United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1977
Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to public and nonprofit private entities which are engaged in the development of new schools of veterinary medicine to assist in such development. Requires applying schools to demonstrate that there is a reasonable indication that non-Federal financial resources for development will be available and that Federal assistance will accelerate the date on which the school will be able to begin its teaching program.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1977
Federal Programs and Spending Control Act - Title I: Authorizations of Budget Authority - Terminates all new budget authority for any fiscal year beginning after October 1, 1981, except for trust funds in the United States Treasury. Prohibits the consideration of any new budget authority by either House of Congress for any Federal program for more than four years, unless a program control review of such program has been conducted, and in the case of programs in existence on the enactment date of this Act, unless such authority is for a period not exceeding the period for which the last budget authority was authorized. States that new programs may not be authorized for more than one fiscal year at the outset, two fiscal years the second time budget authority is given for such program, and unless a program control review has been conducted for such program. Prohibits the changing of any program funded from a trust fund or permanent budget authority after October 1, 1981, unless a program control review of such program has been conducted during the four year period preceeding the year in which the proposed change is to occur. Requires the Comptroller General to identify for the Congress which programs are funded from permanent budget authority. Title II: Early Elimination of Inactive and Duplicative Programs - Requires the Comptroller General to identify for Congress all inactive programs and programs with duplicate objectives by July 1, 1978. Title III: Program Control Review - Requires standing congressional committees to conduct a program control review of each program within its legislative jurisdiction at least every four years. Lists the contents of such review including: (1) the feasibility of alternate programs; (2) the impact of such program on the national economy; and (3) the possibility of eliminating such program. Requires each such committee to recommend whether new budget authority should be authorized for any such program. Requires that analyses and assistance in making such reviews be provided by the General Accounting Office, the Congressional Budget Office, and the Federal agency administering the program being reviewed. Title IV: Continuing Review and Evaluation - States that whenever the General Accounting Office discloses any substantial deficiency in achievement of the objectives of any Federal program it shall reaudit such program every six months until it determines that the deficiency or deficiencies have been eliminated. Requires that the President's budget list the specific objectives of any program therein comparing the objectives of the past year with those of the year covered by such budget. Title V: Disclosure on the Face of Bills and Joint Resolution of the Projected Costs and Savings of Actions Proposed Therein - Requires the printing of a note on each public or private bill or resolution estimating the direct and indirect costs and savings anticipated in carrying out the provisions of such bill or resolution in the fiscal year in which such legislation is introduced and the five fiscal years thereafter. Title VI: Miscellaneous - Stipulates that specified portions of this Act are enacted as an exercise of the rulemaking power of the House of Representatives and the Senate and are subject to change in the same manner as any other rule of either House.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1977
Prohibits rules promulgated by any Federal agency (except an emergency rule which must become immediately effective to prevent serious injury or the substantial frustration of legislative policies or intent) from becoming effective until such proposed rules have been submitted to Congress and a 60-day period has lapsed thereafter. Prevents such rules from becoming effective if disapproved by either House of Congress within such 60-day period. Permits disapproved of emergency rules. Prohibits the submission to Congress of any rule identical to one which has been disapproved unless submitted pursuant to new legislative authority which has been enacted affecting the agency's powers with respect to the subject matter of such rule. Renders agency rules dealing with emergency or routine matters or which will have an insignificant impact effective without publication of advance/notice of proposed rule making proceedings in the Federal Register as is currently required. Renders any rule granting an exemption to another rule or which is exempt from public notice and comment requirements effective immediately.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1977
Amends the Public Health Service Act to allow medical facilities to be reimbursed by the Federal Government for emergency medical treatment given aliens unlawfully in the United States if such aliens are unable to pay the cost of such treatment or can pay only a part of the cost and the aliens or medical facilities which provided such treatment are not eligible under any public assistance program for payment or reimbursement of such cost. Requires that an application for reimbursement be submitted to the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. Sets forth criteria for determining whether such an application shall be approved.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1977
