United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
National Agricultural Research Policy Act - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to coordinate and disseminate all agricultural research information affiliated with the Department of Agriculture, to keep abreast of developments in agricultural research and education and to represent the needs for such research and education within the executive branch of the United States Government. Establishes within the Department of Agriculture the National Agricultural Research Policy Advisory Board. States that the Board's responsibilities shall include: (1) establishing means for evaluating the economic, environmental and social impacts of research and extension programs; (2) reviewing programs, policies and goals of agricultural research agencies; (3) providing a forum for research-sponsoring agencies to exchange information on programs related to agriculture, food and nutrition; (4) recommending national policies, priorities and strategies for agricultural research and education; and (5) reviewing and making recommendations to the Secretary with regard to the allocation of funds for all programs of research and extension carried out by the Department. Directs the Department of Agriculture to establish a Clearinghouse for Federal Human Nutrition Research which shall collect from each Federal agency and report to Congress information pertaining to research with regard to human nutrition. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to land grant colleges and universities eligible for assistance under the First Morrill Act and the State agricultural experiment stations eligible for assistance under the Hatch Act to carry out mission-oriented basic research. Allows the Secretary to make grants on a competitive basis to Federal agencies, research institutions, organizations and individuals for agricultural research. Authorizes appropriations for the competitive grant program of $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1978 and such sums as may be necessary for fiscal year 1979 and fiscal year 1980, the total amount for the three-year period not to exceed $150,000,000. Authorizes appropriations for human nutrition research of $5,000,000 for fiscal year 1978 and such sums as may be necessary for fiscal year 1979 and fiscal year 1980. Authorizes appropriations of $600,000,000 for fiscal year 1978 for those agricultural research programs existing prior to the enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 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
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
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 · 4 January 1977
Expresses the endorsement of Congress for the President-elect's pardon program for persons who, during the Vietnam era, failed to report for induction into, or refused induction into, the armed forces and have not been prosecuted for such violation. Requests the President-elect to extend his reconciliation program by: (1) granting amnesty to all persons convicted under the Military Selective Service Act of offenses committed during the Vietnam era; (2) upgrading all the general and undesirable discharges issued to those who served during that era to honorable discharges; (3) reviewing on a case-by-case basis each bad conduct and dishonorable discharge issued during that period; and (4) granting amnesty to all those who were convicted or charged with desertion and to those convicted of absence without leave.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1976
Urban Trees Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to make grants, on a matching basis, with urban areas to the States, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and Guam in order to provide financial assistance to such urban areas for arboriculture programs. Defines "arboriculture" as the planting, growing, maintenance, and protection of trees and shrubs. Authorizes appropriations of up to $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1977 to carry out such grant program. Requires that grants under this Act be made in accordance with an urban arboriculture plan for the selection, planting, and maintenance of trees agreed upon in advance by the Secretary and the State forester or other appropriate official. Authorizes the Secretary to provide technical assistance to urban areas for arboriculture programs under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1976
Youth Opportunities Industrialization Centers Job Creation and Training Act - Directs the Secretary of Labor to enter into contracts with Opportunities Industrialization Centers, Incorporated, and with any other nonprofit community-based organization for the provision of (1) comprehensive employment services and jobs for unemployed persons, especially unemployed youth; (2) career education and counseling services for secondary school students; (3) career education for unemployed persons, especially unemployed youth; or (4) work-study projects in community development and improvement for unemployed youth. Directs the head of each Federal agency administering enumerated revenue sharing and public works programs to assure that special consideration is given to Opportunities Industrialization Centers and other nonprofit community-based organizations for the provision of comprehensive employment services and job opportunities for unemployed persons. Specifies standards and guidelines relative to contracts entered into under this Act, including guidelines with respect to (1) persons and types of positions to be given priority under job placement programs, (2) mandatory benefits and maximum salaries of positions filled under job placement programs, and (3) hiring preference and working conditions regarding the staffs of contract programs. Amends the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act to authorize the Secretary of Labor to provide financial assistance for year-round jobs for economically disadvantaged youths. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to qualify wages paid to specified previously unemployed persons for the work incentive program expenses credit.
