United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1977
Establishes a 12-Member select committee in the House of Representatives to conduct an investigation of all acts of any agency, official, employee, or agent of the Government of the Republic of Korea on any representative of a business interest carried on in such Republic to influence any present or former Member of the House in his or her official capacity through bribery, campaign contributions, gift giving or otherwise. Requires the select committee to report to the House as soon as practicable during the present Congress the results of any investigation, together with such recommendations it deems advisable.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1977
Constitutional Amendment - Declares the term "person", with respect to due process and equal protections, applicable to human beings irrespective of age, health, function or condition of dependency, including the unborn. Prohibits the deprivation of life of an unborn person, except under law permitting medical procedures required to prevent the death of the mother.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1977
Amends the Rules of the House of Representatives to require a roll call vote on demand of any committee member on any question before the committee and on every motion to report any bill or resolution of a public character.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1977
Adds Rule XLV to the Rules of the House of Representatives, allowing continuous television and radio coverage of House floor proceedings. Makes the Speaker responsible for the implementation of this Rule. Establishes a Broadcast Advisory Board to assist the Speaker. Makes it the general responsibility of the Clerk to make provision for such coverage. Stipulates that this Rule shall not apply with respect to joint sessions of the House and Senate. Provides all television and radio broadcasting stations, networks, services and systems in the United States and its territories with access to all of the live coverage of the proceedings of the House. Restricts use of coverage to legitimate news or research purposes. Stipulates that broadcast shall be presented without commercial sponsorship. Prohibits coverage provided under this Rule from use as partisan political campaign material.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1977
Amends rule XXVII of the Rules of the House of Representatives to direct that it shall not be in order to entertain a motion to suspend the rules to consider any measure or matter unless the committee having jurisdiction over the measure or matter, by roll call vote, a majority being actually present, authorizes consideration of the measure or matter under a suspension of the rules, or if a written request has been filed with the Speaker by the chairman and ranking minority member of the committee having jurisdiction over the measure or matter, asking for its consideration under a suspension of the rules.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1977
Amends rule XI of the Rules of the House to require that all committee meetings, including meetings for the mark-up of legislation, shall be open to the public, except when the committee determines in open session by roll call vote that the disclosure of the matter to be considered would endanger national security or violate any law or rule of the House of Representatives.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1977
Amends the Rules of the House of Representatives to permit the House, by appropriate resolution, to direct the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct to undertake an investigation of alleged misconduct on the part of any Member, officer, or employee of the House. Requires the committee to file a written report on its findings and recommendations whenever it has undertaken an investigation.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1977
Amends rule X of the Rules of the House of Representatives to limit all standing committees with more than 20 employees, except the Committee on Appropriations, to no more than six subcommittees.
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to limit the application of the Tax Reform Act's elimination of the sick pay exclusion for persons who have not retired on total disability, to taxable years beginning after December 31, 1976.
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 · 20 September 1976
Arthritis, Diabetes, and Digestive Disease Amendments - Title I: Arthritis and Related Musculoskeletal Diseases - Amends the Public Health Service Act to repeal the authority of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to establish and support projects for the development and demonstration of methods for arthritis prevention. Stipulates that projects for the development and demonstration of arthritis screening, detection, and referral methods shall emphasize new and improved methods for dissemination of information to the general public. Authorizes the appropriation of $3,000,000 for fiscal year 1978, $4,000,000 for fiscal year 1979, and $5,000,000 for fiscal year 1980 for arthritis screening, detection, and referral data system demonstration projects. Amends the Public Health Service Act to require that arthritis centers established under such Act conduct arthritis research training programs for physicians and other health professionals. Authorizes the appropriation of $18,700,000 for fiscal year 1978, $19,000,000 for fiscal year 1979, and $20,000,000 for fiscal year 1980 to arthritis centers for arthritis screening, detection, and referral demonstration projects. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish a National Arthritis Advisory Board to: (1) review and evaluate the Arthritis Plan formulated under the National Arthritis Act of 1974; and (2) assure the most effective utilization and organization of arthritis resources. Makes provision for staffing and compensation of the Board. Authorizes the appropriation of $100,000 each year for fiscal years 1978, 1979, and 1980 to carry out the activities of the Board. Title II: Diabetes - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish a National Diabetes Advisory Board to insure the implementation of the long-range plan formulated by the National Commission on Diabetes under the National Diabetes Mellitus Research and Education Act to combat diabetes. Specifies 11 Federal health officers as members of the Board, in addition to seven health professionals and five members of the general public to be appointed by the Secretary. Makes provision for staffing and compensation. Authorizes the Board to enter into contracts or other arrangements, or to take such other action as may be necessary to carry out its functions. Authorizes the Board to engage in and sponsor activities, collect data, and provide technical assistance as it deems necessary and advisable in the performance of its functions. Requires the Board to submit simultaneously to the President and Congress an annual diabetes report describing Board activities in the prior year and progress made in diabetes research, treatment, and education with specific reference to the long-range plan to combat diabetes mellitus and suggesting recommended future expenditures and legislation. Authorizes the appropriation of $500,000 for fiscal year 1978 and each of the two fiscal years thereafter. Authorizes, under the Public Health Service Act, the appropriation of specified sums in fiscal years 1978-1980 for the purpose of making grants to centers for research and training in diabetes mellitus and related endocrine and metabolic disorders. Title III: Digestive Diseases - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish a National Commission on Digestive Diseases. Directs the Commission to develop and recommend a long-range plan for the use of national resources to deal with digestive diseases, such plan to include provisions for: (1) research studies into the biological process related to digestive diseases; (2) investigations into the epidemiology, etiology, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and control of such diseases; (3) development of coordinated health care systems to combat digestive diseases; and (4) education and training of scientists, clinicians, educators, and allied health professionals in fields related to digestive diseases. Makes provision for staffing and compensation for the Commission. Directs the Commission to make a final report to Congress within 18 months of its initial meeting, such report to include the projected costs of implementing programs to combat digestive diseases, legislative recommendations, and a long-range plan for dealing with such diseases. Authorizes the appropriation of $1,500,000, without fiscal year limitation, to carry out the activities of the Commission. Directs the Secretary to establish a Coordinating Committee for Digestive Diseases to improve coordination among Federal agencies in the research, training, control, and treatment of digestive diseases.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 1976
Permits the acceptance by the House of Representatives of a gift of a portrait of Leslie C. Arends of the State of Illinois, a former member. Provides that such portrait shall be displayed at a location in the United States Capitol Building, subject to approval of the Speaker of the House.