Authorizes the Secretary of Labor, under the Occupational Safety and Health Act, to make visits to the work place of any employer, upon the request of the employer, to consult with and advise the employer concerning the obligations of the employer under such Act. Directs the Secretary to give priority to small businesses and hazardous workplaces. Stipulates that no consultative visit made under this Act may serve as an inspection or investigation as otherwise provided for by the Occupational Safety and Health Act, except: (1) in the case of an employer who fails to eliminate a danger disclosed during such a visit; or (2) if conditions are found during such a visit which indicate the probability that death or serious harm could result to employees therefrom, the Secretary may notify the employer of such conditions and afford him a reasonable time to eliminate such conditions. Prohibits the transmission of information obtained during a consultative visit to representatives of the Secretary engaged in enforcement. Directs the Secretary to establish education programs to inform employers and employees of the hazards in particular industries. Authorizes the appropriation of funds through fiscal year 1979 for the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1977
Solar Energy for Homes Act - Authorizes the administrators of Federal housing programs, established under title II or III of the National Housing Act or (of) title V of the Housing Act of 1949, to increase the amount of loans made on single- or multi-family dwelling units by up to 20 percent where such increase reflects the cost of solar energy equipment. Amends the National Housing Act to authorize home improvement loans for the cost of acquisition and installation of solar energy system. Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to authorize the use of community development block grants for payments to assist in the acquisition and installation of solar energy equipment.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1977
Guarantees automatically any loan to a qualified veteran for the purchase and installation of solar heating and/or cooling in a dwelling which he owns and occupies. Exempts such loans from the existing $17,500 maximum amount of guaranty entitlement, and sets the amount of such entitlement at either: (1) the reasonable total cost of such purchase and installation, or (2) 20 percent of the value of the structure in which such system is to be installed, whichever is less. States that the original principal amount of such a loan shall not exceed the amount of guaranty entitlement so set.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1977
Tanker Safety Act - Amends the Ports and Waterways Safety Act of 1972 to direct the Secretary of Transportation to establish and maintain vessel traffic systems for the waters of the maritime safety zone. Defines "maritime safety zone" as extending 200 nautical miles from the shoreline of the United States. Exempts from this title foreign vessels which are in transit to places outside the United States. Directs the Secretary to : (1) establish procedures for the handling and emergency removal of oil or hazardous materials; (2) prescribe minimum safety equipment requirements for structures in or on the navigable waters of the United States or on the shores adjacent to such waters; (3) establish water or waterfront safety zones or other measures for controlled access and activity to protect vessels, structures, waters, or shore areas; and (4) establish procedures for inspection to assure compliance with minimum safety requirements. Requires the Secretary to take into account specified factors regarding navigation and vessel safety and protection of the marine environment in carrying out the duties required under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to require the use of pilots on self-propelled vessels of the United States engaged in foreign commerce or on foreign vessels operating in the navigable waters of the United States. Requires the Secretary to develop, and seek adoption by the States of uniform, minimum standards relating to the regulation of pilotage at least equal to those required of federally licensed pilots. Authorizes the Secretary or the National Transportation Safety Board to investigate incidents which cause damage to any vessel or structure or which affect or may affect the navigation or vessel safety or environmental quality of ports, harbors, navigable waters, or the waters of the maritime safety zone. Grants subpoena powers in order to conduct such inquiry. Prohibits vessels which are determined to be unsafe or which may create a threat to the marine environment or which fail to comply with applicable regulations from entering or operating in the navigable waters or ports of the United States. Exempts the Panama Canal from the provisions of this Act. Directs the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to establish specified standards governing the design, repair, manning and maintenance of any vessel to increase navigation and vessel safety and marine environmental protection for vessels carrying oil or any hazardous material in bulk which are documented under the laws of the United States or which enter the navigable waters of the United States. Requires that all such vessels, after January 1, 1979, be equipped with specified navigational devices, a segregated ballast capacity and gas inerting system, and a double hull. Requires that such vessels hold a certificate of compliance issued by the Secretary in order to enter the navigable waters of the United States. Directs the Secretary to prescribe manning and training requirements for the crews of such vessels. Directs the Commandant of the Coast Guard to establish eligibility requirements for the issuance of a license to pilot any steam vessel. Specifies certain qualifications which must be met to receive such a license. Specifies conditions under which the Commandant may revoke such a license. Stipulates that the Federal Government shall exercise authority in the 200 mile maritime safety zone established under this Act by: (1) prohibiting the discharge of any oil or hazardous material within such zone; (2) by enforcing the provisions of any international agreement to which the United States is a party concerning navigation or vessel safety or protection of the marine environment; (3) prescribing vessel control traffic; and (4) inspecting vessels destined for any port or place within the United States. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to appoint persons as maritime safety officers. Grants such individuals arrest powers, and boarding and inspection powers, with or without a warrant. Directs the Secretary to establish a national program for inspection of any vessel subject to the Ports and Waterways Safety Act of 1972. Requires yearly inspection of all vessels and a special structure inspection for vessels over ten years old. Specifies the documents which must be kept on board any vessel subject to such Act. Sets forth civil and criminal penalties for violations of this Act. Requires the Secretary to report annually to the Congress regarding: (1) the administration of the Ports and Waterways Safety Act; (2) a summary of inspection and enforcement activities; and (3) recommendations to Congress for any necessary additional legislative authority.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1977
