United States · United States Congress · 9 September 1976
Sugar Supply Assurance Act - Declares it the policy of Congress to assure a stable and adequate sugar supply. Establishes a base domestic price for sugar and sets forth the formula for adjustment of such price by the Secretary of Agriculture. Amends the Tariff Schedules of the United States to predicate the customs duties on sugar, cocoa, and confectionery upon whether this Act or similar legislation is in effect. Establishes variable customs duty rates for crystalline sugar, liquid sugar, and other sugars dependent upon polariscope rating. Exempts such sugars from the general preference sytem of the Trade Act of 1974. Revises the rates of duty for such sugars. Repeals the differing duty rates for such sugars imported from Cuba. Prohibits the export of sugar from sugar cane or beets grown in the United States except when the Secretary of Agriculture determines that domestic sugar production in any year wil exceed domestic requirements. Prohibits the importation of more than ten short tons of direct-consumption sugar by any person annually unless the Secretary determines that a shortage of sugar exists or is about to occur in the United States that cannot be alleviated by domestic sources. Authorizes the Secretary to promulgate regulations to carry out this Act. Imposes a fine of not less than $1,000 nor more than $10,000 for knowing violation or attempted violation of this Act or regulations issued thereunder. Vests jurisdiction in the district courts of the United States to restrain violations of this Act or review regulations issued thereunder. Requires the district attorneys of the United States to enforce this Act upon the request of the Secretary. Authorizes the Secretary to make such expenditures as the Secretary deems are necessary to carry out this Act. Permits the President to modify the customs duty on sugar after a finding that such modification will not interfere with the objectives of this Act, unless such modification is disapproved by Congress. Requires all persons engaged in the sugar industry to furnish information requested by the Secretary to carry out this Act. Terminates this Act at the end of five years.
United States · United States Congress · 31 August 1976
Expresses the sense of the Congress that Georgi Vins should be released from imprisonment and that the Government of the Soviet Union should allow him and all other religious believers within its borders to worship God freely, as the Soviet Union is committed to do by the provisions of its constitution and by the provisions of the United Nations Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
United States · United States Congress · 26 August 1976
Authorizes the President to issue a proclamation designating the week beginning October 3, 1976, and ending October 9, 1976, as "National Volunteer Firemen Week."
United States · United States Congress · 10 August 1976
Federal Power Commission Reform Act - Amends the Federal Power Act to direct the Federal Power Commission to require public utilities to report anticipated shortages of power and to file plans to provide for curtailment by retail consumers on a nondiscriminatory basis. Requires that rate increases for the interstate sale of electricity shall not become effective until public hearings on such increases have been completed by the Commission. Authorizes the Commission to issue orders prohibiting unfair methods of competition by public utilities. Stipulates that rates charged by public utilities shall be approved by the Commission only if based on known and measurable costs. Directs the Commission to audit the fuel acquisition practices of public utilities with a view to eliminating discriminatory or anticompetitive practices.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 1976
Stipulates that the hourly overtime pay rate for employees of the Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, who occupy nonmanagerial positions at GS-14 or under shall be one and one-half times the hourly rate of basic pay regardless of pay level. Excepts such personnel from limitations on premium pay.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1976
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a charitable deduction against the income, estate, and gift tax for contributions by an individual to a domestic fraternal society operating under the lodge system for the purpose of constructing or maintaining a building the principal purpose of which is to house such organization.
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 · 14 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 · 10 June 1976
Amends the Canal Zone Code to provide a method for computing interest due on funds invested in the Panama Canal Company by the United States. Provides that no depreciation shall be allowed on the investment of the United States for lands, titles, treaty rights, and excavations.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1976
Department of Transportation and Related Agencies Appropriation Act - Title I: Department of Transportation - Appropriates specified amounts to meet the necessary expenses for fiscal year 1977 of: (1) the Office of the Secretary of Transportation; (2) the Coast Guard; (3) the Federal Aviation Administration; (4) the Federal Highway Administration; (5) the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration; (6) the Federal Railroad Administration; (7) the Urban Mass Transportation Administration; and (8) the Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation. Title II: Related Agencies - Appropriates specified amounts to meet the necessary expenses for fiscal year 1977 of: (1) the National Transporation Safety Board; (2) the Civil Aeronautics Board; (3) the Interstate Commerce Commission; (4) the Panama Canal; (5) the United States Railway Association; and (6) the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. Title III: General Provisions - Sets forth regulations and restrictions on the use of funds made available under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1976
Amends the Public Health Service Act to entitle seasonal agricultural workers to the same migratory health program services furnished to migratory agricultural workers.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1976
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the United States reaffirms a sympathetic interest in Italian democracy and democratic institutions. States that the United States is willing to participate in efforts to provide financial assistance to Italy with the assistance of other friends and allies of Italy.
