The world's political record
Person
![Official portrait of Rep. Moss, John E. [D-CA-3]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/m001035_200.jpg)
United States · Official source
702 records where Rep. Moss, John E. [D-CA-3] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 17 January 1977
Directs the Joint Committee on the Library to procure a bronze bust or statue of Martin Luther King, Jr. and to place it in a suitable location in the Capitol.
United States · United States Congress · 12 January 1977
Sequoria National Park Enlargement Act - Enlarges boundaries of Sequoia National Park, California, by including Mineral King Valley. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to develop a management plan for the area acquired pursuant to this Act. States that such plan shall consider the need for additional recreational areas.
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 1977
Packaging Conservation Act - Amends the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act to authorize regulations designated to reduce oversized and excessive packaging of consumer commodities.
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 1977
Medical Assistance Accountability Act - Amends Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to direct the appointment, within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, of an officer to be known as the "Special Auditor General for Medicaid Fraud and Abuse," (Auditor General). Declares that such appointment shall be made by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. States that the Auditor General shall report directly to the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. Declares that the Auditor General shall not be under the control of, or subject to supervision by, any officer of the Department having responsibilities with respect to Medicaid medical assistance programs. Declares it to be the duty and responsibility of the Auditor General to arrange for, direct, or conduct such reviews, inspections, and audits of the Medicaid medical assistance programs as he considers necessary for ascertaining the efficiency and economy of their administration, their consonance with the provisions of this title, and the attainment of the objectives and purposes for which this title was enacted. Authorizes the Auditor General to refer directly to other departments or agencies in carrying out audits, reviews, and inspections. Directs the head of other Federal departments, agencies, offices, or instrumentalities to provide any information requested by the Auditor General. Directs the Auditor General to report semiannually to the Committee on Finance of the Senate and the Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce of the House of Representatives, and to any duly authorized subcommittees thereof having legislative or oversight jurisdiction over the matters involved, with respect to his activities under this section. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act. Directs the Auditor General to compile, keep current, and make available to State agencies a list of persons who have been convicted of a violation which is described in Title XIX and which was made in connection with the furnishing by such persons of items and services to individuals for which payment was or was to be made under a State plan approved under this title. Directs that a person convicted of a violation occurring after the date of the enactment of this Act shall, during the two-year period beginning on the date such conviction became final, be ineligible to receive any payment under a State Medicaid plan for the furnishing of items or services. Directs the Auditor General to conduct a study of fraud and abuse in connection with the furnishing of health care in the United States and the payment and reimbursement under both public and private systems for the cost of furnishing such care. Requires the Auditor General to complete such study within two years after the date of enactment of this Act and to, within 30 days of the completion of such study, make a report respecting the results of such study to the Committees on Finance and Labor and Public Welfare of the Senate and the Committees on Interstate and Foreign Commerce of the House of Representatives.
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1977
Humane Methods of Slaughter Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to appoint inspectors to examine the method by which cattle sheep and other equines are slaughtered and handled in the Federal Meat Inspection Act. Provides that such inspectors shall prevent the inhumane slaughtering of livestock. Directs such inspectors to label, mark, stamp or tag as "inspected and condemned" all carcasses of animals which were not slaughtered by a humane method. Forbids the importation of meat into the United States unless the livestock from which it was produced was slaughtered by a humane method.