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 · 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 · 21 September 1976
Urban Trees Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to make grants, on a matching basis, with urban areas to the States, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and Guam in order to provide financial assistance to such urban areas for arboriculture programs. Defines "arboriculture" as the planting, growing, maintenance, and protection of trees and shrubs. Authorizes appropriations of up to $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1977 to carry out such grant program. Requires that grants under this Act be made in accordance with an urban arboriculture plan for the selection, planting, and maintenance of trees agreed upon in advance by the Secretary and the State forester or other appropriate official. Authorizes the Secretary to provide technical assistance to urban areas for arboriculture programs under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 1976
Veterans Fair Employment Act - Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to make it an unlawful employment practice for an employer to request that an employee or applicant for employment provide military discharge papers or other service-connected records, except with respect to inquiries regarding education, training, work experience, or convictions by a court-martial when such request is reasonably related to the position.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1976
Authorizes any taxpayer to elect to have any portion of any overpayment of tax or any contribution in money which the taxpayer forwards with the return for such taxable year, under the Internal Revenue Code, be available, as the taxpayer may designate on such return, for the National Endowment for the Arts or the National Endowment for the Humanities.
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 1976
Infant Feeding Resolution - Directs the Agency for International Development to devise and carry out in partnership with developing nations a multifaceted strategy designed to promote breast feeding within the context of integrated programs of nutrition and health improvement for mothers and children. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the United States based businesses involved in the manufacturing, marketing, or selling of infant formula have a responsibility to conduct their overseas activities in ways which do not have adverse effects on the nutritional health and well-being of people in developing nations. Requires the President to conduct a detailed study into the nature, scope, and extent of the effects of infant formula use in developing nations. Provides that the results of such study shall be transmitted to the Congress within a year from the date of enactment of this joint resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 8 September 1976
National Neighborhood Policy Act - Establishes a National Commission on Neighborhoods which will include two members each from the House and the Senate and 16 public members appointed by the President. States the duties of the Commission which include studying the factors necessary to neighborhood survival and revitalization and making recommendations for modification of existing laws and policies. Makes provisions for the administration of this Commission. Authorizes to be appropriated funds necessary to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 September 1976
Older American Special Nutritional and Medical Assistance Act - Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to direct the Commissioner on Aging to establish a program to make supplemental food available to older persons determined to be nutritional risks because of inadequate nutrition and inadequate income. Directs the Commissioner to establish a program to make medical services and medical supplies available to older persons determined to be in special need of such services and supplies because of their medical condition and inadequate income. Requires States receiving grants for such purposes to distribute such grants to local health or welfare agencies or private nonprofit agencies. Requires the Commissioner to insure that foods, services, and supplies provided under this Act will be delivered to homes of older persons otherwise unable to procure them. Requires the Commissioner to insure that there is an equitable distribution of such foods, services, and supplies to older persons residing in rural areas. Requires the Commissioner and the Comptroller General to submit to Congress an interim evaluation report and a final evaluation report, detailing the administration of any program established under this Act together with legislative and administrative recommendations. Authorizes the appropriation of specified sums in fiscal years 1977 through 1979 to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 September 1976
Amends Rule XI of the Rules of the House of Representatives to provide that committee funds shall not be used for travel unless its official nature is established by resolution approved by majority vote of the committee involved. Requires that the official travel resolution set forth specific items including the purpose of each destination, the names of all persons who propose to take the trip, the anticipated benefit to the taxpayers, and the estimated total expense.