Young Farmers' Homestead Act - Establishes as an agency within the Department of Agriculture the Federal Farm Assistance Corporation. Authorizes the Corporation to purchase farm land in value of up to $250,000 per unit. Provides that the Corporation shall make such farms available for lease and subsequently for sale. Directs that the farms may be leased to an eligible applicant for a period of not less than two years not more than ten years with specified restrictions upon the use of such land. Provides that the lessee may at any time within six months prior to the expiration of his lease make application to the Board of Directors for purchase of such unit upon the expiration of such lease. States that the Board shall approve such application if it determines that the lessee can successfully manage and operate such farm unit. Specifies a formula to be used in determining the selling price of each farm. Provides that a buyer may obtain financing through any available source, but if private financing is not available, the Farmers Home Administration shall furnish the financing at a specified rate. Requires the Corporation to file annually with the Secretary of Agriculture a complete report as to the business of the Corporation. Provides that the financial transactions of the Corporation shall be audited at least once each year by the General Accounting Office. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to appoint an advisory council to advise the Board regarding the administration of this Act. Provides that the Council's advice shall include recommendations on what the eligibility requirements should be for leasing farm units and what experience should be required for leasing a farm. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to carry out this Act. Specifies criminal provisions applicable to the Federal Farm Assistance Corporation. (Amends 18 U.S.C. 657, 658, 1006, and 1014)
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1977
Directs the President to appoint a specified number of additional judges to designated United States district courts and courts of appeals. Authorizes the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to place an additional eight positions in grades 16, 17, and 18 of the General Schedule.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1977
Department of Energy Organization Act - Title I: Declaration of Purposes - Declares it the purpose of this Act to establish a permanent Department or Energy in the executive branch to assist in the development of a coordinated national energy policy. Title II: Establishment of Department - Establishes a Department of Energy in the executive branch. Establishes an Energy Information Administration and an Economic Regulatory Administration within such Department. Title III: Transfers of Functions - Transfers to the Secretary of Energy all functions now vested in the Federal Energy Administration, the Energy Research and Development Administration, and the Federal Power Commission. Transfers energy-related functions from the Department of the Interior to the new Secretary. Transfers specified functions of the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, the Interstate Commerce Commission, the Secretary of the Navy, and the Secretary of Commerce to the new Secretary. Title IV: Board of Hearings and Appeals - Establishes a three-member Board of Hearings and Appeals within the Department to make agency determinations as required by law. Prohibits persons having interests in energy companies from serving as Board members. Title V: Administrative Procedures and Judicial Review - Stipulates that the provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act shall apply to rules and regulations issued by the Secretary or his delegate. Requires that opportunity for oral presentations of viewpoints be afforded where regulations are likely to have a substantial economic impact. Requires hearings on rules which substantially impact on a single geographic area to be held in such geographic area. Stipulates that United States district courts shall have exclusive jurisdiction of cases arising under this Act without regard to the amount in controversy, except where otherwise provided in authority transferred to the Secretary. Title VI: Administrative Provisions - Establishes a Leasing Liaison Committee to obtain information and make recommendations on Federal leasing activities conducted by the Secretary of the Interior which relate to energy resources. Requires officers and employees of the Department of Energy to disclose known financial interests in energy companies. Imposes criminal penalties for knowing violations of such disclosure requirements. Authorizes the Secretary to delegate authority to other officers, to create regional offices, and to establish advisory committees. Requires the Secretary to submit annual reports to the President for submission to the Congress. Title VII: Transitional Savings and Conforming Provisions - Stipulates that transfers of personnel as authorized by this Act shall not result in reduction in grade or unemployment for one year after enactment of this Act. Stipulates that orders, rules, and proceedings established or commenced under previous authority shall not be affected by the transfers under this Act. Amends the Federal Energy Administration Act, the Energy Reorganization Act, the Federal Power Act, the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act, the Energy Conservation Standards for New Buildings Act, the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935, the Rural Electrification Act of 1936, and other provisions of law to conform with the changes made by this Act. Title VIII: Effective Date and Interim Appointments - Stipulates that the provisions of this Act shall take effect no later than 120 days after the Secretary first takes office. Establishes procedures for interim appointment of officers prior to the effective date of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1977