United States · United States Congress · 2 June 1976
Amends Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to entitle widows and widowers who are under a disability to receive unreduced widow's and widower's benefits without regard to age.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1976
Title I: Authorizations and Limitations - Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to increase the appropriation for surety bond guarantees from $35,000,000 to $71,000,000. Increases from $6,000,000,000 to $8,000,000,000 the amount appropriated for the business loan and investment fund of the Small Business Administration. Increases from $450,000,000 to $525,000,000 the amount appropriated for economic opportunity loans. Increases the funds for Small Business Investment Companies from $725,000,000 to $1,100,000,000. Authorizes appropriations and sets program levels for various programs under the Small Business Act for fiscal years 1978 and 1979. Title II: Micellaneous Conforming and Technical Amendments - Requires that reports to the President and Congress concerning minority small businesses include: the proportion of loans and other assistance under this Act; the goals of the Administration for the next fiscal year with respect to such concerns; and recommendations for improving assistance. Title III: Amendments to Small Business Administration Loan Authority - Amends the Small Business Act to allow loans to be used for the financing of residential or commercial construction or rehabilitation for sale. States that no payments will be required of the small business while payments are being made by the Small Business Administration pursuant to the assumption of such business's obligation or while the Administration has suspended payment on its own loan. Limits the period of such assumption or suspension to five years. Sets the prerequisites for receiving the loan and the conditions for repayment of such loan. Provides for assistance to small business concerns which are engaged in the production of food or fiber, ranching, and raising of livestock, acquaculture and all other farming and agricultural related industries. Increases from $350,000 to $500,000 the limit on loans for regular businesses. Increases from $50,000 to $100,000 the limit for economic opportunity loans. Increases the limit for development company loans. Amends the Small Business Investment Act and the Small Business Act to state that no loans for plant acquisitions shall exceed specified time periods. Title IV: Amendments to Small Business Administration Disaster Loan Authority - Expands the coverage of disaster loans to situations which the Small Business Administration determines to be disasters and where no disaster has been declared upon the certification by the Governor of a State to the Small Business Administration that small business concerns have suffered economic injury as a result of such disaster and that financial assistance is not available on reasonable terms in the disaster-stricken area. Requires the President to undertake a comprehensive review of all Federal disaster loan authorities and to report to the Congress concerning the most effective and efficient delivery of disaster relief. States that the interest rate on the Administration's share of any loan made under this subsection shall not exceed three percent and in specified cases shall not be higher than two and three quarters percent. Title V: Certificate of Competency - Amends the elements to be considered in certification of any small business for the receipt or performance of a specific Government contract. Requires that final disposition of contract awards be made by the Administration. Describes the role of Government procurement officers and officers engaged in the sale and disposal of Federal property. Title VI: Financing of Pollution Control Facilities - Authorizes the Small Business Administration, whenever it determinizes that small business concerns are, or are likely to be, at an operational or financial disadvantage with other business concerns with respect to the planning, design or installation of pollution control facilities, or the obtaining the financing therefor, to guarantee the payment of rentals or other amounts due under qualified contracts. Provides that any such guarantee may be made or effected either directly or in cooperation with any qualified surety company or other qualified company through a participation agreement with such a company. Permits the Administration to fix a uniform annual fee for any guarantee issued under this title and to require that measures be followed in connection with the guarantee of rentals in order to minimize financial risk assumed by the guarantee. Creates a separate fund for guarantees within the Treasury for guarantees which shall be available to the Administrator without fiscal limitations as a revolving fund. Authorizes to be appropriated amounts sufficient to provide the Capital for such fund. Title VII: Chief Counsel for Advocacy - Creates within the Small Business Administration an Office of Advocacy. States the functions of such Office which include receipt of complaints, criticism, and suggestions concerning the policies and activities of the Administration and the resolution of problems concerning the relationship of the small business to the Federal Government. Requires the Office of Advocacy to report to the Congress and the President not later than six months after enactment of this title. Authorizes $1,000,000 to be appropriated to carry out the provisions of this title.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1976
Provides for a new Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs whose principal duty shall be the overall supervision of the reserve component affairs of the Department of Defense. Changes the existing position of Assistant Secretary of Defense for Manpower and Reserve Affairs to Assistant Secretary of Defense for Manpower. (Amends 10 U.S.C. 136)
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1976