United States · United States Congress · 2 September 1976
Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make annual grants to schools of medicine, osteopathy, and dentistry for the support of educational programs of such schools relating to the special needs of students from disadvantaged backgrounds enrolled in such schools. Authorizes appropriations of $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1978 to carry out the provisions of this Act. Sets forth eligibility requirements for funds made available under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 September 1976
Foreclosure Forebearance Standards Act - Requires any person who makes a federally related mortgage loan to maintain facilities sufficient to insure availability of information concerning such mortgage. States that within 60 days after payments on a mortgage become delinquent and within 30 days before the initiation of any foreclosure proceedings the following must occur: (1) a meeting with the mortgagor to work out a repayment plan; and (2) a transfer of information with respect to such proceedings to the mortgagor. Places restraints on the initiation proceedings, including the requirement that a mortgagee refrain from instituting such proceedings until at least three full monthly installments are due and unpaid, except where the mortgagor abandons the secured property. States that a mortgagee must cease foreclosure proceedings where a mortgagor tenders the total amount due plus attorney's fees. Provides that any mortgagee who fails to comply with state requirements shall no longer be eligible for Federal assistance. Defines the term "federally related mortgage loan" for purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 September 1976
Adds Part E to title IX - "Regional Medical Academic Summer Enrichment Programs" of the Higher Education Act of 1965. Directs the Commissioner of Education to make annual grants to schools of medicine, dentistry, and osteopathy for the purpose of offering regional medical academic summer enrichment programs for undergraduate students from deprived educational or economic backgrounds. Requires such a program to be for a period of at least six but no more than 12 weeks in duration and to offer courses in biomedical sciences, cognitive skills, and test-taking techniques. Stipulates that grants made under this Act may cover 100 percent of the costs of: (1) recruiting and selecting students for such programs; (2) providing counseling and similar services to such students; and (3) a $100 a week stipend for each student enrolled in such a program. States that such grants may cover up to 75 percent of the cost of: (1) transporting students to and from such program; (2) room, board, and other necessary living expenses for students; and (3) reasonable administrative and other costs necessary to carry out such program. Authorizes appropriations in such amounts as are necessary for each of the fiscal years 1978, 1979, and 1980 to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 September 1976
Adds title X - "Special Health Education Programs for Students from a Disadvantaged Background" to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. Authorizes the Commissioner of Education to make grants to, and enter into contracts with, schools of medicine, dentistry, or osteopathy for the purpose of offering regional three-year demonstration programs introducing secondary students from disadvantaged backgrounds to the health professions. Directs the Commissioner to appoint an advisory committee to advise the Commissioner on the selection for assistance among applicants under this Act. Stipulates that the amount of assistance for any one three-year demonstration program shall not exceed $500,000. Sets forth the activities which each program must provide and the criteria which each application must meet in order to be eligible for funds under this Act. Requires each demonstration project to have an advisory committee composed of at least nine members. Sets forth the authorized uses of funds made available under this Act. Authorizes appropriations of $5,000,000 for fiscal year 1978 to carry out the provisions of this Act. States that such sum shall remain available for expenditure and obligation through fiscal year 1981.
United States · United States Congress · 1 September 1976
National Commission on Regulatory Reform Act - Establishes the National Commission on Regulatory Reform. Directs the Commission to make a full and complete study of such regulatory activities of the independent regulatory agencies of the Federal Government as the Commission determines to be primarily economic in nature and to have a significant effect on the segments of the economy involving transportation, communication, the development and distribution of energy resources, or financial institutions. States that such study shall be undertaken to determine: (1) whether such regulatory activities have limited competition within such segments of the economy, and if they have, what the economic consequences have been; (2) whether such regulatory activities have, in other way, contributed to current economic difficulties, in particular inflation; and (3) whether changes need to be made with regard to such independent Federal establishments and their regulatory activities. Requires that such study shall include, with regard to each independent Federal establishment whose regulatory activities are included in such study: (1) an analysis of the purposes for which it was created, its structure and jurisdiction, the statutory framework governing its operation and activities, and the procedures and policies it has adopted; (2) an assessment of its effectiveness in carrying out its purposes; (3) an analysis of the costs and benefits of its various programs and policies, with particular reference to any adverse economic impact; and (4) an examination of the relationship between its regulatory activities and those of State and local regulatory agencies. Sets forth the membership, powers, and authority of the Commission. Directs the Commission to submit to the President and Congress within one year a report containing: (1) a statement of the status of the study being conducted pursuant to this Act; (2) a detailed statement of any findings made or conclusions reached by the Commission; and (3) any recommendations for legislation or administrative action, or both, deemed appropriate by the Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 1 September 1976
Expresses the sense of the House that there should be appropriated $10,000,000 to recondition, activate, and operate the United States ship Sanctuary as a permanent active duty hospital ship to provide immediate assistance to the wounded in Lebanon and to other areas of the world.
