United States · United States Congress · 24 August 1976
Prohibits carriers of Federal employee health benefits plans from reducing benefits or excluding any class of provider of health services unless the Civil Service Commission gives notice of, and conducts hearings relative to, the proposed change at least 120 days before its effective date.
United States · United States Congress · 23 August 1976
Includes within the meaning of the term "hospital" in Titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act, rural health facilities of 50 beds or less.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1976
Amends the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 to permit the Secretary of Agriculture to allow owners and operators of farms within Clarendon, Colleton, Darlington, Horry, Williamsburg, Florence, and Marion Counties, South Carolina, and Cook, Berrien, Lanier, and Lowndes Counties, Georgia, who have suffered a loss of ten percent or more of their tobacco acreage due to a natural disaster, to lease all or part of their tobacco allotment or quota to other operators or owners in the same or other counties within the same State.
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 · 5 August 1976
Authorizes the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs, in providing therapeutic and rehabilitation activities, to provide for the participation of patients and members in Veterans' Administration health facilities in the assemblage of poppies or other similar projects carried out at such facilities, which are sponsored by a national veterans service organization or its auxiliary. Directs that patients and members be compensated by the sponsoring organization for their participation in such programs.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1976
Comprehensive Right-to-Quality Medical Care Act - Requires that any Federal officer or agency proposing any health care regulation submit such regulation to each House of Congress together with a report containing a full explanation thereof. Allows either House of Congress to keep the proposed regulation from becoming effective by adopting a resolution disapproving the regulation because: (1) it contains provisions contrary to law; (2) it is inconsistent with the intent of Congress; or (3) it goes beyond the mandate of the legislation which it is designed to implement or in the administration of which it is designed to be used. Establishes rules for the consideration of any resolution regarding such proposed regulations. Requires the head of any Federal agency or department, at least 60 days prior to the initial publication of any health cost regulation, to submit notice of intended publication and the text of such regulation to the appropriate committees of the House of Representatives and the Senate. Amends the Social Security Act to repeal specified Medicare utilization review provisions, specified utilization review provisions and maternal and child health programs, and specified professional standards review provisions. Guarantees the confidentiality of medical records of any patient whose medical or dental care is not paid by the Federal Government, under a Federal program, or by any program receiving Federal financial assistance, unless such patient has authorized such disclosure.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1976
Amends the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 to permit the Secretary of Agriculture to allow owners or operators of farms within Colleton County, South Carolina, who have suffered a loss of ten percent or more of their tobacco acreage due to a natural disaster, to lease all or part of their tobacco allotment or quota to other operators or owners in the same or nearby counties within the State.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1976
Commends the government and commando units of Israel for the rescue mission at Entebbe Airport. Disapproves efforts being undertaken by certain nations to condemn or censure Israel for such mission. Supports the United States-United Kingdom position at the United Nations condemning all acts of terrorism. Requests the President to engage in the negotiation of agreements with other nations to help prevent acts of terrorism.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1976
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Secretary of Agriculture study the impact of the development of the foreign palm oil industry on the domestic vegetable oil industry. Directs the Secretary, if such study justifies, to recommend that the administration negotiate bilateral agreements with the principal palm oil producing countries to provide reasonable restraints against excessive imports of palm oil into the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1976
Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to study the impact of the development of the foreign palm oil industry on the domestic vegetable oil industry and submit his recommendations to the National Advisory Council on International Monetary and Financial Policies. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to instruct the United States Executive Director in each of the international financial institutions to oppose new proposals for palm oil development loans.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 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 · 29 July 1976
Palm Oil and Palm Oil Products Inspection and Identification Act - Prohibits the importation of palm oil and palm oil products unless the Secretary of Agriculture certifies that such products are pure and wholesome and meet sanitation standards. Authorizes the Secretary to establish such standards, and to inspect such imports. Requires that such imports meet the packaging and labeling requirements in effect in the United States and specify the country of origin. Makes all palm oil in the United States subject to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Sets forth labeling requirements for palm oil in the United States Imposes a fine of not more than $1,000, or imprisonment of not more than one year, or both, for violation of this Act. Increases such penalties to a fine of not more than $10,000, or imprisonment for not more than three years, or both, when such violation includes an intent to defraud.