Solid Waste Energy and Resource Recovery Act - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency: (1) to assist with research projects for the development of pilot plant facilities for the purpose of investigating new fuels, recovery methods, or technology; (2) to conduct demonstrations of new methods and technology; and (3) to test and evaluate such pilot plants and demonstration projects. Directs the Administrator to establish a program for the collection and dissemination of information to assist Federal, State, interstate, regional, and local agencies in planning and building solid waste collection, recycling and recovery facilities. Sets forth specific areas to be covered by such program. Directs the Administrator to make grants to State, interstate, municipal and intermunicipal agencies for: (1) the implementation of solid waste management plans and planning programs; (2) the development and revision of solid waste disposal plans as part of regional environmental protection systems; (3) the development of interlocal regions and establishment of regional agencies; (4) the development of proposals for various projects; and (5) the planning of programs for the removal and processing of abandoned motor vehicle hulks. Authorizes the Administrator to impose conditions consistent with the purposes of this Act upon such grants. Limits the amount of available Federal assistance to 85 percent of the total cost. Authorizes the Administrator to guarantee loans incurred by State, regional, or local government agencies to finance the construction of large-scale fuel, energy, or resource recovery facilities. Limits the total outstanding indebtedness allowed under this Act to $75,000,000. Sets forth procedures for applying for loan guarantees under this Act. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants to a State, regional authority or local government agency for the construction, operation, or maintenance of fuel, energy, and resource recovery facilities when such facilities cannot be financed by any other means. Limits the amount of each grant to 25 percent of the total cost of the project. Authorizes the appropriation of the following amounts for solid waste research and development and for grants for energy and resource recovery programs: $65,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1977; $17,000,000 for the transitional period ending September 30, 1977; and $70,000,000 for fiscal year 1978. Authorizes the appropriation of the following sums for grants for State, interstate, and local planning: $35,000,000 for fiscal year 1977; $9,000,000 for the transitional period; and $45,000,000 for fiscal year 1978. Authorizes the appropriation of the following sums for grants for construction of facilities: $40,000,000 for fiscal year 1977; 12,000,000 for the transitional period; and $60,000,000 for fiscal year 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1976
Local Public Works Capital Development and Investment Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the Economic Development Administration, to make grants to any State or local government for local public works projects, including but not limited to: (1) those public works projects of State and local governments for which Federal financial assistance is authorized under provisions of law other than this Act; and (2) the architectural design, engineering, and related planning of local public works projects. Stipulates that the Federal share of any project for which a grant is made under this Act shall be 100 percent of the cost of such project. Authorizes the Secretary to make an additional grant for the purpose of increasing to 100 percent the Federal contribution to a public works project for which Federal financial assistance is authorized under provisions of law other than this Act. Stipulates that no such grants shall be made for any project which has as its principal purpose the channelization, damming, dredging, or diversion of a natural watercourse, or the enlargement of any canal other than a canal designated as a historic site. Directs the Secretary to prescribe rules, regulations, and procedures necessary to carry out this Act. Lists factors that the Secretary shall consider in accordance with the relative needs of the various sections of the country, with priority consideration to those areas where unemployment exceeds the national average. Stipulates that not less than one-half of one percent nor more than ten percent of all amounts authorized under this title shall be allocated for local public works projects within any one State. Authorizes the appropriation of $2,500,000,000 through fiscal year 1977 in order to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1976
Public Works and Economic Development Act Amendments - Amends the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 to extend the authorizations for financial assistance to States and localities under the Act through September 30, 1979. Removes the prohibition on Federal assistance to competitors of regulated public utilities. Requires a decrease in the amount of Federal assistance to States and localities which have exhausted their effective taxing and borrowing capacity. Increases from ten percent to 25 percent the minimum amount of Federal funds that must be expended on redevelopment areas under the Act. Allows for additional funds to cover increased construction costs, provided the percentage of the Federal share for such project is not increased. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to agree to pay a portion of the interest on loans guaranteed under this Act. Revises the criteria for designation of redevelopment areas to include all municipalities with a population of 50,000 or more as eligible for such designation. Establishes a program of urban economic development and redevelopment to allievate problems of unemployment, migration, and long-term economic deterioration in urban areas. Details requirements for Federal assistance under such program. Authorizes annual appropriations of $200,000,000 per fiscal year from fiscal year 1977 through 1979. Authorizes an initial appropriation of $50,000,000 for the transitional period from July 1, 1976, through September 30, 1976. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce or the Secretary of Labor to take steps to assure the validity of unemployment rate information. Repeals the prohibition on financial assistance for electric energy generating and transmission facilities. Authorizes additional assistance to areas suffering from long-term economic deterioration under the special economic development assistance program under Title IX of the Act.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1976