United States · United States Congress · 30 August 1976
Older American Special Nutritional and Medical Assistance Act - Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to direct the Commissioner on Aging to establish a program to make supplemental food available to older persons determined to be nutritional risks because of inadequate nutrition and inadequate income. Directs the Commissioner to establish a program to make medical services and medical supplies available to older persons determined to be in special need of such services and supplies because of their medical condition and inadequate income. Requires States receiving grants for such purposes to distribute such grants to local health or welfare agencies or private nonprofit agencies. Requires the Commissioner to insure that foods, services, and supplies provided under this Act will be delivered to homes of older persons otherwise unable to procure them. Requires the Commissioner to insure that there is an equitable distribution of such foods, services, and supplies to older persons residing in rural areas. Requires the Commissioner and the Comptroller General to submit to Congress an interim evaluation report and a final evaluation report, detailing the administration of any program established under this Act together with legislative and administrative recommendations. Authorizes the appropriation of specified sums in fiscal years 1977 through 1979 to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 August 1976
Authorizes the President to issue a proclamation designating the week beginning October 3, 1976, and ending October 9, 1976, as "National Volunteer Firemen Week."
United States · United States Congress · 25 August 1976
Prohibits foreign assistance to any nation which is subject to an air traffic suspension order for air piracy under the Aviation Act of 1958. Makes violation of such prohibition a felony punishable by a fine of not more than $10,000, or imprisonment for not more than two years, or both. Permits any person to bring an action in a district court of the United States without regard to amount in controversy to enforce such prohibition.
United States · United States Congress · 25 August 1976
Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to establish a minimum one year period with respect to a Presidential suspension of the right of air carriers to engage in transportation to or from countries which are determined to be aiding or abetting aircraft hijackers or with other countries which engage in transportation with such a country. Sets forth criminal penalties for violations of such a suspension order.
United States · United States Congress · 23 August 1976
Solar Energy for Homes Act - Directs the Administrator of specified Federal housing programs to increase by not more than 20 percent any amount which represents a limitation on the amount of the principal obligation of a mortgage on a dwelling unit, if such increase represents the increase in the cost of the dwelling unit which may be attributed to the unit's being heated or cooled by solar energy. Amends the National Housing Act to provide for the increase in amount of home improvement loans which may be insured if the loan is used to acquire a solar energy system. Amends the Housing and Community Development Act to authorize the use of community development block grants to encourage community development activities related to the use of solar energy in residential housing.
United States · United States Congress · 23 August 1976
Authorizes the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to make loans and loan guarantees to veterans for the purchase of solar heating and cooling systems to be used in any dwelling or farm residence to be owned and occupied by the veteran as his home.
United States · United States Congress · 23 August 1976
Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to make and insure loans under such Act for the solar heating or cooling of residential structures on family farms.
United States · United States Congress · 23 August 1976
Authorizes any taxpayer to elect to have any portion of any overpayment of tax or any contribution in money which the taxpayer forwards with the return for such taxable year, under the Internal Revenue Code, be available, as the taxpayer may designate on such return, for the National Endowment for the Arts or the National Endowment for the Humanities.
United States · United States Congress · 23 August 1976
Redefines "destructive devices" under the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 and the National Firearms Act to include specified electric weapons for purposes of regulation of the sale, manufacture, importation, transportation, and taxation of such weapons.