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 1976
National Diabetes Advisory Board Act - 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 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 1976 and such sums as are necessary for each of the four fiscal years thereafter. Authorizes the Secretary to make distinguished scientist awards to individual scientists who have shown continuous and outstanding productivity in diabetes research for the purpose of continuing such research. Limits the amount of each grant to no more than $35,000 per year. Authorizes the appropriation of specified amounts for the purpose of making such grants in fiscal years 1976-1980. Authorizes, under the Public Health Service Act, the appropriation of specified sums in fiscal years 1977-1981 for the purpose of making grants to centers for research and training in diabetes mellitus and related endocrine and metabolic disorders.
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 1976
Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to assure that National Forest System resource management plans provide for multiple uses and sustained yield of forest products and services and limits the application intensified management practices and sivicultural systems in accordance with specified criteria. Requires the Secretary to provide for public participation prior to the final adoption or any amendment of each such management plan. Restricts timber harvesting contracts pursuant to national forest management plans to ten years unless the Secretary informs appropriate Congressional committees that a longer period is required. Authorizes the Secretary to appraise and sell so much of the trees and other forest products found upon National Park System lands as may further the policies set forth in the Multiple Use and Sustained Yield Act, and the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974. Repeals the requirement that such forest products be sold for use only in the State or territory in which the timber reservation from which such products were taken is located. Increases to $10,000 in appraised value the maximum value of timber and cord wood which the Secretary may sell without advertisement.
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 1976
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Secretary of Agriculture study the impact of the development of the foreign palm oil industry on the domestic vegetable oil industry. Directs the Secretary, if such study justifies, to recommend that the administration negotiate bilateral agreements with the principal palm oil producing countries to provide reasonable restraints against excessive imports of palm oil into the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 1976
Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to study the impact of the development of the foreign palm oil industry on the domestic vegetable oil industry and submit his recommendations to the National Advisory Council on International Monetary and Financial Policies. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to instruct the United States Executive Director in each of the international financial institutions to oppose new proposals for palm oil development loans.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1976
Entitles the foreign-built passenger vessel, "Cunard Adventurer," to be documented to engage in the coastwise passenger trade between ports in the State of Hawaii, and to engage in the coastwise passenger trade between ports on the western coast of the United States and specified ports in the State of Hawaii. Conditions such documentation upon the transfer of the ship to any citizen of the United States and compliance with the inspection laws of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1976
Paperwork Review and Limitation Act - Amends the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1970 to require that each public bill or resolution reported by a Congressional committee be accompanied by a Paperwork Impact Statement which assesses the amount and character of the information that such bill or resolution will require of private individuals and businesses and the cost of time required of such individuals or businesses who must provide the information sought by such legislation.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1976
Establishes in the House of Representatives a select committee to be known as the Select Committee on Narcotics Abuse and Control. Provides that the select committee shall conduct a continuing comprehensive study and review of the problems of narcotics abuse and control and shall review any recommendations made by the President, or by any department or agency of the executive branch of the Federal Government, relating to programs or policies affecting narcotics abuse or control. Authorizes the select committee to conduct field investigations or inspections. Requires the select committee to submit an annual report to the House which shall include a summary of the activities of the select committee during the calendar year to which such report applies.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 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 · 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 · 18 May 1976
Amends the Federal Reserve Act to permit the payment of interest on demand deposits which consist of public funds of the United States or of a State or political subdivision or instrumentality of a State.
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 · 29 April 1976
Small Post Office Preservation Act - Prohibits the United States Postal Service from closing any post office which serves a rural area or small town unless: (1) a majority of the persons regularly served by such post office approve the closing; (2) it establishes a rural station or branch which provides the same postal services as the post office and does not result in any change in the mailing address of persons served by such post office; or (3) it establishes a rural route to serve the area involved. Allows the Postal Service to establish a rural route as a substitute for an existing post office only upon making specified determinations.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 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 · 27 April 1976
Authorizes the President to issue a proclamation designating the week beginning April 4, 1976, as "National Rural Health Week." Urges improved health services and intensified dissemination of health information for rural America.