Repeals provisions granting to the city of Los Angeles, California, lands in Mono County, California, for designated uses. Preserves to such city all rights to operate, maintain, and repair existing rights-of-way and facilities established pursuant to such grant. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to convey all interest of the United States in specified lands to the city of Los Angeles upon conveyance by such city of all its interest, excepting water and water rights, in other specified lands to the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1976
Federal Power Commission Reform Act - Amends the Federal Power Act to direct the Federal Power Commission to require public utilities to report anticipated shortages of power and to file plans to provide for curtailment by retail consumers on a nondiscriminatory basis. Requires that rate increases for the interstate sale of electricity shall not become effective until public hearings on such increases have been completed by the Commission. Authorizes the Commission to issue orders prohibiting unfair methods of competition by public utilities. Stipulates that rates charged by public utilities shall be approved by the Commission only if based on known and measurable costs. Directs the Commission to audit the fuel acquisition practices of public utilities with a view to eliminating discriminatory or anticompetitive practices.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1976
Amends the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to include in the Renewable Resource Program, national program recommendations which take into account specified policy objectives. Requires the Secretary to provide for public participation in the formulation and review of proposed land management plans for units of the National Forest System. Directs the Secretary to promulgate regulations that set out the process for the development and revision of such land management plans. Requires that such regulations specify procedures to insure that plans are prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act and guidelines set out in this Act. 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 United States 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 · 23 March 1976
Amends the Small Business Act to allow the Small Business Administration to provide disaster loans to small businesses in areas which the Administrator declares to have been struck by impacted disasters, upon request of the Governor of the State where such area is located. Defines "impacted disaster" for purposes of this Act to mean any hurricane, tornado, storm, flood, high water, wind-driven water tidal wave, or other specified natural catastrophe.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1976
Federal Power Commission Reform Act - Amends the Federal Power Act to direct the Federal Power Commission to require public utilities to report anticipated shortages of power and to file plans to provide for curtailment by retail consumers on a nondiscriminatory basis. Requires that rate increases for the interstate sale of electricity shall not become effective until public hearings on such increases have been completed by the Commission. Authorizes the Commission to issue orders prohibiting unfair methods of competition by public utilities. Stipulates that rates charged by public utilities shall be approved by the Commission only if based on known and measurable costs. Directs the Commission to audit the fuel acquisition practices of public utilities with a view to eliminating discriminatory or anticompetitive practices.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1976
Amends the Social Security Act to authorize payment under the medicare program for specified services performed by chiropractors, including x-rays and physical examinations, and related routine laboratory tests.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1976
Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to appoint to the Federal service specified State, territory, and local meat and poultry inspection personnel to enforce and perform Federal inspection requirements with respect to slaughterhouses and processing establishments whose products are distributed solely intrastate where such regulation is required because the State or territory in which such slaughterhouses or processing establishments are located has failed to develop or enforce sufficient inspection standards. Details provisons relating to: (1) compensation of; (2) credit for prior State, territory, or local service by; (3) retention of accumulated leave by; and (4) eligibility for civil service retirement annuities of such personnel.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1976
Establishes a task force for the purpose of initiating procedures to be used by the Federal Housing Administration and the Farmers Home Administration in appraising and inspecting homes. Directs the task force to submit a report to Congress within 240 days with respect to the feasibility of having both administrations utilize the same procedures.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1976