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1977
Amends the Rules of the House of Representatives to remove the 25-member limit to the number of sponsors of any House of Representatives bill. Permits the addition or deletion of any Member's name as the sponsor of any legislation by a request made by a Member to the Speaker on behalf of such Member.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Tax Equity Act - Title I: Capital Gains and Losses - Repeals the alternative tax presently allowed to corporations, individuals and life insurance companies on long-term capital gains. Provides, in lieu of the present 50 percent deduction for net long-term capital gain, an exclusion of so much of the gain as does not exceed one-half of one percent of adjusted basis of the property times the number of months the property was held over 12 months. Limits capital losses to capital gains and gains from the exchange of business property in the case of corporations, and, in the case of other taxpayers, to capital gains and gains from the exchange of business property plus the taxable income of the taxpayer or $3,000, whichever is smaller. Allows the executor of a decedent's estate to include in gross income any unrealized capital gains on descendent's property to the extent that the decedent had a net capital loss for the taxable year. Provides that income from the sale or exchange of patent rights shall be treated as royalties (ordinary income) rather than as gain from the sale or exchange of a capital asset. Title II: Income Derived from Extraction of Minerals - Repeals the percentage depletion allowance for taxable years beginning after 1977. Allows the deduction of expenditures (including intangible drilling costs) incurred in the exploration and development of mineral property, but only to the extent of taxable income derived from such properties. Provides an exclusion from gross income of amounts derived from foreign mineral properties, provided that such income is not derived from: (1) a nonoperating mineral interest; (2) distributions received with respect to the stock of a corporation; and (3) amounts includible in gross income as undistributed profits of controlled foreign corporations. Limits the losses allowable from the disposition of mineral property to the extent of the gains from the sale or exchange of such properties during the taxable year. Title III: Reform Measures Affecting Primarily Individuals - Provides that the maximum rate of income tax for individuals shall be 50 percent of taxable income. Allows a credit of 24 percent of the amount of deductions which would be allowable, but for this credit, for the following: (1) personal exemptions; (2) interest on non-business obligations; (3) non-business State and local taxes; (4) non-business losses of property; (5) charitable contributions; (6) medical care; and (7) taxes and interest paid by a cooperative housing association. Authorizes the President to increase or decrease the 24 percent credit rate authorized by this Act subject to the disapproval by either House of Congress. States that the income received by a child from a trust created by his parent, and dividends, interest, and royalties from property given the child by his parent shall be included in the gross income of the parent if the parent claims the above credit for the exemption allowable for such child as a dependent. Provides that shareholder-employees of closely held corporations must include in gross income that part of contributions paid by an employer-corporation (and deductible by it) to trusts, annuities, or bond purchase plans for the benefit of the shareholder-employee in excess of (1) the lesser of 15 percent of his compensation; or (2) $7500, and the amount of any forfeitures allocated to the employee's account under a stock bonus or profit-sharing plan. Repeals the $100 exclusion from gross income for dividends and trust income. Restricts the business and income-producing expense deduction for business or trade-related conventions held outside of the United States to the cases where it is more reasonable for the meeting to be held outside of the United States than within it. Disallows business expense deductions for the use of a dwelling unit which is used by the taxpayer during the taxable year as a residence. Limits such deductions for vacation homes. Limits the allowable deductions attributable to farming by individuals whose nonfarm adjusted gross income exceeds $20,000 to gross income derived from farming for the taxable year, plus, in the case of an individual, the higher of $10,000 or the amount of certain allowable deductions. Provides for the computation of earnings and profits on a consolidated basis with respect to distributions by the common parent corporation of a controlled group of corporations. Provides for the recognition of gains incurred upon transfers to corporations controlled by the transferor where the gain qualifies as a dividend. Specifies that stock options granted to an employee by an employer corporation shall be treated as an option without a readily ascertainable value unless the option is traded on a stock exchange. Taxes trust income payable to the children of a grantor with a reversionary interest to the grantor if the child is under 21 years of age or a student. Applies the limitation on partnership losses to real estate partnerships. Repeals the exemption for earned income from foreign sources. Provides that a partnership shall be treated as a corporation for purposes of income taxation upon filing of a registration statement for the offering of units of interest in a partnership with the Securities Exchange Commission. Title IV: Reform Measures Affecting Primarily Corporations - Repeals the investment credit for business property placed in service after 1977. Repeals the Asset Depreciation Range System. States that, in the case of a