United States · United States Congress · 14 April 1976
Designates the new general medical and surgical Veterans' Administration hospital to be located adjacent to the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta, Georgia, the "Robert G. Stephens, Jr., Veterans' Administration Hospital."
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1976
Authorizes under the Federal Civil Defense Act of 1950 the use of Federal civil defense funds by local civil defense agencies for natural disaster relief. Increases the Federal contribution for travel expenses and per diem allowances for students in civil defense training programs and increases the Federal financial contribution to States for civil defense personnel and administrative expenses. Increases the authorization for appropriations under such Act for travel expenses, for personal equipment for State and local workers,and for personnel and administrative expenses.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1976
Wheat and Wheat Foods Research and Nutrition Education Act - States that the purpose of this Act is to authorize and enable the creation of an orderly procedure, adequately financed through an assessment and voluntary contributions, for the development and initiation of an effective and continuous coordinated program of research and nutrition education designed to improve and enhance the quality and make the most efficient use of American wheat, processed wheat, and wheat end products to insure an adequate diet for all Americans. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to issue orders to effectuate the declared purpose of this Act. States that such orders shall include provisions: (1) for establishing projects for research and nutrition education for wheat and wheat products; (2) for establishing and carrying on research or studies with respect to the sale, distribution, marketing, and utilization of wheat and wheat products and the creation of new products; and (3) requiring that processors, distributors of processed wheat, and end product manufacturers maintain and make available for inspection such books and records as may be required by any order issued pursuant to this Act. Directs the Secretary to issue orders providing for the establishment of a Wheat Industry Council to: (1) administer and make rules and regulations to effectuate orders issued pursuant to this Act; (2) receive, investigate and report to the Secretary complaints of violations of such orders; and (3) recommend to the Secretary amendments to such orders. States that the membership of such Council shall represent wheat producers, processors, end product manufacturers and consumers on an equal basis. Requires each end product manufacturer to pay to such Council an assessment, not to exceed five cents per hundredweight, based on the total number of hundredweights of processed wheat purchased by or transferred to such manufacturer to be used for expenditures and expenses incurred by the Council or Secretary under this Act. Exempts from this Act any end product manufacturer who does not purchase more than 2,000 hundredweight of processed wheat per year for use in manufacture. Requires the Secretary to conduct a referendum among end product manufacturers to determine whether the issuance of an order under this Act is favored by such manufacturers. States that no such order shall become effective unless: (1) votes were cast by more than 50 percent of the registered end product manufacturers; and (2) not less than two-thirds of such voting manufacturers approve of such order or by a majority of such manufacturers if such majority manufacturerd not less than two-thirds of the total processed wheat contained in all end products manufactured by those voting in the referendum. Allows end product manufacturers who have reserved the right to seek refunds and who disfavor the programs under this Act to receive from the Council the assessment paid to such Council. Sets forth the procedures for the administrative and judicial review of orders or obligations imposed under this Act. States that any person who willfully violates any order issued under this Act or who fails to remit any required assessment or fee shall be liable to a civil penalty of not more than $1,000 per violation. Requires the Secretary to conduct a referendum on request by ten percent or more of the end product manufacturers to determine whether such manufacturers favor the suspension or termination of any order. States that such order shall be suspended or terminated if 50 percent of the voting manufacturers or manufacturers who produce end products containing more than 50 percent of the total processed wheat contained in all end products manufactured by those voting approve of such action. Authorizes the Secretary to make investigations for the effective carrying out of his or her responsibilities under this Act or to determine whether any person has or is about to violate any of the provisions of this Act. Sets forth the eligibility requirements for any organization wishing to: (1) participate in the nominating of Council members; (2) represent wheat producers, processors, end product manufacturers or consumers; and (3) request the issuance of an order under this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of such funds as are necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1976
Directs the Administrator of General Services to convey without cost to the city of Albany, Georgia, specified real property, within 60 days after the enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1976