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 1976
National Commission for the Protection of Human Subjects of Biomedical and Behavioral Programs Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act by establishing the National Commission for the Protection of Human Subjects of Biomedical and Behavioral Programs. Specifies that the 12 members of the Commission shall be appointed by the President from individuals distinguished in specified fields including medicine, law, ethics, theology, philosophy, and the humanities with no more than five members being selected from individuals who are or have been engaged in biomedical or behavioral research involving human subjects. Provides that the Commission may undertake, or contract for the undertaking of, studies on the protection of human subjects of biomedical and behavioral programs and on research activities (such as research on recombinant DNA) which have or are likely to have significant implications for human health, as it deems appropriate. Requires the Commission's study to include the following: (1) identification of the basic ethic principles which should underlie the conduct of biomedical and behavioral research involving human subjects; (2) identification of the requirements for an individual who is a child, prisoner, member of the Armed Forces, institutionalized because of mental illness retardation, or his legal representative, to give informed consent to such individual's participation in biomedical and behavioral research conducted, supported or regulated by a Federal agency; (3) a study of past, present, and projected research in the modification of any living organism or virus by insertion of recombinant DNA molecules, the ethical, social, legal, and economic implications of such research; and the potential hazards posed by such research to the research personnel, the human subjects of such research, and the public at large; (4) a study of the scope and extent of personal injuries to, or death of, human subjects in the course of biomedical and behavioral research; (5) an identification of the basic ethical principles which should underlie the delivery of health services to patients in programs conducted or supported by a Federal agency; (6) a study to develop methods for the systematic assessment of the ethical, social, legal, and economic implications of the application in medical practice of significant advances in biomedical and behavioral research, technology, and diagnostic and therapeutic techniques. Directs the Commission to monitor the actions of, advise, and make recommendations to, Federal agencies with respect to the conduct of biomedical and behavioral research conducted, supported or regulated by such agencies and with respect to the implementation of such administrative actions as may be appropriate to apply the ethical principles, ethical guidelines, and informed consent requirements identified and developed in such studies to such research. Repeals provisions of the Public Health Service Act which create the National Advisory Council for the Protection of Subjects of Biomedical and Behavioral Research.
