of any employee benefit plan to determine whether such plan is in compliance with this Act. Sets forth a procedure for the denial of benefits to any participant or beneficiary by any employee benefit plan. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to prescribe such regulations as may be necessary or appropriate to carry out the provisions of this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to enable the Secretary to carry out the duties and responsibilities imposed by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1976
Amends Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to entitle widows and widowers who are under a disability to receive unreduced widow's and widower's benefits without regard to age.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1976
Title I: Authorizations and Limitations - Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to increase the appropriation for surety bond guarantees from $35,000,000 to $71,000,000. Increases from $6,000,000,000 to $8,000,000,000 the amount appropriated for the business loan and investment fund of the Small Business Administration. Increases from $450,000,000 to $525,000,000 the amount appropriated for economic opportunity loans. Increases the funds for Small Business Investment Companies from $725,000,000 to $1,100,000,000. Authorizes appropriations and sets program levels for various programs under the Small Business Act for fiscal years 1978 and 1979. Title II: Micellaneous Conforming and Technical Amendments - Requires that reports to the President and Congress concerning minority small businesses include: the proportion of loans and other assistance under this Act; the goals of the Administration for the next fiscal year with respect to such concerns; and recommendations for improving assistance. Title III: Amendments to Small Business Administration Loan Authority - Amends the Small Business Act to allow loans to be used for the financing of residential or commercial construction or rehabilitation for sale. States that no payments will be required of the small business while payments are being made by the Small Business Administration pursuant to the assumption of such business's obligation or while the Administration has suspended payment on its own loan. Limits the period of such assumption or suspension to five years. Sets the prerequisites for receiving the loan and the conditions for repayment of such loan. Provides for assistance to small business concerns which are engaged in the production of food or fiber, ranching, and raising of livestock, acquaculture and all other farming and agricultural related industries. Increases from $350,000 to $500,000 the limit on loans for regular businesses. Increases from $50,000 to $100,000 the limit for economic opportunity loans. Increases the limit for development company loans. Amends the Small Business Investment Act and the Small Business Act to state that no loans for plant acquisitions shall exceed specified time periods. Title IV: Amendments to Small Business Administration Disaster Loan Authority - Expands the coverage of disaster loans to situations which the Small Business Administration determines to be disasters and where no disaster has been declared upon the certification by the Governor of a State to the Small Business Administration that small business concerns have suffered economic injury as a result of such disaster and that financial assistance is not available on reasonable terms in the disaster-stricken area. Requires the President to undertake a comprehensive review of all Federal disaster loan authorities and to report to the Congress concerning the most effective and efficient delivery of disaster relief. States that the interest rate on the Administration's share of any loan made under this subsection shall not exceed three percent and in specified cases shall not be higher than two and three quarters percent. Title V: Certificate of Competency - Amends the elements to be considered in certification of any small business for the receipt or performance of a specific Government contract. Requires that final disposition of contract awards be made by the Administration. Describes the role of Government procurement officers and officers engaged in the sale and disposal of Federal property. Title VI: Financing of Pollution Control Facilities - Authorizes the Small Business Administration, whenever it determinizes that small business concerns are, or are likely to be, at an operational or financial disadvantage with other business concerns with respect to the planning, design or installation of pollution control facilities, or the obtaining the financing therefor, to guarantee the payment of rentals or other amounts due under qualified contracts. Provides that any such guarantee may be made or effected either directly or in cooperation with any qualified surety company or other qualified company through a participation agreement with such a company. Permits the Administration to fix a uniform annual fee for any guarantee issued under this title and to require that measures be followed in connection with the guarantee of rentals in order to minimize financial risk assumed by the guarantee. Creates a separate fund for guarantees within the Treasury for guarantees which shall be available to the Administrator without fiscal limitations as a revolving fund. Authorizes to be appropriated amounts sufficient to provide the Capital for such fund. Title VII: Chief Counsel for Advocacy - Creates within the Small Business Administration an Office of Advocacy. States the functions of such Office which include receipt of complaints, criticism, and suggestions concerning the policies and activities of the Administration and the resolution of problems concerning the relationship of the small business to the Federal Government. Requires the Office of Advocacy to report to the Congress and the President not later than six months after enactment of this title. Authorizes $1,000,000 to be appropriated to carry out the provisions of this title.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1976