Directs the Administrator of General Services to convey, at a cost not higher than 25 percent of fair market value, to the city of Albany, Georgia, specified real property, within 60 days after the enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1976
Energy Research and Development Free Enterprise Act - Title I: Findings, Definitions, and General Provisions - Declares that it is the policy of the Congress that small business concerns and individual inventors should be provided greater opportunities by the Federal Government in the development of energy resources and technology, with special emphasis on solar energy technology and to expand competition and reduce concentration in the energy industries of the Nation. Amends the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974 and the Federal Nonnuclear Energy Research and Development Act of 1974 to offer increased opportunities in Federal energy development programs to small business concerns and individual inventors. Title II: Energy Program Reorganization - Amends the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974 to establish within the Energy Research and Development Administration five additional Assistant Administrators for: (1) small business concerns and individual inventors; (2) planning and analysis; (3) laboratory and field coordination; (4) administration; and (5) international affairs. Requires that no less than 50 percent of the total amount of funds for solar energy technology programs and no less than 20 percent of the total amount of funds for all areas of energy technology be made available to small business concerns and individual inventors. Limits the awarding of energy program contracts to situations where the financial capabilities of non-Federal entities are inadequate to develop such technology without Federal assistance. Authorizes appropriations of $2,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 and each fiscal year thereafter to the Administrator of the Small Business Administration in order to provide consultation services for the preparation of contract proposals by small businesses and individual inventors. Title III: Encouragement of Competition in Energy Programs - Directs the Administrators of the Energy Research and Development and the Small Business Administrations to provide detailed information to potential participants in energy programs. Directs the Administrator of the Energy Research and Development Administration to refrain from awarding contracts which will have an adverse impact on industry or market competition. Directs the Attorney General and the Federal Trade Commission to recommend criteria to the Administration upon which to make such a determination. Prohibits the entering into of any energy contract to any person who has an interest in delaying completion of the contract or altering any research findings in the performance of such contract. Requires the Administrator to transmit to the Attorney General a copy of the proposed contract if the profitmaking enterprise has gross assets exceeding $250,000,000. Prohibits the Administrator from awarding a contract to such an enterprise until the Attorney General's opinion is received. Establishes procedures and requirements for the disclosure of information relating to the awarding of contracts by the Administrator and by program participants. Imposes a fine of $20,000, or the amount of the contract, whichever is greater; and/or imprisonment of up to two years for participants who transmit false, fictitious, or fradulent information.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 1976
Requires that whoever uses or carries a firearm during the commission of a felony that may be prosecuted in a Federal court and that whoever is convicted by a State court of using or carrying a firearm transported in, or affecting, interstate or foreign commerce during the commission of a felony be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of not less than five nor more than ten years. Requires in the case of a subsequent such conviction that the felon be sentenced to a term of imprisonment for any term of years, but not less than ten years, or to life imprisonment. (Amends 18 U.S.C. 924(c))
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1976
Peanut Act - Provides, under the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938, for a national acreage allotment of not less than 1,247,000 acres for the 1977 crop of peanuts. States that the farm yield for such crop shall be determined on a basis equal to 96 percent of the average actual yield per acre on the farm for the three highest yield years out of the five years preceding the year such yield determination is made. Provides that if peanuts were not produced on such farm in at least three years of such five-year period, the Secretary of Agriculture shall have a yield appraised at 90 percent of the yields established for similar farms. Establishes a farm marketing quota for such peanut crop equal to the quantity determined by multiplying the farm peanut acreage allotment by the farm yield. Sets forth economic penalties for the marketing of nonquota peanuts or the marketing of peanuts in a larger quantity or higher grade or quality than could reasonably be proved from the quality of peanuts or the grade acquired by handlers for marketing. States that only quota peanuts may be retained for use as seed on a farm and when so retained shall be considered as marketings of quota peanuts. Requires that all acreage planted to peanuts be measured and that the disposal of nonquota peanuts be supervised by area marketing associations designated pursuant to the Agricultural Act of 1949. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture under such Act to make price supports available to producers of the 1977 crop of peanuts through loans, purchases or other operations on quota peanuts at a net level of not less than 70 percent of the parity price as of April 1, 1977, and on nonquota peanuts at not more than 60 percent of the loan and purchase level for quota peanuts or 90 percent of the estimated value of peanuts for crushing, export, or both, whichever is lower. Directs the Commodity Credit Corportation to make warehouse storage loans available to marketing associations of specified producing areas which are selected and approved by the Corporation and which are operated primarily for the purpose of conducting such loan activities. Requires such associations to establish pools and maintain records by type for quota peanuts handled under loans and for nonquota peanuts produced without a contract between handler and producer. States that net gains on peanuts in such pool shall be distributed in proportion to the value of the peanuts placed in the pool by each grower. Provides that peanuts received under loan by such associations shall be offered for sale for domestic food and related uses. Sets forth the prices to be charged for such peanuts. Authorizes the sale for crushing or export of any peanuts received under loan which are not needed for domestic purposes. States that for the 1977 crop and subsequent crop of peanuts the Secretary shall permit the owner and operator of any farm for which a peanut acreage allotment is established to sell, lease, or transfer all or part of such allotment.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1976
Establishes, under the Agriculture Act of 1949, a loan level for the 1975, 1976, and 1977 crops of corn, cotton, and soybeans at 90 percent of the average price received by farmers during the marketing years for the preceding three crops of such commodities; and in the case of wheat 90 percent of the average price during such marketing years for the 1975, 1976, and 1977 crops of such commodity. Prohibits the Commodity Credit Corporation from selling these commodities from such crop years at a price less than 150 percent of the current national loan rate for the commodity involved with specified adjustments. Limits the sale of such commodities owned or controlled by the Corporation during any marketing year to the net quantities by which estimated domestic consumption and exports exceed estimated production and imports. Authorizes the Corporation to dispose of such commodities to relieve distress caused by natural disasters. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to buy and sell equivalent quantities of such commodities owned or controlled by the Corporation in different locations and warehouses for handling, rotational, and distribution purposes. Requires obligators, under warehouse receipts held by the Corporation representing ownership of any commodity, to have the grade stated on such receipts or a better grade available for delivery.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1976
Administrative Rule Making Reform Act - Requires a Federal agency preparing to hold a rule making session to make a reasonable effort to inform those likely to be affected by the proposed rule making. Requires that if the affected group is large, representatives of such group must be notified. Requires, in addition to present requirements, that the notice of rule making include the projected effective date of the rules, the purpose of the rule making, the text of the proposed rules, and the technical or other studies on which the agency intends to rely in the rule making proceedings. Applies the requirements of this Act to all rule making sessions except (1) those specifically authorized to be kept secret in the interest of national security, and (2) those relating to agency management. Requires public notice and public opportunity for comment of all rule making proceedings under this Act unless the agency finds that the rules to be proposed are emergency rules or are of routine or insignificant impact in which case the rule must be published with reasons for its adoption. Requires Federal agencies to give interested persons at least 45 days to participate in the rule making. Requires the agency to maintain a file of each proceeding to be made available to the courts, Congress, and to the public in connection with review of the rule. Limits the period for public comment to a maximum of 90 days. Requires a copy of all proposed rules to be sent to Congress. States that such rule, other than an emergency rule, shall not become effective if it is disapproved within 90 days by both Houses of Congress, or it is disapproved within 60 days by one House and no action is taken on the disapproval resolution by the other House. Provides that either House of Congress may, by resolution, require any agency to reconsider and resubmit any rule to which this Act applies. Requires that such proposed rule be repromulgated anew in accordance with all the provisions of this Act unless it is reconsidered and resubmitted to Congress within 180 days after the adoption of the resolution requiring such reconsideration. Sets forth procedures for adoption of resolutions to approve, disapprove, or compel reconsideration for both Houses. Requires the Administrative Conference of the United States to study Congressional review of agency rule making under this Act and report the effect of such review on such rule making before July 1, 1982. Authorizes to be appropriated $200,000 to finance such study. Makes this Act effective on the first day of the first session of the Ninety-fifth Congress. Terminates the Congressional review required by this Act at the adjournment of the Ninety-seventh Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 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 · 26 February 1976