Health Security Act - Title I: Health Security Benefits - Makes every resident of the U.S. (and every non-resident citizen when in the U.S.) eligible for covered services. Permits reciprocal and "buy- in" agreements for groups or non-resident aliens, and in some cases benefits to U.S. residents when visiting in other countries. Entitles every eligible person to have payments made by the Health Security Board for covered services provided within the United States by a participating provider. Extends coverage to all necessary professional services of physicians, wherever furnished, including preventive care, with two restrictions: (1) specialist services are covered only when performed by a qualified specialist except in emergency situations, and generally only on referral from a primary physician; and (2) psychiatric services to an ambulatory patient are covered only for active preventive, diagnostic, therapeutic or rehabilitative service with respect to mental illness. Extends coverage to: (1) comprehensive dental services (exclusive of most orthodontic services) for children under age 15, with the covered age group increasing by two years each year until all those under age 25 are covered; (2) inpatient and outpatient hospital services and services of a home health agency; and (3) pathology and radiology services as parts of institutional services. Limits payment for skilled nursing home care to 120 days per spell of illness, except that such limit may be increased when the nursing home is owned or managed by a hospital and payment for care is made through the hospital budget. Limits the psychiatric hospital benefit to 45 consecutive days of active treatment during a spell of illness. Extends coverage to two categories of drug use: prescribed medicines administered to inpatients or outpatients within participating hospitals; or to enrollees of comprehensive health service organizations, and drugs necessary for the treatment of specified chronic illnesses or conditions requiring long or expensive therapy. Requires the Board and the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish two lists of approved drugs, taking into account the safety, efficacy and cost of each drug. Lists approved medicines available for use in institutions and by comprehensive health service organizations and those available for use outside such organized settings. Declares that the appliances benefit is similar in concept and operation to the drug benefit, subject to a limitation on aggregate cost. Extends coverage to professional services of optometrists and podiatrists, subject to regulations, and diagnostic or therapeutic services furnished by independent pathology laboratories and radiology services. Excludes from coverage: (1) health services furnished or paid for under a workmen's compensation law; and (2) services of a professional practitioner if they are furnished in a hospital which is not a participating provider. Requires that participating providers meet standards established in this title or by the Board. Requires that such providers agree to provide services without discrimination, make no unauthorized charge to the patient for any covered service, and furnish data necessary for utilization review by professional peers, statistical studies by the Board, and verification of information for payments. Makes professional practitioners licensed when the program begins eligible to practice in the State where they are licensed and requires that all newly licensed applicants for participation meet national standards established by the Board in addition to existing State standards. Establishes conditions of participation for general hospitals. Makes psychiatric hospitals eligible to participate only if the Board finds that the hospital is engaged in furnishing active diagnostic, therapeutic and rehabilitative services to mentally ill patients. Establishes conditions of participation for skilled nursing homes similar to those established for extended care facilities under Medicare. Makes provisions for the participation of home health service agencies. Allows the participation of the following as providers of health services under this Act: (1) a health maintenance organization which undertakes to provide an enrolled population either with complete health care or, at least, with complete health security services (other than institutional services, mental health or dental services) for the maintenance of health and the care of ambulatory patients; (2) a foundation sponsored by a county or other local medical society; and (3) community health centers or the like which, though furnishing services as comprehensive as are required by this Act, do not serve an enrolled or otherwise predetermined population and may not meet other requirements of this Act. Authorizes the Board to deal separately with the primary care portion of a system of comprehensive health care where it is necessary to rely on arrangements with other providers. Permits the Board to contract directly with public or other nonprofit mental health centers and mental health day care services. Specifies the conditions under which independent pathology laboratories, independent radiological services, and providers of drugs, devices, appliances, equipment, or ambulance services may qualify as providers under Health Security. Requires that a participating skilled nursing home have in effect an agreement with at least one participating hospital for the transfer of patients and medical and other information as medically appropriate. Prohibits in malpractice judgments any damages to be awarded to the injured party for the cost of medical services which he is entitled to receive under this Act. Excludes the institutions of the Department of Defense and the Veterans Administration, and institutions of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare serving merchant seamen or Indians or Alaskan natives, from serving as participating providers, as well as any employee of these institutions when acting as an employee. Allows reimbursement for any services furnished by such institutions or agencies to eligible persons who are not a part of their normal clientele. Permits a physician, dentist, optometrist, or podiatrist, licensed in one State and meeting the national standards, to furnish Health Security benefits in any other State. Grants similar authority to other health professional and nonprofessional personnel. Establishes the Health Security Trust Fund, to receive the