United States · United States Congress · 31 August 1976
Arthritis, Diabetes, and Digestive Disease Amendments - Title I: Arthritis and Related Musculoskeletal Diseases - Amends the Public Health Service Act to repeal the authority of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to establish and support projects for the development and demonstration of methods for arthritis prevention. Stipulates that projects for the development and demonstration of arthritis screening, detection, and referral methods shall emphasize new and improved methods for dissemination of information to the general public. Authorizes the appropriation of $3,000,000 for fiscal year 1978, $4,000,000 for fiscal year 1979, and $5,000,000 for fiscal year 1980 for arthritis screening, detection, and referral data system demonstration projects. Amends the Public Health Service Act to require that arthritis centers established under such Act conduct arthritis research training programs for physicians and other health professionals. Authorizes the appropriation of $18,700,000 for fiscal year 1978, $19,000,000 for fiscal year 1979, and $20,000,000 for fiscal year 1980 to arthritis centers for arthritis screening, detection, and referral demonstration projects. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish a National Arthritis Advisory Board to: (1) review and evaluate the Arthritis Plan formulated under the National Arthritis Act of 1974; and (2) assure the most effective utilization and organization of arthritis resources. Makes provision for staffing and compensation of the Board. Authorizes the appropriation of $100,000 for fiscal year 1978 and such sums as may be necessary for each of the following two fiscal years to carry out the activities of the Board. Title II: Diabetes - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish a National Diabetes Advisory Board to insure the implementation of the long-range plan formulated by the National Commission on Diabetes under the National Diabetes Mellitus Research and Education Act to combat diabetes. Specifies seven Federal health officers as members of the Board, in addition to seven health professionals and five members of the general public to be appointed by the Secretary. Makes provision for staffing and compensation. Authorizes the Board to enter into contracts or other arrangements, or to take such other action as may be necessary to carry out its functions. Authorizes the Board to engage in and sponsor activities, collect data, and provide technical assistance as it deems necessary and advisable in the performance of its functions. Requires the Board to submit simultaneously to the President and Congress an Annual Diabetes Report describing Board activities in the prior year and progress made in diabetes research, treatment, and education with specific reference to the long-range plan to combat diabetes mellitus and suggesting recommended future expenditures and legislation. Authorizes the appropriation of $500,000 for fiscal year 1978 and such sums as are necessary for each of the four fiscal years thereafter. Authorizes, under the Public Health Service Act, the appropriation of specified sums in fiscal years 1978-1980 for the purpose of making grants to centers for research and training in diabetes mellitus and related endocrine and metabolic disorders. Title III: Digestive Diseases - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish a National Commission on Digestive Diseases. Directs the Commission to develop and recommend a long-range plan for the use of national resources to deal with digestive diseases, such plan to include provisions for: (1) research studies into the biological process related to digestive diseases; (2) investigations into the epidemiology, etiology, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and control of such diseases; (3) development of coordinated health care systems to combat digestive diseases; and (4) education and training of scientists, clinicians, educators, and allied health professionals in fields related to digestive diseases. Makes provision for staffing and compensation for the Commission. Directs the Commission to make a final report to Congress within 18 months of its initial meeting, such report to include the projected costs of implementing programs to combat digestive diseases, legislative recommendations, and a long-range plan for dealing with such diseases. Authorizes the appropriation of $1,500,000, without fiscal year limitation, to carry out the activities of the Commission. Directs the Secretary to establish a Coordinating Committee for Digestive Diseases to improve coordination among Federal agencies in the research, training, control, and treatment of digestive diseases.
United States · United States Congress · 9 August 1976
Comprehensive Medical Practice Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to add "Title XVII - Comprehensive Medical Practices." Defines a 'comprehensive medical practice' as a legal entity which: (1) provides medical services through health professionals licensed to practice medicine or osteopathy, a specified number of whom engage in family medicine, primary pediatrics, or primary internal medicine; (2) offers a comprehensive variety of medical services reasonably expected to meet the majority of medical needs of the area it serves; (3) offers each patient an individual health professional primarily responsible for the continuity of care of such individual by the entity; (4) shares equipment, facilities, and persnonnel among its member; (5) meets applicable accreditation standards; and (6) maintains an information program for the residents of its service area, such program fully disclosing the services offered, the fees charged, and the method of resolving billing or medical services grievances. Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to entities for activities to determine the feasibility of developing, operating, or expanding comprehensive medical practices. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants, contracts, and loan guarantees for planning, initial development, and initial operation costs for such practices. Establishes in the Treasury a loan guarantee fund to be available to the Secretary without fiscal year limitation for the discharge of the Secretary's loan guarantee responsibilities under this Act. Authorizes the appropriation, from time to time, of such amounts as may be necessary for purposes of such fund. Establishes in the Treasury a loan fund to be available to the Secretary without fiscal year limitation to enable the Secretary to make loans under this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of specified sums in fiscal years 1978 through 1980 to carry out the provisions of this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to make available to insurers reinsurance against claims brought by any of their insureds which are comprehensive medical practices and arising out of medical malpractices, which exceed $100,000. Entitles the Secretary, in any suit brought in the appropriate U.S. district court, to recover from any insurer the amount of any unpaid premiums lawfully payable by such insurer to the Secretary. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to, and enter into contracts with, public and nonprofit private entities for projects to promote: (1) the teaching of alternative methods of delivering medical care to health professions students; (2) the training within comprehensive medical practices of students of health professional schools and individuals in residency training programs in family medicine, primary pediatrics, and primary internal medicine; (3) programs under which comprehensive medical practices serving medically underserved populations are given support services by health professional schools; and (4) programs for training in the management of comprehensive medical practices. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to, and enter into contracts with, public and nonprofit private entities for studies to determine the quality of medical care furnished in the various forms of medical practices and the efficiency of the delivery of medical care in each form. Requires that, within three years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary report to Congress the results of such studies and recommend the means by which medical care may be most economically delivered, while maintaining high quality. Requires the Secratary to give priority to applications for assignment of National Health Service Corps personnel to practice in comprehensive medical practices. Amends the Social Security Act to require State plans for medical assistance to provide that comprehensive medical practices be paid specific percentages of the costs of providing care and services.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1976