corporation, the depreciation allowance shall not exceed the depreciation recorded on the corporation's books. Provides that the deduction for repair expenses shall be limited to the amount recorded on the corporation's books. Provides that if a deduction is allowable to a corporation during the taxable year for interest on purchases of stock of an unaffiliated corporation, the dividends received from such corporation shall be eligible for the dividends received deduction only to a limited extent. Repeals the provision allowing nonrecognition of gain on the sale of inventory in certain liquidations. Disqualifies as reorganization certain transactions which result in the shareholders of a merging corporation owning less than 20 percent of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the surviving corporation. Repeals the special treatment of bad debt reserves of financial institutions. Taxes the undistributed profits of foreign corporations to such corporations' American shareholders based on each shareholder's pro rata share of such undistributed profits. Repeals the tax exemption presently permitted to Domestic International Sales Corporations. Provides that where property acquired through involuntary conversion is stock of a corporation owning property similar or related in service or use to the converted property, the basis of such property owned by the corporation shall also be reduced by the amount of gain which is not recognized on account of the purchase of such stock. Repeals an exception to the penalty provisions for underpayment of estimated income tax insofar as they pertain to corporations whose tax for any of the preceding three tax years exceeded $300,000. Title V: Reforms Affecting Individuals and Corporations - Provides that amounts which otherwise would be allowable as a deduction and are attributable to the development of any fruit or nut grove or any vineyard shall be charged to capital account, with exceptions for specific types of development and for replanting of groves and vineyards damaged by weather, disease, or casualty. Repeals the tax exemptions for ships under foreign flags. Provides that the Commissioner of Internal Revenue shall have the authority to conduct any civil litigation in any court concerning tax liability, taxpayer suits, or the collection of internal revenue taxes in the name of the United States. Provides that the 15 percent minimum tax will apply to all tax preferences which exceeds $10,000. Subjects interest on governmental obligations and foreign tax credits to the minimum tax on preferences. Provides that the difference between the cost to a shareholder of the use of corporate property and the fair market value of such use shall be includible in the gross income of the shareholder. Limits the allowable depreciation deduction for rental real estate to an amount which will not reduce the adjusted basis to an amount below any mortgage indebtedness on such property. Reduces the deduction for charitable gifts of appreciated property to the amount of the property's basis at the time of the gift. Title VI: Reforms Affecting Private Foundations and Estate and Gift Taxes - Provides that a trust or other organization which is controlled by non-tax exempt organizations may still be considered a private foundation if its trustees or directors may distribute 50 percent or more of its income to qualified persons. Extends the disqualification of controlled foundations to include those which are only supervised or controlled in connection with unqualified organizations. Provides that organizations qualifying for tax exempt status because of their substantial support from Federal, State or local governments or from the general public may not receive more than one-half of one percent of their total support from any one individual or group related individuals. Excludes transfers with a reversionary interest in the decedent from the value of the decedent's gross estate. Requires the inclusion in the gross estate of the full value of an annuity provided by an employer. Includes in the value of a decedent's gross estate, life insurance proceeds on policies owned by the decedent's surviving spouse and on any policies not owned by the decedent to the extent that they are attributable to premiums paid by the decedent or his spouse. Limits the aggregate amount of charitable deductions allowed under the estate tax to 50 percent of the amount by which the value of the gross estate exceeds the aggregate amount of deductions for expenses, indebtedness, taxes, and casualty losses incurred during the settlement of the estate, or $1,000,000, whichever is greater. Allows a deduction from the gift tax of charitable gifts where the donor retained some interest in the transferred property which was later extinguished. Title VII: State and Local Obligations - Repeals the income tax for interest on State and local obligations issued after 1977. Directs the United States to pay 35 percent of the interest yield on State and local obligations. Title VIII: Withholding of Income Tax on Dividends and Interest - Directs every person who pays interest or dividends to deduct and withhold on such interest or dividends a tax equal to ten percent of the amount thereof. Directs every person required to deduct and withhold any tax to make quarterly returns of such tax to the appropriate Government officer.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Directs that orders of a State court or a court of the District of Columbia relative to the custody of children of divorced or separated parents be given full faith and credit by every other State and the District of Columbia until such issuing court no longer has under the law of the State in which it is located, or declines to exercise, jurisdiction over modifications of such orders.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Directs that orders of a State court or a court of the District of Columbia relative to the custody of children of divorced or separated parents be given full faith and credit by every other State and the District of Columbia until such issuing court no longer has under the law of the State in which it is located, or declines to exercise, jurisdiction over modifications of such orders.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to prohibit the taking of a business deduction for expenses paid or incurred to advertise alcoholic beverages.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 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 · 4 January 1977