National Energy Extension Service Act - Establishes an Energy Extension Service in the Energy Research and Development Administration to develop and implement a comprehensive program for the identification and application of energy conserving practices and techniques. Stipulates that programs shall provide for technical assistance and practical demonstration in the agricultural, commercial, residential, and small business sectors. Requires that the national program permit States to establish technical support institutes at colleges or universities as designated by the Governor of each State. Stipulates that such program shall be implemented in a manner designed to minimize conflict with existing services in the private sector of the economy. Establishes procedures and criteria for the development of State plans for implementing the provisions of this Act. Allows for Federal development of plans for States in which an acceptable plan has not been submitted. Directs the Administrator of the Energy Research and Development Administration to develop a comprehensive program and plan for coordination of Federal energy education and information dissemination programs. Stipulates that such plan shall detail procedures for assessing the energy efficiency of various Federal programs. Establishes a National Energy Extension Service Advisory Board to conduct a continuing review of the programs developed under this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1977 to carry out the purposes of this Act. Prescribes a formula for allocation of such funds to the States.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1977
Authorizes the Administrator of the Energy Research and Development Administration to construct and operate a National Coal Conversion Demonstration Facility to test new coal conversion and mining technologies. Establishes criteria to be utilized in selection of a site for such facility.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1977
Excludes employers with less than 25 employees during any consecutive six-month period in the most recent fiscal year from coverage under the Occupational Safety and Health Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1977
Child Exploitation Prevention Act - Amends the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act to prohibit the sexual exploitation of children by making it unlawful for any individual to (1) cause or permit a child to be photographed or filmed engaged in a sexual act prohibited under this Act; (2) photograph or film a prohibited sexual act; (3) knowingly transport any film or photograph depicting a prohibited sexual act; or (4) receive for sale or sell any such film or photograph, if such individual knows or should know such film or photograph has or may be transported in such a manner as to affect interstate or foreign commerce. Imposes a fine of up to $50,000 and/or imprisonment for up to 20 years for a violation of sexual exploitation of children provisions of this Act. Imposes a fine of up to $25,000 and/or imprisonment for up to 15 years for a violation of the transportation of photographs and films of children engaged in sexual acts provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1977
Declares it the sense of Congress that all portions of the officially designated National System of Interstate and Defense Highways shall be free from tolls. Entitles each State having any portion of a free or toll highway bridge or tunnel which is part of the Interstate System to receive additional funds from the Highway Trust Fund for the removal of such toll facilities and the completion of the Interstate System within such State. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to deliver to Congress an estimate of the September 30, 1978, depreciated value of toll and free facilities incorporated in the Interstate System. Specifies criteria for determining such depreciation value. Allows a reimbursement of 90 percent of such depreciated value which remove tolls or presently operate free highway facilities Decreases Federal-aid highway apportionments for States not electing to eliminate tolls from facilities within the Interstate System. (Adds 23 USC 156)
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1977
Equity in Social Security Act - Amends Title II (Old-Age, Survivors', and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act: (1) to eliminate the requirement that a husband be receiving at least one-half of his support from his wife, and that a widower be receiving at least one-half of his support from his wife at the time of her death in order to qualify for husband's and widower's insurance benefits; (2) to extend eligibility for such benefits to unmarried divorced husbands and widowers; (3) to extend without regard to any age limitation, husband's benefits to a husband who has in his care a minor child who is entitled to child's insurance benefits under Title II; and (4) to extend to widowers and surviving divorced fathers the same benefits as are available to widows and surviving divorced mothers with minor children in their care. Permits the payment of old-age insurance benefits to a married couple on their combined earnings record.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1977