National Forest Management Act - Amends the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to identify and report to Congress annually all lands in the National Forest System which either need to be reforested or are not growing at their best potential rate. Requires the Secretary to annually transmit to Congress an estimate of the sums necessary to replant and otherwise treat an amount of land equal to the acreage to be cut over that year plus a sufficient portion of those lands currently in need of replanting or treatment so as to eliminate the backlog of lands in need of reforestation within eight years of the enactment of this Act. Requires the Secretary, subsequent to such eight-year period, to annually transmit to Congress an estimate of the sums necessary to replant and treat lands being cut over and to maintain planned timber production on other lands within the National Forest System in order to prevent the development of a backlog larger than the needed work at the beginning of the fiscal year. Requires the Renewable Resource Assessment to include program recommendations which reflect specified policy objectives. Directs the Secretary to provide for public participation in the consideration of land and resource management plans for National Forest System lands. Requires the Secretary to assure that such plans are developed, maintained, and revised so as to: (1) achieve specified goals of the Multiple-Use Sustained-Yield Act of 1960; (2) be in accordance with specified guidelines and procedures; and (3) permit the application of silvicultural systems only in conformity with specified standards. Limits timber sales contracts, in lieu of specified findings, to ten years. Stipulates that, unless the necessity for permanent roads is set forth in the forest development road system plan, roads constructed on land of the National Forest System in connection with a timber contract or other lease or permit shall be designed with the goal of reestablishing vegetative cover on the roadway and other affected areas. Prohibits the return to the public domain of lands now or hereafter reserved or withdrawn from the public domain as national forests other than by Act of Congress. Abolishes the National Forest Reservation Commission and transfers the Commission's functions to the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to implement an annual report of all land purchasers and exchanges relating to the National Forest System. Directs the Secretary to sell trees and forest products found upon National Forest System lands in accordance with policies set forth in the Multiple-Use Sustained-Yield Act and the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act. Increases to $10,000 in appraised value the maximum value of timber and cordwood which the Secretary may sell without advertisement.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1976
National Influenza Program - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish, conduct, and support activities necessary to carry out a national influenza immunization program. Directs the Secretary to make quarterly reports to Congress on the administration of such activities. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study of the scope and extent of liability for personal injuries arising out of immunization programs and of alternative approaches to providing protection against such liability and compensation for such injuries. Requires the Secretary to report the results of such study, along with legislative recommendations, to Congress within one year of enactment of these provisions. Makes the United States liable with respect to claims for personal injury or death resulting from the administration of vaccine under the immunization program. Establishes procedures under which all such claims will be asserted directly against the United States and makes such procedures the exclusive legal remedy.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1976
Rail Amendments - Title I: Amendments to the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973 - Amends the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973 the make the performance of the functions of the Office of Rail Public Counsel the responsibility of the Rail Services Planning Office until a Director of the Office of Rail Public Counsel has taken office. Transfers the funds appropriated to the Rail Public Counsel, pursuant to the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976, to the Director of the Rail Services Planning Office for such purpose. Grants immunity from liability for damages to the Consolidated Rail Corporation or its directors with respect to claims based solely on property transfers made by the Corporation to the National Railroad Passenger Corporation, or any State, local, or regional transportation authority to meet the needs of commuter or innercity rail passenger service. States that options conveyed to the Corporation by a railroad in reorganization with respect to the acquisition of rail properties pursuant to the final system plan by the Corporation, on behalf of a State, local, or regional transportation authority shall be deemed to remain in effect for seven days after the enactment of this Act. Increases the aggregate principal on loan agreements for payments of obligations which the United States Railway Association may enter into with the Consolidated Rail Corporation, the National Railroad Passenger Corporation, and profitable railroads from $230,000,000 to $450,000,000. Allows such obligations to include payments for claims deriving from membership in employee voluntary relief plans and employee medical and life insurance plans. Requires the Corporation to promptly make application to the Association for loan funds if the "cash and other current assets of the estates" of railroads in reorganization are insufficient to pay specified obligations. Specifies priorities for the disbursement of funds held in escrowed accounts by a railroad in reorganization which are determined to be "cash and other current assets of the estate" of such railroad. Increases the aggregate principal amount of obligations issued by the Association which may be outstanding at any one time from $275,000,000 to $495,000,000. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to make payments to the trustees of a railroad in reorganization for purposes of discharging obligations of such railroad to nonemployee claimants for personal injuries suffered during the reorganization period. Revises the basis for determining compensation for the use of rail properties or the value of such properties of railroads in reorganization. Allows States, responsible persons, or profitable railroads to acquire rail properties which were designates in the final system plan to be offered for sale to a profitable railroad but which were subsequently transferred to the Corporation after termination of such designation. Sets forth review procedures for such acquisition proposals. Entitles the Consolidated Rail Corporation, the National Railroad Passenger Corporation, an acquiring railroad or the United States Railway Association to a direct claim from the estate of a railroad in reorganization for amounts paid by such entities for specified employee claims against the railroad in reorganization. Revises the method for determining the monthly displacement allowance for protected employees adversely affected by railroad reorganzation. Makes the resolution procedures established by the Consolidated Rail Corporation the exclusive means available for resolving disputes between the Corporation and noncontract employees and stipulates that any arbitration decision shall be final with respect to such parties. Title II: Amendments to the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 - Amends the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 to revise the time period during which railroads may apply to the Secretary of Transportation for financial assistance for facilities rehabilitation and improvement financing. States that the Secretary shall not consider the availability of obligations guaranteed under such Act in determining whether the assistance requested is available from other sources. Authorizes the Secretary to make redeemable preference shares purchased by him for rehabilitation and improvement financing subordinate to common stock under certain conditions. Sets forth prerequisites and conditions for obligations to be Federally guaranteed under such Act. Directs the Secretary to conduct a comprehensive study to freight transportation in the Midwest. Title III: Amendments to the Rail Passenger Service Act - Amends the Rail Passenger Service Act to exempt from provisions of the Public Health Service Act, relating to quarantines and inspections, waste disposals from railroad conveyances operated in intercity rail freight service, or maintenance service. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to submit a report to Congress with repsect to the environmental effects of such exemption and the financial effects on the railroad industry of a repeal or modification of such exemption. Title IV: Amendments to the Interstate Commerce Act - Amends the Interstate Commerce Act to allow common carriers by railroad to enter into or operate under a contract with freight forwarders governing the transportation of property moving on the bills of lading of such freight forwarder and the compensation to be paid for such transportation. Requires that any such contract be filed with the Interstate Commerce Commission and that such agreement not unduly prefer or prejudice any of its participants or other freight forwarder. Removes the authority of the Commission with respect to the discontinuance or abandonment of any spur, industrial, team, switching, or side tracks which are located entirely in one State or any street, suburban, or interurban electric railway which is not operated as part of a general system of rail transportation.