United States · United States Congress · 10 August 1976
Provides that the automatic cost-of-living increases in benefits which are authorized under title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act may be made on a semiannual basis (rather than only on an annual basis as at present).
United States · United States Congress · 10 August 1976
Public Participation in Government Proceedings Act - Entitles any person to recover reasonable attorneys' fees and other costs of participation incurred by such person in any Federal agency proceeding if the participation of such person promotes or can reasonably be expected to promote a full and fair determination of the issues involved in the proceeding, the economic interest of such person in the outcome is small compared to the costs of participation in such proceeding, and such person does not have sufficient resources to participate effectively in such proceeding in the absence of an award under this Act. Requires each agency, whenever practicable, to determine, prior to the commencement of any proceeding, the eligibility of a person for an award under this Act and the amount of such award. Requires payment of such an award, where necessary, prior to the conclusion of such proceeding but in no event later than 90 days after the conclusion of such proceeding. Directs the head of each agency to report annually to Congress with respect to awards made under this Act. Entitles any person who is a party to, or intervenor in, any civil suit or proceeding for judicial review of agency action to costs incurred by such person in litigation if such person is afforded the relief sought in substantial measure, the court determines that such action served an important public purpose, the economic interest of such person in the outcome of such action is small compared with the cost of litigation, and the person does not have sufficient resources to participate effectively in such action absent an award under this Act. Directs the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to report annually to Congress with respect to awards granted by courts of the United States under this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated for agency awards under this Act, $10,000,000 each year for fiscal years 1977, 1978, and 1979. Authorizes to be appropriated for judicial awards under this Act such sums as may be necessary.
United States · United States Congress · 10 August 1976
Family Farm Energy Conversion Act - Directs the Administrator of the Rural Electrification Administration of the Department of Agriculture to conduct a study of anaerobic digesters. Defines "anerobic digester" as any device whose primary function is to convert animal or vegetable waste products into usable flammable gas, methane, or other gases, or fertilizers. Requires the Administrator to: (1) submit a report regarding the results of such study to the President and the Congress; (2) have printed and make available to the public a brief pamphlet describing no fewer than two models of anaerobic digesters which he considers efficient and safe for operation; (3) institute a pilot project to demonstrate the field performance of optimum anaerobic digesters in at least 100 farms throughout the United States; and (4) issue a report summarizing the results of such trials which shall be presented to the appropriate congressional committees and made available to the public. Authorizes the Administrator, if a pilot project has proved an anaerobic digester to be cost effective and safe, to make grants to farmers owning farms of 640 acres or less for the construction of such digesters. Requires the Administrator to consult with the Administrator of the Small Business Administration at least every six months to determine whether the grant program under this Act is working to the benefit of the small business community. Authorizes appropriations of $8,000,000 for fiscal year 1978 for purposes of this Act.