Consumer Cost Evaluation Act - Provides for a determination of costs to consumers of any proposed Federal legislation or regulation that may have a significant impact on costs to consumers. Requires that any proposed Federal legislation or regulation must be found to provide benefits to consumers or the public that bear a reasonable relationship to such costs. Requires that every agency of the Federal Government shall prepare, in conjunction with every applicable proposal it makes for legislation or a regulation, a draft consumer cost assessment and upon consultation with other Federal agencies, a final consumer cost assessment. Provides that the cost assessment must allow for public comment. Limits the requirements with respect to the preparation of draft and final consumer cost assessments to proposals for legislation or regulation other than those involving a military or foreign affairs function of the United States or relating to agency management or personnel or public property. Provides that under specified emergency situations the proposed regulation may be published and final action taken on the regulation without compliance with the cost assessment requirements of this Act. Requires that under such circumstances, the agency involved must meet specified alternative requirements. Directs the President to establish guidelines for the preparation of draft and final consumer cost assessments within 90 days after enactment of this Act. Provides for the review of existing regulations. Directs that if a substantial disparity is found between the consumer costs and benefits of such regulations, the agency shall propose amendments to the regulation to eliminate the disparity. Applies the requirement of cost assessment to committees of Congress dealing with proposed legislation that may have a significant impact on costs to consumers. States that guidelines for the preparation of cost assessments by committees of Congress shall be established by the Congressional Office of the Budget.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1976
Federal Regulatory Review Act - Establishes a Federal Regulatory Agency Review Commission to study the structures, policies and regulations of the regulatory agencies and make recommendations to the Congress to promote the elimination of practices which result in greater consumer costs, and to promote competition throughout American industry. Authorizes the Commission to hold hearings and to have access to any information which is relevant to its function. Directs the Commission to transmit an interim report to the Congress not later than six months after the Commission's first meeting and a final report six months later. Provides that the Commission shall expire 30 days after the submission of the final report.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1976
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow taxpayers of any age to exclude from gross income gain from the sale or exchange of property if during the eight year period preceding the sale or exchange, such property has been owned and used as the taxpayer's principal residence for periods aggregating five years or more. Allows a surviving spouse to tack on the holding and use periods of the decedent spouse without regard to whether such decedent spouse had made an election to exclude gain from a prior sale or exchange.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 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 · 26 February 1976
Provides for the incorporation of the Gold Star Wives of America. Sets forth the objectives, purposes and powers of such corporation. Stipulates the nonpolitical nature the corporation is to be maintained.
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 · 29 January 1976
Directs the Joint Committee on the Library to allow Mrs. Joyce Shaw to erect on the grounds of the United States Capitol, a monument in hand-sculptured ice letters reading "We the People. Provides that the Committee shall authorize Mrs. Shaw to sculpt the ice letters beginning November 1, 1976, on a site determined by the Architect of the Capitol. Requires that the monument be removed by Mrs. Shaw from the Capitol grounds not later than January 1, 1977. Directs that no Federal funds shall be expended for any expenses incurred by Mrs. Shaw in connection with the monument.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1976
Amends the Tariff Schedules of the United States to repeal the duty imposed on articles assembled abroad with components produced in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1976
Prohibits any expenditure by the Federal Government under any circumstances unless an amount of money has been specifically appropriated by the Congress for such expenditure during the fiscal year in which the expenditure is to be made or during the latest session of Congress beginning before the first day of such year.
![Official portrait of Rep. Mathis, Dawson [D-GA-2]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/m000244_200.jpg)