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 1976
Expresses the sense of the Congress that article I, section 6 of the Constitution of the United States does not grant any immunity from arrest or prosecution on a charge of violation of any criminal statute of any jurisdiction to a Member of either House of the Congress. Directs that all law enforcement agencies operating within the District of Columbia be made aware of this fact.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 1976
Amends the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1975 to direct the Secretary of Transportation to conduct a study of freight transportation in the Midwest including the effects on railroads which could be caused by possible changes in the capacity of the lock system of the Mississippi River and the Illinois Waterway navigation system. Prohibits the expansion of the present lock capacity on the Mississippi or Illinois river prior to the submission of the Secretary's study to Congress one year from the enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1976
Creates a House select committee which shall conduct an investigation of all records, memorandums, papers, documents, books, and other information of any standing or select committee of the House or officer of the House respecting expenses incurred by or on behalf of any such committee or its members or employees.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1976
Permits the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to indemnify manufacturers producing vaccines for a comprehensive nationwide influenza immunization program against claims for injury related to innoculation with such vaccines.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1976
Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the licensing of clinical laboratories. Sets forth the standards that must be met to receive and maintain such a license. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to publish, administer, and enforce national standards for clinical laboratories to assure consistent performance by the laboratories of accurate tests and other procedures. Authorizes the Secretary to delegate regulation and licensing authority to a State if the Secretary determines that such State: (1) has adopted standards for such laboratories and a system of licensure which are no less stringent than the national standards and licensing system; (2) has adopted and is implementing adequate enforcement procedures; (3) will keep records and make reports as the Secretary may require; (4) permits exemptions from the requirements which are no less stringent than exemptions from national standards; and (5) has adopted and can implement adequate procedures for the control of health hazards which may result from an activity of a clinical laboratory. Enumerates conditions under which the Secretary may suspend or revoke the license of a clinical laboratory. Authorizes anyone aggrieved by suspension or revocation of a clinical laboratory license to file a petition for review with the appropriate United States court of appeals. Makes all consequent judgments of such courts subject to review by the Supreme Court. Stipulates that any unlicensed person, requred to be licensed under this Act who solicits or accepts directly or indirectly any specimen for laboratory examination shall be fined not more than $10,000, imprisoned for not more than one year, or both. Stipulates that any owner, operator, or employee of a clinical laboratory who willfully engages in any false, fictitious, or fraudulent billing practice for the purpose of obtaining payment for laboratory services provided under specified Federal health assistance programs shall be fined not more than $10,000, imprisoned for not more than three years, or both. Stipulates that no unlicensed clinical laboratory required to be licensed by this Act may receive a grant, contract, or other form of financial assistance under the Public Health Service Act, or charge or collect for laboratory services for any entity which receives a grant, contract, or financial assistance under such Act. Prohibits discrimination by an employer against an employee who has commenced, participated in, or testified in any proceeding authorized by this Act. Allows employees so discriminated against to file a complaint with the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to investigate such complaints and provide relief or deny the complaint within 90 days of its receipt. Permits persons aggrieved by the Secretary's final action on such complaints to obtain review in the appropriate United States court of appeals. Authorizes agents of the Secretary to enter at reasonable times any clincial laboratory for inspection purposes. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to States with primary enforcement responsibility to assist in meeting the cost of administering programs for the regulation of clinical laboratories, such grants not to exceed 75% of the State's cost. Authorizes the appropriation of specified amounts in fiscal years 1979 through 1981 for the purpose of making such grants. Establishes in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare an advisory council on clinical laboratories to advise the Secretary with respect to: (1) regulations promulgated under this Act; and (2) coordination between the Federal and State laboratory regulatory programs to avoid duplicate enforcement. Directs the Secretary to establish within the Department an administrative unit to be responsible for the coordination of the regulatory functions authorized by this Act and for specified laboratory regulatory functions under the Social Security Act. Requires the Secretary to make an annual report to Congress on the accuracy of tests and procedures performed by clincial laboratores. Amends the Social Security Act to set forth procedures for determining costs and charges for clinical laboratory services and prohibits reimbursement to the extent that any cost or charge is found to be unreasonable. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study of: (1) existing voluntary certification standards and State licensure laws for clinical laboratory supervisors, technologists, and technicians; and (2) qualifications of entities that certify such personnel as qualified to perform clinical laboratory services. Requires the Secretary to submit to Congress a summary of information received through license exemption applications during the three-year period after national standards for clinical laboratories are promulagated. Directs the Secretary, on the basis of such information, to make recommendations on possible revision of clinical laboratory licensing exemptions.