net assets of existing (Medicare) funds taken over by the Health Security program, the yield of the Health Security taxes, and the Government's contribution from general revenues amounting to 100 percent of the yield from these taxes. Directs that three separate accounts be established in the Health Security Trust Fund: a Health Service Account, a Health Resources Development Account, and an Administration Account. Requires that in each of the first two years of program operation, two percent of the Trust Fund be set aside for the Health Resources Development Fund and the allocation be increased by one percent at two-year intervals to five percent within the next six years. Make provision for allocation of the Health Services account among the regions of the country. Stipulates that the allocation to each region shall be based on the aggregate sum expended during the most recent 12-month period for covered services (with appropriate modification for estimated changes in the consumer price index, the expected number of eligible beneficiaries, and estimated changes in the number of participating providers). Directs the Board to divide the allocation to each region into funds available to pay: institutional services; physician services; dental services; furnishing of drugs; furnishing of devices, appliances, equipment; and miscellaneous services. Stipulates that payments for covered services provided to eligible persons by participating providers shall be made from the Health Service Account in the Trust Fund. Prescribes the method to be used in applying, as between practitioners electing the various methods of payment (fee-for-service and capitation), the monies available in each health service area for payment to each category of professional providers. Authorizes the Board to experiment with other methods of reimbursement so long as the experimental method does not increase the cost of service or lead to overutilization or underutilization of services. Stipulates that skilled nursing homes and home health agencies shall be paid in the same manner as a general hospital (on an approved annual budget basis). Stipulates that a health organization shall be paid for covered services, on the basis of a fixed capitation rate multiplied by the number of eligible enrollees. Authorizes special improvement grants: (1) to any public or other nonprofit health agency or institution to establish improved coordination and linkages with other providers of services; and (2) to organizations providing comprehensive ambulatory care, to improve their utilization review, budget, statistical, or records and information retrieval systems, to acquire equipment needed for those purposes, or to acquire equipment useful for mass screening or for other diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. Sets forth the responsibilities and duties of the Secretary of HEW and the Board with regard to this title. Creates an administrative structure within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare with exclusive responsibility for the administration of the Health Security program. Establishes a five-member, full-time Health Security Board serving under the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. Requires that the members be appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, for five-year overlapping terms. Establishes a National Health Security Advisory Council, with the Chairman of the Board serving as the Council's Chairman and 20 additional members not in the employ of the Federal Government. Authorizes the Advisory Council to appoint professional or technical committees to assist in its functions. Directs the Advisory Council to advise the Board on matters of general policy in the administration of the program, the formulation of regulations and the allocation of funds for services. Charges the Board with responsibility for informing the public and providers about the administration and operation of the Health Security program. Requires the Board to make a continuing study and evaluation of the program, including adequacy, quality and costs of services. Authorizes the Board to make detailed statistical and other studies on a national, regional, or local basis of any aspect of the title; to develop and test incentive systems for improving quality of care, methods of peer review of drug utilization and of other service performances; to develop and test systems of information retrieval, budget programs, instrumentation for multiphasic screening or patient services, and reimbursement systems for drugs; and to make such other studies which it considers would improve the quality of services and the administration of the program. Grants authority to the Board, in accordance with regulations, to make determinations of who are participating providers of services, determinations of eligibility, of whether services are covered, and the amount to be paid to providers. Allows a provider of services who is dissatisfied with a final Board determination to obtain a hearing before a Board panel, and judicial review of a final decision. Authorizes the Board, with the advice and assistance of the Commission on the Quality of Health Care, to issue and review regulations assuring the quality of care furnished under this Act. Requires continuing professional education by physicians, dentists, optometrists, and podiatrists. Authorizes the appointment of a Deputy Secretary of HEW and an Under Secretary for Health and Science. Stipulates that no provision of this Act shall alter any contractual obligation of an employer to provide health services to his employees and their dependents. Title II: Health Security Taxes - Converts the existing Medicare hospital insurance payroll taxes into Health Security taxes, and raises the rates to one percent on employees and 3.5 percent on employers. Raises the wage base for the employee tax from the present $7,800 to $15,000; or, if higher, 125 percent of the contribution and benefit base. Broadens the definitions of covered employment to include foreign agricultural workers, employees of the U.S. and