Amends the Local Public Works Capital Development and Investment Act of 1976 to increase the amount authorized to be appropriated under such Act to $6,000,000,000.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
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. 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. 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. Makes professional practitioners licensed when the program becomes 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 professional and nonprofessional health 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 · 4 January 1977
Young Adult Conservation Corps Act - Amends the Act which established the Youth Conservation Corps to direct the Secretaries of Agriculture and Interior to jointly extend the Youth Conservation Corps so as to make possible the year-round employment of young adults. States that individuals employed as Corps members under this Act shall be either between the ages of 18 and 24 exclusively or school dropouts who are at least age 16; shall meet applicable physical standards; shall be given preference for employment if they reside in counties in which the unemployment rate was equal to or in excess of six percent for three consecutive months; and may be employed for a total of not more than 12 months. Specifies guidelines to be followed by the Secretaries in administering this Act, including those relative to the types of jobs and projects to be given preference and the wages to be paid Corps members. Extends the program under which grants are made to States and to assist them in meeting the cost of projects for the employment of young people to develop and maintain non-Federal public lands and waters. Designates a time period during which the Secretaries are to develop a plan to carry out the activities authorized by this Act and prepare the site location, facilities, and equipment selected in such plan. Directs the Secretaries, in performing such functions, to plan for a capacity of the extended Corps to employ 100,000 young adults during the first fiscal year of operation, 300,000 during the second, 400,000 during the third, and 500,000 during the fourth.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Creates a Select House Committee on Population to conduct an investigation and study of: (1) the major adverse effects of current population growth throughout the world; (2) approaches which have been shown to be effective in coping with excessive population growth; and (3) means to encourage countries with excessive population growth rates to adopt methods proven to be successful in reducing population growth rates.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1976
Privacy Protection for Rape Victims Act - Amends the Federal Rules of Evidence to prohibit, in cases of alleged rape or assault with intent to commit rape, the introduction of evidence of the victim's prior sexual behavior. Makes such prohibition inapplicable: (1) to evidence of the victim's prior sexual conduct with the alleged assailant; and (2) to evidence of the victim's sexual behavior with others if it is offered by the accused on the issue of whether the accused was the source of the victim's pregnacy, disease, semen, or injury. Requires the accused to make a written motion to offer such evidence accompanied by a written offer of proof. Requires the court to hold a hearing to determine the admissability of such evidence, declaring it admissable only if the court finds that the evidence is relevant and that its probative value outweighs the danger of unfair prejudice. Makes inadmissible reputation or opinion evidence with respect to the victim's past sexual behavior.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 1976
Directs the printing as a House document of the transcript of proceedings of the Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce held April 6, 1976, incident to the presentation of a portrait of the Honorable Harley O. Staggers. Authorizes the printing of 1500 additional copies of such document for the use of the House Interstate and Foreign Commerce Committee.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 1976
Condemns the murders of Orlando Letelier and Ronni Karpen Moffitt and the serious injury of Michael Moffitt. Urges a complete and thorough investigation by federal authorities of the circumstances surrounding the bombing.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1976
Emergency Federal Power Act Amendments - Amends the Federal Power Act to require that the operation of proposed rate schedules become effective only upon a determination by the Federal Power Commission that such schedules are lawful. Authorizes the use of special interim proceedings whereby the Commission may order parts of proposed rate schedules into effect pending results of a final determination. Prohibits public utilities from proposing additional rate increases where such proposed increases were part of a rate schedule pending before the Commission for 18 months or less. Directs the Commission to require public utilities to report anticipated shortages of electric energy. Authorizes the Commission to order such utilities to take actions necessary to alleviate the effects of such shortages.