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 · 3 June 1976
Provides that funds shall not be expended from the contingent fund of the House of Representatives for allowances to Members, officers, or standing committees of the House except through the adoption of a resolution by the House of Representatives.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1976
Recommends that the Board on Geographic Names approve a proposal to name two mountains in Alaska after the later Congressmen Hale Boggs and Nick Begich.
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 1976
Natural Gas Act Amendments - Amends the Natural Gas Act to terminate Federal Power Commission authority to directly regulate sales prices of new natural gas except for new natural gas produced from offshore Federal lands. Stipulates that prices for onshore sales of new natural gas shall not exceed the ceiling price for sales of new natural gas produced from offshore Federal lands. Stipulates that prices paid for natural gas in transactions between a natural gas company and its affiliates shall not exceed prices paid in comparable sales by persons not affiliated with any natural gas company. Directs the Federal Power Commission to conduct studies and make reports regarding the nature and availability of natural gas reserves. Requires that the Commission keep current information available relating to the estimated natural gas reserves for individual fields. Establishes procedures for the establishment of ceiling prices for new natural gas produced from offshore Federal lands. Authorizes the Commission to grant exemptions to price ceilings within high-cost production areas. Establishes procedures for adjustments to price ceilings established pursuant to this Act. Directs the Commission to prohibit the curtailment of adequate supplies of natural gas for essential agricultural purposes. Stipulates that the provisions of the Natural Gas Act shall extend to synthetic natural gas. Directs the Commission to prohibit the use of natural gas as boiler fuel where adequate alternatives are available. Authorizes exemptions from such prohibition where necessary to comply with pollution control or environmental protection and safety standards. Establishes procedures for the establishment and periodic revision of national ceiling prices for the sale of old natural gas in interstate commerce.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1976
National Food Stamp Reform Act - Redefines the meaning of the term "food" as used in the Food Stamp Act of 1964 to include seeds and plants for garden use. Redefines the term "household" to delete the requirement that individuals sharing common living quarters be related in order to qualify as a household. Defines the term "nutritionally adequate diet. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish uniform national standards of eligibility for participation by households in the Food Stamp program. States that no household shall be eligible if its income exceeds the income poverty guideline for a household of its size as prescribed by the Office of Management and Budget. Stes forth standards by which the income of a household shall be determined. Excludes from gross income Federal, State, and local taxes, and necessary expenses incurred in self-employment. Establishes limits on the value of liquid and nonliquid assets owned or being purchased by a household for purposes of determining eligibility. Specifies types of holdings which are to be included in determining the value of the household's assets. Authorizes the Secretary to establish temporary emergency eligibility standards for households which are victims of a disaster. States that no household shall be eligible for participation in the Food Stamp program which includes an able-bodied adult between the ages of 18 and 65 who: (1) incurs a reduction of income as a result of voluntarily reducing his or her number of hours of employment without good cause; (2) fails to register for employment at a State or Federal employment office; (3) has refused to accept employment or public work within 30 miles of the person's principal residence; or (4) fails to actively seek employment. Excludes from this class of ineligible individuals mothers with dependent children, primary or secondary school students, postsecondary level students or trainees' employed part-time, enrollees in a drug addiction or alcoholic treatment program, and persons working at least 30 hours per week. States that refusel to work at a plant site because of a strike or other labor dispute shall be deemed to be a refusal to accept employment. Declares that no person shall be eligible who is not a citizen or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence. States that no individual shall be considered a household member for food stamp program purposes who: (1) has reached his eighteenth birthday; (2) is enrolled in an institution of higher education; and (3) is properly claimed or could be claimed as a dependent by a taxpayer who is not a member of an eligible household. Declares that no household that knowingly transfers liquid or nonliquid assets for the purpose of qualifying or attempting to qualify for the food stamp program shall be eligible to participate in the program for a minimum of 90 days. States that no individual shall be eligible for participation in the Food Stamp program who resides in a State in which the Supplemental Security Income benefit has been increased specifically to include the bonus value of food coupon allotments. Requires food coupons to be designed with spaces for the user to sign upon receipt and redemption. Requires coupon users to present suitable identification; including signature and photograph, when redeeming coupons at approved food stores. States that the value of the food coupon allotment to which eligible households will be entitled shall be an amount sufficient to allow a household to purchase a nutritionally adequate diet. Requires the semi-annual adjustment of the value of an allotment based on changes in the cost of living. Sets the charge for a household coupon allotment at 30 percent of the household's monthly income. Requires State agencies administering the food stamp program to conduct nutrition education programs for food coupon recipients. Establishes a plan whereby the States will pay two and one-half percent of the bonus value of the food coupon allotments made to State residents each month of fiscal year 1977, with an additional two and one-half percent added annually until the States pay ten percent of such bonus value each year.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 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 April 1976
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Federal Communications Commission and other agencies shall be encouraged to exercise their full legal authority to insure that the quality and quantity of over-the-air broadcasting service which is now available to the public shall not be reduced or impaired by the operations of pay television. Calls for regulation of pay television in a manner consistent with the establishment and maintenance of over-the-air television broadcast services.