Title I: Amendments to the Immigration and Nationality Act - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to eliminate the procedures for voluntary departure for aliens illegally in the United States. Sets minimum penalties for bringing in or harboring illegal aliens and for illegally entering the United States. Title II: Administrative Provisions and Feasibility Studies - Requires the Attorney General to establish a border patrol force of not less than 3,800 border patrol officers to patrol the land borders of the United States. Requires the Attorney General to conduct a study of the feasibility of establishing a system for the issuance of machine-readable cards to aliens entering the United States to facilitate their identification for the purposes of the administration of immigration laws and of utilizing the most current available technology in electronic sensing devices for use by the border patrol force in patrolling the land borders of the United States. Requires the results of such study to be presented to the President and Congress within one year after the enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1977
Amends the Bail Reform Act of 1966 to require consideration of the safety of others and the community at large in setting conditions for pretrial release. Stipulates that conditions imposed to that end may not be financial. Permits the Government to appeal conditions of release in certain circumstances. Directs that a convicted person who has filed an appeal be detained unless it is shown by clear and convincing evidence that the appeal raises a substantial question of law or fact. Applies with specified exceptions, procedures for appealing conditions of release to appeals of detention orders. Sets forth sanctions for violating release conditions, threatening witnesses or jurors while on release, and committing serious offenses while on release.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1977
Regulatory Reform Act - Requires the President to submit to Congress a plan recommending reforms with respect to the regulation of: (1) energy, the environment, housing, and occupational health and safety by specified Federal agencies by April 30, 1979; (2) transportation and communications by specified Federal agencies by April 30, 1981; (3) banking and finance, international trade, and Government procurement by specified Federal agencies by April 30, 1983; and (4) food, consumer health and safety, economic trade practices, and labor- management concerns by specified Federal agencies by April 30, 1985. States that each such plan shall include recommendations for reform of such specified agencies and shall report on the cumulative impact of all Government regulatory activity reviewed, up to that date, on specific industry groupings. States that if the President fails to submit such plans by the specified dates, the Senate and House Committees on Government Operations shall draft their own plans to be submitted to Congress for action. Requires the Comptroller General and the Congressional Budget Office to, contemporaneously with the development of the President's plan, submit a report assessing the purpose, effects, efficiency, and cost effectiveness of each agency included in the plans submitted by the President. States that if no comprehensive regulatory reform legislation is enacted by August 1 of the year following the year in which a comprehensive plan has been submitted by the President, then all agencies affected thereby shall have no authority to issue any new rules not essential for preserving the public health and safety; if such reform is not enacted by October 1 of such year, such agency shall have no authority to enforce any rule not essential for preserving the public health and safety; if no such reform is enacted by December 31 of such year, such agency shall be terminated on such date. States that all rules of such terminated agency essential for preserving the public health and safety shall remain effective and shall be enforced by the Department of Justice. Requires the President to submit subsequent plans in the manner and in the order and frequency set forth by this Act every ten years.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1977
Amends the Fishery Conservation and Management Act of 1976 to: (1) redefine "vessel of the United States" to mean any vessel documented under the laws of the United States or registered under the laws of any State which is either owned by a United States citizen or has been continuously owned by the same person who owned it prior to January 27, 1977; (2) define "citizen of the United States" for purposes of the Act; (3) permit any foreign nation to treat as a vessel under its own flag, any vessel documented under the laws of the United States or registered under the laws of any State if more than 25 percent of the vessel is owned by a citizen or legal entity of such nation; (4) require the Secretary of Commerce to submit to Congress an annual report regarding foreign investment in the United States fishing industry, and details the content of such report; (5) require the Secretary to prescribe such regulations as may be necessary to gather information for such report; (6) require the Secretary of the Treasury to furnish the Secretary with certain information; and (7) authorize such appropriations as may be necessary for the preparation of such report.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1977
Establishes within the House of Representatives a Select Committee on Welfare Reorganization to: (1) study any problems which exist in the interaction of present benefit programs; (2) formulate legislation to resolve such problems; (3) study the system used by the House to refer proposed welfare legislation to committees; and (4) study whether there is a need in the House for a standing committee to handle such legislation.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals an income tax deduction for amounts paid into an employee's tax-exempt retirement trust, or for an annuity contract. Limits the allowable deduction to 15 percent of the individual's gross income, or $1,500, whichever is less, minus a specified portion of the employer's contributions and, in the case of employees exempt from self-employment, FICA or Railroad Retirement Act taxation, the amount of FICA tax liability they would have paid if they were not exempt.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1977