United States · United States Congress · 2 September 1976
Designates as wilderness specified lands within the following components of the National Wildlife Refuge System and the National Forest System: (1) Simeonof National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska; (2) Big Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Arkansas; (3) Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge, Florida; (4) J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge, Florida; (5) Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge, Florida; (6) Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge, Illinois; (7) Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge, Louisiana; (8) Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge, Minnesota; (9) Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge, Minnesota; (10) Mingo National Wildlife Refuge, Missouri; (11) Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, Montana; (12) Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge, Nebraska; (13) Swanquarter National Wildlife Refuge, North Carolina; (14) Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge, Oregon; (15) San Juan Islands National Wildlife Refuge, Washington; (16) Shoshone National Forest, Wyoming; (17) Sierra National Forest, California; (18) Mark Twain National Forest, Missouri; and (19) Cibola National Forest, New Mexico. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to review the suitability of, and the President to submit recommendations relative to, preserving as wilderness specified lands within the following national forests: (1) Angeles National Forest, California; (2) San Bernadino National Forest, California; (3) Mendocino National Forest, California; (4) Mark Twain National Forest, Missouri; (5) Flathead National Forest, Montana; and (6) Lewis and Clark National Forest, Montana.
United States · United States Congress · 10 August 1976
Amends Titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require automatic sprinkler systems in all skilled nursing facilities and intermediate care facilities certified for participation in the Medicare or Medicaid programs unless a waiver of such requirement is granted in accordance with conditions set forth in this Act. Establishes a program of low-interest Federal loans to assist such facilities in constructing or purchasing and installing automatic sprinkler systems.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1976
Requires the inclusion of professional registered nurses in Professional Standards Review Organizations of medical professionals in carrying out the functions of such review organizations under Title XI (General Provisions and Professional Standards Review) of the Social Security Act. Requires the inclusion of two professional registered nurses on the Statewide Professional Standards Review Councils. Requires the inclusion of three professional registered nurses on the National Professional Standards Review Council. Includes professional registered nurses in that class of health care practitioners which may not be held civilly liable for action taken in compliance with or reliance upon norms of care and treatment applied by a Professional Standards Reveiw Organization.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1976
Directs that the transcript of the proceedings in the Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce of April 6, 1976, incident to the presentation of a portrait of the Honorable Harley O. Staggers to the Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce be printed as a House document. Provides that in addition to the usual number, there shall be printed 1,500 copies of such document for the use of the Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1976
Amends rule XXXII of the Rules of the House of Representatives to allow specified present and former employees and Members of the House to enter the Hall of the House and rooms leading thereto. Provides that such persons shall not be admitted if they have any direct personal or pecuniary interest in any legislative measure coming up for consideration in the House.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 1976
Authorizes participation by counsel on behalf of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations of the Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce in any judicial proceeding concerning specified subpenas issued to the president of the American Telephone and Telegraph Company.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 1976
Medical Assistance Accountability Act - Amends Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to direct the appointment, within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, of an officer to be known as the "Special Auditor General for Medicaid Fraud and Abuse," (Auditor General). Declares that such appointment shall be made by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. States that the Auditor General shall report directly to the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. Declares that the Auditor General shall not be under the control of, or subject to supervision by, any officer of the Department having responsibilities with respect to Medicaid medical assistance programs. Declares it to be the duty and responsibility of the Auditor General to arrange for, direct, or conduct such reviews, inspections, and audits of the Medicaid medical assistance programs as he considers necessary for ascertaining the efficiency and economy of their administration, their consonance with the provisions of this title, and the attainment of the objectives and purposes for which this title was enacted. Authorizes the Auditor General to refer directly to other departments or agencies in carrying out audits, reviews, and inspections. Directs the heads of other Federal departments, agencies, offices, or instrumentalities to provide any information requested by the Auditor General. Directs the Auditor General to report semiannually to the Committee on Finance of the Senate and the Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce of the House of Representatives, and to any duly authorized subcommittees thereof having legislative or oversight jurisdiction over the matters involved, with respect to his activities under this section. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act. Directs the Auditor General to compile, keep current, and make available to State agencies a list of persons who have been convicted of a violation which is described in Title XIX and which was made in connection with the furnishing by such persons of items and services to individuals for which payment was or was to be made under a State plan approved under this title. Directs that a person convicted of a violation occurring after the date of the enactment of this Act shall, during the two-year period beginning on the date such conviction became final, be ineligible to receive any payment under a State Medicaid plan for the furnishing of items or services. Directs the Auditor General to conduct a study of fraud and abuse in connection with the furnishing of health care in the United States and the payment and reimbursement under both public and private systems for the cost of furnishing such care. Requires the Auditor General to complete such study within two years after the date of enactment of this Act and to, within 30 days of the completion of such study, make a report respecting the results of such study to the Committees on Finance and Labor and Public Welfare of the Senate and the Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce of the House of Representatives.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 1976
Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to convey specified lands to D-Q University.
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 1976
Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to convey specified lands to D-Q University.
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 1976
Expresses the sense of Congress that the Attorney General parole into the United States those South American aliens having fled to Argentina and those Uruguayans within Uruguay who are in danger of losing their lives because of their political beliefs.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1976
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that the current withholding tables as set forth in the Revenue Adjustment Act of 1975 shall remain in effect through August 31, 1976, rather than June 30, 1976.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 1976
Directs the President to remove mandatory allocation controls from the class of petroleum products known as middle distillates. Stipulates that standby allocation authority shall remain in force with respect to such products. Defines the term "middle distillates" to include number 2 heating oil, number 2-D diesel, fuel, number 1 heating oil, number 1-D diesel fuel, and kerosone, as further defined in regulations issued pursuant to the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act of 1973.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1976
Directs that there be reprinted for the use of the House Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce 2,500 copies of the subcommittee print entitled "The Costs of Regulation and Restrictive Practices."
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 1976
Disapproves the Federal Energy Administration's proposed energy action numbered 3 which would exempt number 2 heating oil and number 2-D diesel fuel from mandatory petroleum allocation and price regulations.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 1976
Disapproves the Federal Energy Administration's proposed energy action numbered 4 which would exempt middle distillates (other than number 2 heating oil and number 2-D diesel fuel) from the mandatory petroleum allocation and price regulations.
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 · 15 June 1976
Disapproves the Federal Energy Administration's proposed energy action numbered 3 which would exempt number 2 heating oil and number 2-D diesel fuel from mandatory petroleum allocation and price regulations.
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 1976
Disapproves the Federal Energy Administration's proposed energy action numbered 4 which would exempt middle distillates (other than number 2 heating oil and number 2-D diesel fuel) from the mandatory petroleum allocation and price regulations.
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 · 11 June 1976
Authorizes the Architect of the Capitol to perform such work as may be necessary to prevent further deterioration of historically significant sections of the Congressional Cemetery. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study of the purpose of formulating proposals for the renovation and maintenance of such areas by the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1976
Directs the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to construct the flood control project on the Santa Ana River in California, at an estimated Federal cost of $655,540,000.
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 1976
Sequoia National Park Enlargement Act - Revises the boundaries of Sequoia National Park, California, to include Mineral King Valley.