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1976
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President shall seek the elimination of surety deposit requirements on vegetable protein products imposed by the European Economic Community. Provides that if the President shall fail to eliminate such requirements, he shall obtain full compensation for such actions under article XXIII of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade.
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 1976
Authorizes and requests the President to issue annually a proclamation designating the first week of May of each year as "Clean Air Week," and inviting the Governors and Mayors of State and local governments to issue similar proclamations. Requests the President to consider including in such a proclamation an invitation calling upon the communications media and all organizations and individuals concerned with programs to improve the quality of the atmosphere to participate in "Clean Air Week."
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1976
Extends from February 1, 1976, to October 1, 1976, the period during which payment may be made for child day care services under titles IV, (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) and XX (Grants to States for Services) of the Social Security Act without regard to new staffing standards imposed by or under title XX.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1976
Alaskan Natural Gas Pipeline Authorization Act - Expresses the intent of Congress that the Alaskan natural gas pipeline be constructed promptly, without further administrative or judicial delay or impediment. Declares that the most efficient and economical method available for the transportation of Alaskan natural gas is a pipeline system from northern Alaska, across Canada, to the lower forty-eight States. Directs the Federal Power Commission to issue all necessary permits and authorizations in order to expedite the construction and operation of such pipeline within 60 days of the date of enactment of this Act. Grants the holders of such permits the powers of eminent domain under the Natural Gas Act. Directs the Secretary of the Interior and other appropriate Federal officials to issue all necessary permits and take appropriate action within 60 days to expedite the enforcement of all rights-of-way related to the construction and operation of such pipeline. Authorizes the Secretary to modify the pipeline route through the States to provide greater environmental protection during the construction period. Requires compliance with requirements of the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920 relating to the rights-of-way for pipelines through Federal lands. Exempts such pipeline from requirements regarding (1) environmental protection, (2) technical and financial capacity of applicants, (3) public hearings, (4) licensing requirements for crude oil under the Export Administration Act of 1969, and (5) furnishing of specified information and reports. Authorizes the Secretary and the Commission to waive procedural requirements of Federal law where desirable to accomplish the purposes of this Act. Declares that (1) the actions of Federal officers and agencies under this Act and (2) the legal or factual sufficiency of any environmental statement relative to such pipeline under provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 shall not be subject to judicial review of the courts. Allows the claims that (1) this Act is unconstitutional, (2) actions under this Act will deny Constitutional rights, and (3) actions taken are beyond the scope of authority conferred by this Act, provided that such claims are filed within 60 days following the date of the challenged action. Declares that exclusive jurisdiction shall be vested in the United States District Courts, and that review of any final order shall be had only upon direct appeal to the United States Supreme Court. Declares that the power to issue injunctive relief against the issuance of any certificate, except in cases where a final judgment is entered. Declares that authorizations issued pursuant to this Act shall grant no immunity from Federal antitrust laws.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1976
Constitutional Amendment - Provides that with respect to the right to life, the word "person" as used in the fifth and fourteenth Articles of Amendment to the Constitution of the United States applies to all human beings including unborn offspring at every stage of their biological development. Provides that nothing in such article shall prohibit a law permitting only those medical procedures required to prevent the death of the mother.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1976
Rural Electrification Administration Technical Amendments Act - Amends the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 to stipulate that the unobligated balance of funds made available for loans by the Rural Electrification Administration shall become part of the Rural Electrification and Telephone Revolving Fund. Revises criteria for issuance of loans at the special rate of two percent by the Administration by establishing separate criteria for telephone borrowers and electric borrowers based on the following factors: average subscriber density, distribution plant, general plant, annual gross revenue, and cost of power.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1976
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Federal Communications Commission and other agencies shall be encouraged to exercise their full legal authority to insure that the quality and quantity of over-the-air broadcasting service which is now available to the public shall not be reduced or impaired by the operations of pay television. Calls for regulation of pay television in a manner consistent with the establishment and maintenance of over-the-air television broadcast services.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1976
Rural Electrification Administration Technical Amendments - Amends the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 to stipulate that the unobligated balance of funds made available for loans by the Rural Electrification Administration shall become part of the Rural Electrification and Telephone Revolving Fund. Revises criteria for issuance of loans at the special rate of two percent by the Administration by deleting reference to the factor of average gross revenue per mile of the REA-financed electric system, under which a borrower previously could automatically qualify for such special rate. Revises criteria for issuance of loans by the Rural Telephone Bank to authorize the Telephone Bank Board to lower as well as revise net income production requirements in terms of stated percentage of interest on loans.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1976
Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to give the President the power to appoint six members of the eight-member Federal Election Commission by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Appoints the Secretary of the Senate and the Clerk of the House of Representatives as ex officio members of the Commission without the right to vote. Terminates the terms of the present members once the new members are appointed and confirmed pursuant to this Act. Declares the sense of the Congress that appointments authorized by this Act should be made as soon as possible.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1976
Repeals the Presidential Primary Matching Payment Account Act. Prohibits the Secretary of the Treasury from transferring any amounts of money to any candidate seeking nomination for election to the office of President after the enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 February 1976
Truth in Government Accounting Act - Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to prepare and make public annual consolidated financial statements for all expenditures of the United States utilizing the accrual method of accounting.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1976
National Agricultural Research Policy Act - Declares that the purposes of this Act are to emphasize agricultural research as a distinct mission of the Department of Agriculture, to be certain such research is effectively coordinated, and to provide a mechanism for identifying the Nation's highest priority problems for agricultural research. Provides for an additional Assistant Secretary of Agriculture to be responsible for the agricultural research activities of the Department of Agriculture and to serve as co-chairman of the National Agricultural Research Policy Committee. Directs the Secretary to appoint a scientist to serve and report to such new Assistant Secretary and to act as Executive Secretary of such Committee. Establishes, within the Department of Agriculture, the National Agricultural Research Policy Committee. Specifies the membership of such Committee. States that the Committee's responsibilities shall include: (1) reviewing programs, policies and goals of agricultural research agencies; (2) providing a forum for research sponsoring agencies to exchange information on agricultural plans and programs; and (3) making recommendations to the Secretary of Agriculture regarding applications for funding of mission-oriented basic agricultural research. Requires such Committee to annually submit a report of its activities to specified committees of the Congress. Defines "mission-oriented basic agricultural research" as research on fundamental science topics with regard to which there is a basic need in existence for new knowledge that would be genrated by such research, has a strong potential for benefitting mankind and deals with more than an unproven concept. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to land grant colleges and universities eligible for assistance under the First and Second Morrill Acts and to 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, without regard to matching State funds. Authorizes appropriations of $50,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, $100,000,000 for fiscal year 1978 and $250,000,000 for fiscal year 1979. Declares it to be the sense of Congress that Federal funding for existing agricultural research programs be increased by $250,000,000 annually.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1976
Regulatory Reform Act - States Congress' finding that Government economic regulation has become a burden to American business, consumers, and the economy. Requires the President to submit at least once a year for five years a plan to eliminate regulation which has led to inflationary consumer prices or a reduction of competition. Directs that each plan establish more efficient organizational and administrative forms for the regulation of commerce and include provisions necessary to modify or abolish existing agencies and functions so as to eliminate overlapping regulatory jurisdictions and anti-competitive regulations. Requires that such reformation plan be directed toward regulation in the areas of: (1) banking and finance; (2) energy and environment; (3) commerce, and transportation; (4) food, health, safety, and trade practices; and (5) labor, housing, and small business. Defines terms used in this Act. Provides for Congressional review of such plan. Provides that if Congress fails to pass any regulatory reform legislation by a specified date after the President submits his plan to the Congress, such plan shall become effective as of a specified date and all rules of any agency described in such plan shall be of no force or effect.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1976
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Federal Communications Commission and other agencies shall be encouraged to exercise their full legal authority to insure that the quality and quantity of over-the-air broadcasting service which is now available to the public shall not be reduced or impaired by the operations of pay television. Calls for regulation of pay television in a manner consistent with the establishment and maintenance of over-the-air television broadcast services.
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 1975
Requires the Secretary of Commerce to use sampling methods in taking agricultural censuses, except that he may substitute another method where he determines that sampling methods would be inappropriate. (Amends 13 U.S.C. 142(a))
United States · United States Congress · 15 December 1975
Encourages the Federal Communications Commission to insure that the quality and quantity of over-the-air broadcasting service which is now available to the public is not impaired by the operation of pay television. Expresses the sense of Congress that the development of pay television should be regulated in a manner consistent with the maintenance of free broading.
United States · United States Congress · 9 December 1975
Sports Broadcasting Act - Prohibits, pursuant to the Communications Act, any agreement preventing the television broadcast of any professional sports game (except for postseason baseball, basketball, or hockey games) at the same time and in the same place at which such game is to be played, if all the admission tickets which had been available 120 hours before game time were purchased 72 hours or more before game time. Prohibits the prevention of such broadcasts in the case of professional postseason baseball, basketball, or hockey games if all tickets were sold 24 hours or more before such game. Defines terms used in this Act.
![Official portrait of Rep. Madigan, Edward R. [R-IL-15]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/m000041_200.jpg)