Excludes from the definition of "letter" telegrams, letters sent in bulk, and other items not generally considered to be letters. Limits such definition as narrowed by this Act to postal law provisions dealing with private carriage of letters, illegal carriage of letters, and prompt delivery of mail from a vessel. Permits the carriage of mail by private carrier not otherwise permitted if such mail is addressed to such carrier or if the Postal Service determines that such private carriage is in the public interest. (Amends 39 U.S.C. 601)
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1977
Medicare-Medicaid Anti-Fraud and Abuse Amendments - Amends Titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require that Medicare and Medicaid payments be made directly to the physician or other person providing the service involved. Allows payment in accordance with an assignment from the person or institution providing care or service if such assignment is made to a governmental agency or entity or is established by the order of a court of competent jurisdiction or to an agent of such person or institution if the agent does so pursuant to an agency agreement under which the compensation to be paid to the agent for his services or in connection with the billing or collection of payments due such person or institution under the plan is unrelated to the amount of such payments or the billings thereof, and is not dependent upon the actual collection of any such payment. States that the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare shall by regulation (or by contract provision) provide that any entity (other than a public entity) which is a provider or supplier that furnishes, or arranges for the furnishing of items or services with respect to which is claimed under Title XVIII, Title V (Maternal and Child Welfare), or under Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act or a party to an agreement with the Secretary under such titles shall promptly comply with any request, specifically addressed to that entity by the Secretary or the Comptroller General of the United States, for information concerning ownership, control, or costs of such entities. Increases the maximum penalty for defrauding the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Makes review and certification requirements of the Social Security Act inapplicable to providers, suppliers, and practitioners being reviewed by any Professional Standards Review Organization designated by the Secretary to be competent to perform review responsibilities. Directs the Secretary to give priority to requests by Professional Standards Review Organizations for review responsibility with respect to services furnished in shared health facilities. States that where a Professional Standards Review Organization has been found competent by the Secretary to assume review responsibility with respect to specified types of health services, such reviews shall constitute the conclusive determination on those issues for purposes of payment under the Social Security Act. Requires professional Standards Review Organizations to provide data and information to assist Federal and State agencies having responsibility for identifying and investigating cases or patterns of fraud or abuse, and to assist the Secretary in carrying out appropriate health care planning and related activities. Requires the Secretary to make payment to qualified Professional Standards Review Organizations in an amount equal to the reasonable amount of the expenses incurred in connection with the defense of any suit, action, or proceeding brought against such organization, member, employee, or person related to the performance of any duty or function of such organization. Directs the Secretary to submit to the Congress an annual report on the administration, impact, and cost of the program during the preceding fiscal year. Authorizes the Comptroller General of the United States to sign and issue supoenas for the purpose of any audit, investigation, examination, analysis, review, evaluation, or other function authorized by law with respect to any program authorized under this Act. Requires the Secretary to suspend any physician or practitioner from participation in the Medicare or Medicaid programs whenever such individual is convicted of a criminal offense related to their involvement in such programs. Conditions participation in, or certification or recertification under, the programs established by titles XVIII, XIX, and XX (Grants to States for Services) upon disclosure of the name of any person who: (1) has a direct or indirect ownership or control interest of five percent or more in such provider, institution, organization, or agency, and (2) has been convicted of a criminal offense related to the involvement of such person in any of such programs. Prohibits expenditure under the Medicaid plan to the extent that any agency, organization, or other person (other than a member of the individual's family) would have been obligated by a State law or contract to provide such care or services but for a provision of the State law or contract which limits or excludes such obligation because the individual is eligible for or receives care or services under the plan.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1977
Increases the tax benefits accorded income earned abroad by United States citizens by: (1) increasing the limitation on the exclusion of such income to $20,000, and to $25,000 for individuals who have lived in foreign countries for an uninterrupted period of three years; (2) allowing these individuals to claim tax credits for foreign taxes paid against the income falling within this exclusion; (3) allowing taxpayers to still claim the exclusion when they receive the income outside of the country where it was earned in order to escape foreign taxation; and (4) removing the income from the taxpayers' tax computation, thereby excluding the income from their highest, rather than their lowest income brackets. Repeals the election to forego the exclusion of such income. Prohibits taking foreign tax credits if the taxpayer takes the standard deduction.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1977
Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to eliminate the requirement that persons filing an application with the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare include as part of application for approval of a new drug full reports of investigations which show whether or not such a drug is effective. Eliminates the power of the Secretary to disapprove a new drug on the basis that such drug will not have the effect it purports or is represented to have under the conditions of use prescribed, recommended, or suggested in the proposed labeling of the drug. Prevents the Secretary from withholding exemption for an experimental drug for investigative purposes on the basis that such drug will not be effective in a research context. Eliminates the authority of the Secretary to withhold approval of an application with respect to any new animal drugs on the basis that full reports of investigations on such drug have not proven it effective. Prevents the Secretary from withdrawing approval of a new animal drug on the basis that it poses an imminent hazard to health of man or animals because of a lack of substantial evidence that the drug will have the effect it purports or is represented to have under the conditions of use prescribed, recommended, or suggested in the labeling of it.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1977
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide payment for optometric and medical vision care under the supplementary medical insurance program.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1977
Cigarette Health Protection Tax Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to substitute a health protection tax on cigarettes manufactured in or imported into the United States for the present tax. Sets forth graduated tax rates based on the tar and nicotine content of each cigarette. Directs the Federal Trade Commission to determine the tar and nicotine content of each brand of cigarettes manufactured in or imported into the United States, and to certify these findings to the Secretary of the Treasury.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1977
Child Abuse Prevention Act - Prohibits the sexual exploitation of children by making it unlawful for any individual to: (1) cause or permit a child to be photographed or filmed engaged in a sexual act prohibited under this Act; (2) photograph or film a prohibited sexual act; (3) knowingly transport any film or photograph depicting a prohibited sexual act; or (4) receive for sale or sell any such film or photograph, if such individual knows or should know such film or photograph has or may be transported in such a manner as to affect interstate or foreign commerce. Imposes a fine of up to $50,000 and/or imprisonment for up to 20 years for a violation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1977
Federal Nonsmokers Protection Act - Prohibits smoking in specified areas of Federal facilities and in interstate passenger carrier facilities. Requires the effective separation of smokers from non-smokers in certain areas of such facilities. Requires that nonsmoking employees in Federal facilities be given the opportunity to be assigned to physically distinct offices or workplaces from those who smoke, whenever possible. Makes the executive head or chief administrative officer of each instrumentality responsible for the enforcement of these prohibitions in any Federal facility in which such instrumentality maintains offices. Requires such officers to submit an annual report on the enforcement of these prohibitions to the Administrator of General Services. Establishes civil penalties for individuals who smoke in any area of an interstate passenger carrier facility where smoking is prohibited under this Act. Requires that "No Smoking" signs be posted in specified areas.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1977
Public Health Cigarette Smoking Act - Makes it unlawful, under the Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act, for any person to manufacture, import, or package for sale or distribution within the United States any cigarettes the package of which (1) fails to bear the required health warning statement; and (2) fails to bear a statement of the tar and nicotine content of each cigarette in such package, as determined by the Federal Trade Commission. States that it shall be unlawful for any person to disseminate or cause to be disseminated any cigarette advertisement which fails to contain the required statements and which is either disseminated by United States mails or in commerce or which is likely to induce, directly or indirectly, the purchase in, or have an effect upon, commerce of cigarettes. Requires cigarettes for export to contain the required statements in the language of the country to which such package is exported.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1977
Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to include tobacco products within the definition of food as contained in such Act thereby subjecting such products to the same regulation as food under such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1977
Requires the Congressional Record for the House of Representatives to contain an accurate and verbatim account of remarks actually delivered on the floor of the House together with supporting data. Limits revisions of verbatim remarks in the Record to the correction of grammatical and typographical errors which do not change the meaning, content, or substance of those remarks. Entitles Members to insert in the Records remarks not actually delivered on the floor. Stipulates that such insertions always be clearly distinguishable from verbatim remarks.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1977
Amends rule X of the Rules of the House of Representatives to require the establishment in the House of a Select Committee on Investigations whenever in any Congress the majority party in the House and Senate is the same party as that of the President. Requires such select committee to conduct studies and investigations of the administration and enforcement of Federal laws by the Federal departments and agencies.