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 1976
Defines "service invention," for purposes of this Act, as an invention made by an employee during employment which has grown out of the type of work performed or is derived from experiences gained on the job. Requires an employee who has made a service invention to give written notice of such invention to the employer without undue delay. Allows the employer to claim exclusive rights in and to such information by giving the employee a written declaration of the claim. Requires that the employee, upon receipt of such claim, assign all rights to the invention to the employer, subject to the employee's right to receive adequate compensation. Stipulates that a service invention becomes free: (1) when the employer releases it in writing; (2) when the employer fails to act to acquire rights; and (3) when the employer, after claiming exclusive rights, does not comply with the obligation to apply for a patent. Entitles employees to adequate compensation for service inventions, such compensation to represent the fair market value of the employer's exclusive right to the invention adjusted to reflect: (1) the position and duties of the employee; and (2) the degree to which the operations of the employer contributed to the making of the invention. Stipulates that compensation shall be determined by agreement between the employer and employee. Directs that the matter be placed before the Patent Office Arbitration Board if agreement is not reached within a reasonable period of time. Requires an employee who makes a free invention during employment to give prompt written notice to the employer. Prohibits the employer from claiming the invention as a service invention unless a written declaration of such claim is given to the employee within three months after receipt of the employee's notice. Establishes within the Patent Office an Arbitration Board which shall arbitrate disputes under this Act. Permits parties dissatisfied with a decision of the Board to obtain appropriate relief in a civil action against the Commissioner. Directs the Secretary of Labor to issue guidelines for the determination of compensation to be paid for exclusive rights in service inventions and trade secrets. Prohibits discharging or discriminating against any employee who has instituted any proceeding under this Act. Allows employees to file a complaint with the Secretary of Labor if such discharge or discrimination occurs. Directs the Secretary to bring a civil action against the appropriate person if the Secretary determines that such prohibition has been violated.
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 1976
Toxic Substances Control Act - Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to test any chemical substance or mixture which may present an unreasonable risk to health or the environment if there is insufficient data to determine that such a risk does or does not exist. Requires promulgation of standards for the development of testing data for each such substance or mixture. Authorizes the Administrator to exempt chemicals and mixtures from the testing requirement if he determines that data has been or is being developed for substantially the same compound. Establishes a committee to make recommendations (based on enumerated criteria) to the Administrator respecting the chemical substances and mixtures which should be given priority consideration for testing. Requires manufacturers and processors to notify the Administrator 90 days in advance of initiation of manufacture or processing of (1) a new substance; or (2) a chemical substance for a significant new use. Requires the Administrator to compile a list of substances currently distributed in commerce which he determines may present an unreasonable risk to health or the environment. Authorizes exemptions from the testing requirement for substances on such list if the Administrator determines that the manufacture and distribution of such substance would not present an unreasonable risk to health or the environment under the particular circumstance, or under appropriate restrictions. Provides that the Administrator, upon determination that a substance is hazardous to health or the environment, may (1) prohibit or limit its manufacture or processing; (2) prescribe maximum concentration levels for particular uses; (3) prohibit particular uses; or (4) require clear and adequate warnings as to the hazards of use or disposal. Authorizes the Administrator to test for adulterated or contaminated substances and mixtures. Authorizes the Administrator to file an action in a United States district court (1) against an imminently hazardous chemical substance or mixture or any article containing such a substance or mixture for seizure of such substance, mixture or article; (2) against any person who manufactures, processes, or distributes such substance, mixture, or article; or (3) against both such substance, mixture, or article and such person. Directs the Administrator to promulgate rules for the reporting and retention of information by manufacturers and processors as is necessary for the effective enforcement of this Act. Authorizes the Administrator to require manufacturers, processors, or distributors to submit lists of health and safety studies with respect to chemical substances or mixtures which they intend to introduce into commerce. Requires any person who manufactures, processes, or distributes in commerce a chemical substance or mixture and who obtains information which reasonably supports the conclusion that such substance or mixture presents an unreasonable risk to health or the environment to immediately inform the Administrator of such risk unless such person has actual knowledge that the Administrator has been adequately informed of such risk. Directs the Administrator to, in consultation and cooperation with the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare and with other appropriate agencies, conduct such research and monitoring as is necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act. Authorizes the Administrator to inspect, after written notice, premises in which chemical substances or mixtures are manufactured, processed, or stored to determine whether the requirements of this Act have been complied with. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to refuse entry into the customs territory of the United States of any chemical substance, mixture, or article containing a chemical substance or mixture offered for entry if (1) it fails to conform with any rule in effect under this Act, or (2) it is otherwise prohibited pursuant to this Act from being distributed in commerce. Permits disclosure of data received by the Administrator pursuant to this Act under limited circumstances, and prescribes criminal penalties for wrongful disclosure. Enumerates civil and criminal penalties for violations of the provisions of this Act, and grants jurisdiction to Federal district courts to (1) specifically enforce such provisions and (2) entertain actions by citizens to enforce its provisions. Prescribes procedures for any person to petition the Administrator to issue a rule for testing standards or regulation of hazardous substances. Directs the General Accounting Office to conduct a study of all Federal laws administered by the Environmental Protection Agency for the purpose of determining whether and under what conditions, if any, indemnification should be accorded any person as a result of any action taken by the Administrator under any law administered by such agency. Authorizes to be appropriated for fiscal year 1978 and for each of the next two fiscal years sums necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1976
Permits the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to initiate a civil action to enforce Federal prohibitions against discriminatory housing practices. Allows Federal courts to award private plaintiffs bringing suit out to enforce such prohibitions reasonable attorney fees whether or not such individuals are financially able to bear the cost.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1976
Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to require each issue of securities registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission to file periodic reports relating to any payment of money or furnishing of anything of value in an amount in excess of $1,000 to: (1) any person or entity employed by, affiliated with, or representing a foreign government; (2) any foreign political party or candidate for foreign political office; or (3) any person retained to advise or represent the issue in connection with obtaining business with a foreign government. Requires that such reports be made available for public inspection and include the following information: (1) the amount of each payment and the date on which it was made; (2) the name of the person or entity receiving the funds; (3) the purpose for which the payment was made. Makes it unlawful for any issuer of a security registered with the Securities Exchange Commission to make use of the mails or of any means or instrumentality of interstate commerce to offer, pay or promise anything of value: (1) to an official of a foreign government for the purpose of inducing that individual to use his influence within such foreign government to obtain or maintain business or to influence legislation or regulations of that government; (2) to any person knowing or having reason to know that all or a portion of such money or thing of value will be used by such person to influence an official of a foreign government; (3) to any candidate for foreign political office for the purpose of inducing that party or candidate to use its or his influence with a foreign government; or (4) in any manner or for a purpose which is illegal under the laws of a foreign government.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1976
Sugar Disclosure Labeling Act - Requires, under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, that if the amount of sugar present in a package provides ten percent or more of the total calories in the food, the label must bear a declaration of the portion of the weight of food which is sugar.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1976
Amends the Medicare program of the Social Security Act to authorize payment under the supplementary medical insurance program for specified diagnostic tests and physical examinations given for the detection of breast cancer.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1976
Replaces Federal criminal statutory provisions penalizing "rape" and "carnal knowledge of females under 16" with provisions penalizing "sexual assault." Designates guilty of sexual assault any person who knowingly engages in sexual contact or penetration of another person without such person's consent. Imposes penalties for sexual contact or penetration of any person who has not attained the age of 18, notwithstanding such person's consent. Sets forth penalties for such assault according to specified criteria, including the consideration of aggravating factors. Specifies procedures for medical examination of alleged victims of offenses under this Act. Prohibits the introduction of evidence of the victim's prior sexual activity unless the court determines after an in camera hearing that the evidence is relevant and material and does not constitute an unnecessary invasion of privacy. (Amends 18 U.S.C. 2031-35)
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 1976
Repeals the Postal Reorganization Act. Reenacts provisions relating to the postal service which were in effect immediately prior to the enactment of such Act.
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.