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 · 9 August 1976
Requires, under the Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973, that the Federal Government Interagency Committee on Handicapped Employees shall include not less than five disabled individuals nominated by national organizations of handicapped or disabled persons. Permits handicapped individuals who believe they have been discriminated against in hiring or placement by Federal agencies to file a complaint with the Chairman of the Civil Service Commission and request a hearing by an Arbitration Panel convened by the Chairman. States that the Panel shall be composed of three individuals: one designated by the accused agency, one designated by the aggrieved handicapped individual, and one jointly designated by the other two members of the Panel. Provides that the decisions of the panel shall be matters of public record. Directs the Chairman of the Civil Service Commission to pay all reasonable costs of arbitration. Requires that before entering into any contract, the head of any Federal department or agency must be satisfied that the contractor has taken affirmative action to employ and promote qualified handicapped individuals. Permits handicapped individuals who believe a contractor has failed to comply with the provisions of his contract relating to handicapped persons to file a complaint with the Secretary of Labor and request a hearing by an Arbitration Panel convened by the Secretary. Authorizes handicapped individuals who believe they have been subjected to discrimination under any program receiving Federal financial assistance to file a complaint with the Secretary and request a hearing by an Arbitration Panel. Establishes within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare an office to assist handicapped individuals to obtain information about employment placement opportunities.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1976
National Neighborhood Policy Act - Establishes a National Commission on Neighborhoods which will include four members from the House and the Senate and 16 public members appointed by the President. Sets forth the duties of the Commission, which include studying the factors necessary to neighborhood survival and revitalization and making recommendations for modification of existing laws and policies. Makes provisions for the administration of this Commission. Authorizes to be appropriated funds necessary to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1976
Amends the Home Owners' Loan Act to permit federally chartered savings and loan associations located in New York to offer checking accounts to the extent that similar State-chartered institutions in New York are permitted to do so.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1976
Constitutional Amendment - Provides that the term of office of a Representative shall be four years. Stipulates that no person shall be elected as a Member of the House of Representatives for more than three consecutive terms. States that no Member of the House of Representatives shall seek or accept the nomination or election to any elective office other than that of United States Representative during his term of office, except when a vacancy occurs in another elective office during his term.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1976
Stipulates that payments of tuition, fees, or other training costs to or for a mentally retarded adult attending a school for the retarded shall be excluded from the income of such individual in determining eligibility for benefits under Title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) of the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1976
Federal Environmental Employment Job Security Act - Requires investigation into complaints involving employment loss allegedly resulting from imposition of Federal environmental standards. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to report results of such investigations to the Secretary of Labor. Requires investigation of complaints of employment loss allegedly resulting from administration of Federal laws regulating nuclear energy. Directs the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to report results of such investigations to the Secretary of Labor. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to provide employment compensation and other forms of financial assistance to individuals certified as unemployed as a result of such environmental or nuclear regulatory standards. Authorizes an appropriation of $100,000,000 to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1976
Commends the government and commando units of Israel for the rescue mission at Entebbe Airport. Disapproves efforts being undertaken by certain nations to condemn or censure Israel for such mission. Supports the United States-United Kingdom position at the United Nations condemning all acts of terrorism. Requests the President to engage in the negotiation of agreements with other nations to help prevent acts of terrorism.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1976
Older American Special Nutritional and Medical Assistance Act - Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to direct the Commissioner on Aging to establish a program to make supplemental food available to older persons determined to be nutritional risks because of inadequate nutrition and inadequate income. Directs the Commissioner to establish a program to make medical services and medical supplies available to older persons determined to be in special need of such services and supplies because of their medical condition and inadequate income. Requires States receiving grants for such purposes to distribute such grants to local health or welfare agencies or private nonprofit agencies. Requires the Commissioner to insure that foods, services, and supplies provided under this Act will be delivered to homes of older persons otherwise unable to procure them. Requires the Commissioner to insure that there is an equitable distribution of such foods, services, and supplies to older persons residing in rural areas. Requires the Commissioner and the Comptroller General to submit to Congress an interim evaluation report and a final evaluation report, detailing the administration of any program established under this Act together with legislative and administrative recommendations. Authorizes the appropriation of specified sums in fiscal years 1977 through 1979 to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1976
Constitutional Amendment - Provides that no law varying the compensation for the services of Senators and Representatives shall take effect until an election of Representatives shall have intervened.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1976
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Secretary of Agriculture study the impact of the development of the foreign palm oil industry on the domestic vegetable oil industry. Directs the Secretary, if such study justifies, to recommend that the administration negotiate bilateral agreements with the principal palm oil producing countries to provide reasonable restraints against excessive imports of palm oil into the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1976
Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to study the impact of the development of the foreign palm oil industry on the domestic vegetable oil industry and submit his recommendations to the National Advisory Council on International Monetary and Financial Policies. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to instruct the United States Executive Director in each of the international financial institutions to oppose new proposals for palm oil development loans.
![Official portrait of Rep. Richmond, Frederick W. [D-NY-14]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/r000232_200.jpg)