its instrumentalities (other than members of the armed forces and the President, Vice-President, and Members of Congress), employees of charitable and similar organizations, railroad employees, and (for the employee tax only) employees of States and their political subdivisions and instrumentalities. Excludes from the gross income of employees, for income tax purposes, payment by their employers of part or all of the Health Security taxes on the employees. Converts the existing Medicare self-employment tax into a Health Security self-employment tax, raising the rate to 2.5 percent, and raises the maximum taxable self-employment income from $7,800 to $15,000. Adds a new one percent Health Security Tax on unearned income (unless such income is less than $400 a year), subject to the same maximum on taxable income as is applicable to the employee and self-employment taxes. Title III: Commission on the Quality of Health Care - Establishes in the Department of HEW a Commission on the Quality of Health Care, with the primary responsibility of: (1) initiating and continuing development of methods of assessing the quality of health care furnished under the Health Security Act; and (2) submitting to the Secretary and the Health Security Board its findings and recommendations. Stipulates that in carrying out its duties the Commission shall emphasize, and give first consideration to, care furnished for those illnesses and conditions which have relatively high incidence in the population and which are relatively amenable to medical or other care. Title IV: Repeal or Amendment of Other Acts - Requires that after the effective date of benefits received under this Act no State shall be required to furnish any service covered under Health Security as a part of its State plan for participation under Medicaid. Title V: Studies Related to Health Security - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare in consultation with the Secretary of State and the Secretary of the Treasury to study the coverage of health services for U.S. residents in other countries. Directs the Secretary of HEW to study the feasibility and desirability of coordinating the Federal health benefit programs for merchant seamen and Indians and Alaskan natives and also veterans and members of the Armed Forces, with the Health Security Benefit Program.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1976
Lifeline Rate Act - Stipulates that no rate schedule of an electric utility shall result in a greater per kilowatt-hour charge to residential electric consumers for a subsistence quantity of electric energy than the lowest charge to any other electric consumer. Sets forth procedures for civil suits and judicial review where violations by utilities as regulatory authorities are alleged under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1976
Authorizes and requests the President to issue a proclamation: (1) designating the week beginning April 4, 1976, as "National Rural Health Week"; (2) urging an intensification in efforts to disseminate health information; and (3) urging all persons concerned with the rural population to consider ways in which they can promote improved health services for rural America.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1976
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to stipulate that for specified bond issues, the proceeds of which are used for providing facilities with hydroelectric energy, the provisions concerning taxation of interest on industrial revenue bonds shall be inapplicable and any interest received from such governmental obligations shall be excluded from gross income.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1976
States that it shall not be an unfair labor practice, under the National Labor Relations Act, for an employer engaged in the food processing industry to make an agreement covering employees engaged in such industry with a labor organization because such agreement requires, as a condition of employment, membership in such labor organization.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1976
Authorizes Representative McDade of Pennsylvania to respond to a subpoena in the case of Boston Pneumatics, Inc. against Ingersoll-Rand Company pending in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 1975
Allows the payment of overtime to personnel employed in the Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service if: (1) their duties are critical to the inspection services provided by the Department of Agriculture to assure wholesome food products, humane treatment of animals, and to control and eradicate animal and plant diseases; and (2) they are in positions in which overtime work may be required by emergency needs created by disease outbreaks or in which operating requirements cannot be met without substantial work. (Amends 5 U.S.C. 5542 (a))
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 1975
Condemns the resolution adopted by the Third Committee of the United Nations General Assembly which equates Zionism with racism, and urges the U.N. General Assembly to disapprove such resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1975
Authorizes the President to issue a proclamation designating the week in November which includes Thanksgiving Day in each year as "National Family Week."
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 1975
Requires that 25 percent of the gross value of timber harvested during any fiscal year from each national forest shall be paid, at the end of such year, by the Secretary of the Treasury to the States in which such national forest is situated, to be expended as the State legislature may prescribe for the benefit of the public schools and public roads of the county or counties in which such forests are situated; provided that when any national forest is in more than one State or county the distributive share to each from the proceeds of such forest shall be proportional to its area therein.
![Official portrait of Rep. McFall, John J. [D-CA-14]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/m000436_200.jpg)