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 1977
Stipulates that sales of natural gas by small, independent producers shall be exempt from regulation by the Federal Power Commission. Requires that prices of such sales be at a level which adequately compensates the seller for current costs, including an adequate return on investment. Defines the term "small producer" to include independent producers (1) not affiliated with natural gas pipeline companies or larger producers; (2) whose total sales do not exceed 10 million Mcf per year, and (3) whose average production per well does not exceed 100 Mcf per day on an annual basis.
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 1977
Restricts payments of the United States to the United Nations to the ratio of the population of the United States to the total population of member nations.
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow taxpayers to credit against the income tax specified higher education expenses, including tuition, fees, books, and supplies, incurred by the taxpayer for himself or any dependent. Limits the credit to 100 percent of the first $200 for any individual, 25 percent of the next $300, and 5 percent of the next $1,000. Limits the credit to expenses incurred by full time students at institutions of vocational and higher education, minus scholarships and veterans' benefits. Limits the total credit allowed the taxpayer to his income tax liability minus the sum of all other credits applied thereto. Disallows any deduction of educational expenses used to determine the amount of the credit allowed by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue code to limit the mileage rate for the business deduction for the use of automobiles to the same rate used to reimburse Federal employees for the use of automobiles.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 1977
Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to require Congress to review each Federal program at least every six years as though it were being proposed to be enacted for the first time. Requires such zero-base budgeting process to consider the costs and benefits, the necessity, and the effectiveness of such program. Prohibits the extension of budget authority for any such program beyond such six-year period until the Congressional committees with jurisdiction over such programs conduct such reviews.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 1977
Directs the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study of the feasibility and desirability of establishing the Santa Margarita National Recreation Area, in the area which is now Camp Pendleton, California.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 1977
Disapproves the recommendations of the President transmitted to Congress, pursuant to the Federal Salary Act of 1967, recommending rates of pay for: (1) the Vice President, Members of Congress and the Resident Commissioner from Puerto Rico; (2) specified positions in the legislative branch; (3) specified judicial personnel; (4) specified positions under the Executive Schedule; and (5) the Board of Governors of the United States Postal Service.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the carryover basis provisions enacted by the Tax Reform Act which provide that beneficiaries receiving property from a decedent's estate will retain the decedent's basis in the property. Restores prior law which "stepped up" or "stepped down" the property's basis to its market value at the time of death without imposing tax consequences on the appreciation or depreciation the property underwent while held by the decedent.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a refundable income tax credit for 50 percent of the wages paid new employees during the taxable years for work done in the United States. Limits the credit taken to $80,000. Limits the number of employees for whom credit may be taken to ten new employees, or the maximum number of employees paid by the taxpayer during the calendar quarter ending the previous June 30th, whichever number is less. Directs the Secretary to submit reports to Congress, in 1978 and 1980 assessing the impact of this credit.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals alternative, limited income tax credits or deductions for the tuition paid for the primary, secondary or higher education of the taxpayer, his spouse and dependents.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1977
Prohibits the inspection or acquisition by an agent of the United States of medical and dental records of patients who are not under a federally- assisted program. Sets forth the procedure by which a patient may authorize the disclosure of such records. Establishes criminal penalties for violations of this Act.
![Official portrait of Rep. Moorhead, Carlos J. [R-CA-22]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/m000926_200.jpg)