Amends the Controlled Substances Act to make the theft or attempted theft of a controlled substance a Federal offense punishable by a $5,000 fine and/or imprisonment for not more than 20 years. Stipulates that persons who attempt to steal narcotics from a pharmacy by armed robbery shall be punished by imprisonment for not less than two years or more than 25 years and/or may be fined up to $10,000. Imposes a mandatory sentence of ten years to life for killing a person in an attempt to rob a pharmacy of narcotics.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1976
Amends the Medicare program of the Social Security Act to authorize payment under the supplementary medical insurance program for specified diagnostic tests and physical examinations given for the detection of breast cancer.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1976
Directs the Secretary of Commerce to make grants available, on a matching basis with non-Federal funds, to States or subdivisions thereof, or private or public nonprofit organizations or associations, for the purpose of encouraging and promoting travel within the United States and its territories.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1976
Amends Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act: (1) to grant eligibility for husband's insurance benefits to any husband of an individual entitled to old-age or disability insurance benefits, although such husband is under the age of 62, if such husband has in his care a child entitled to child's insurance benefits on the basis of the wife's eligibility; and (2) to provide benefits under such Title for widowed fathers with minor children on the same basis as benefits for widowed mothers with minor children.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1976
National Commitment to Energy Independence using Solar and Geothermal Energy Act - Title I: Findings, Policy, Purpose, and Definitions - Declares it the policy of the United States and the purpose of this Act to eliminate reliance on imports of crude oil as an energy source through the implementation of energy conservation programs coupled with construction of solar and geothermal energy generation facilities. Title II: Assistant Administrator for Solar and Geothermal Energy and Conservation - Creates, within the Energy Research and Development Administration, the position of Assistant Administrator for Solar and Geothermal Energy and Conservation. Directs the Assistant Administrator to oversee projects and programs under the Solar Heating and Cooling Demonstration Act of 1974 and the Solar Energy Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1974. Authorizes the Administrator to undertake energy conservation duties in the areas involving reduction of heat use, heat loss, electric energy use, and the reuse of solid wastes. Title III: Test and Evaluation Facilities - Directs the Assistant Administrator to implement various current systems concepts related to solar and geothermal energy. Lists specific number of test facilities as a required part of such program. Directs the Assistant Administrator to establish programs to standardize photovoltaic component costs below specified levels within five years. Requires the establishment of a residential and commercial solar heating and cooling program to expand the use of such technologies within the next five years. Requires that a major portion of the research and development costs for such programs be borne by private industry. Limits the Federal funds expended for such purposes to $100,000,000 or 25 percent of the total funds appropriated under the authority of this Act, whichever is less. Title IV: Commercial Implementation - Establishes the following goals for which additional Federal assistance to private industry shall be available: (1) the production of ten percent of all the energy consumed within the United States through the use of solar and geothermal energy within ten years of the enactment of this Act; and (2) an increase in the percentage of such consumption from solar and geothermal sources to 20 percent by the year 2000. Title V: Report - Directs the Assistant Administrator to submit a detailed plan of implementation within 90 days of the enactment of this Act. Requires annual progress reports listing the amount of Federal funds expended on each program. Directs the Congressional Budget Office to report on direct and indirect costs associated with Federal nuclear and fossil fuels subsidization programs. Directs the Budget Office to submit similar reports on cost incentive programs recommended by the Assistant Administrator to encourage the development of solar and geothermal structures for businesses and residencies. Title VI: Conservation - Directs the Assistant Administrator to implement various energy conservation programs designed to offer tax incentives for energy conservation and to assist in the development of improved energy-saving technologies. Establishes as the ultimate objective of such program a ten percent reduction in national energy consumption by 1985. Title VII: Regulation-Information to Congress - Authorizes the Assistant Administrator to prescribe appropriate rules and regulations to carry out the purposes of this Act. Requires that appropriate committees of Congress be fully and currently informed with respect to activities under this Act. Title VIII: Authorization of Appropriations - Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1985 for: (1) solar-thermal and ocean-thermal electric generation facilities; (2) wind-electric generation facilities; (3) biconversion-methane gas generation facilities; (4) geothermal-electric generation facilities; (5) photovoltaic-electric generation facilities and related activities; (6) the residential and commercial structure solar heating and cooling program and related activities; and (7) the energy conservation program outlined in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1976
Directs the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to annually increase or decrease rates of specified veterans' benefits in an amount equal to the percentage by which the Consumer Price Index (all items, United States city average) increased or decreased since the last change in such rates. (Adds 38 U.S.C. 3111)
![Official portrait of Rep. Lehman, William [D-FL-17]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/l000226_200.jpg)