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![Official portrait of Rep. Rooney, Fred B. [D-PA-15]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/r000423_200.jpg)
United States · Official source
532 records where Rep. Rooney, Fred B. [D-PA-15] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Amends the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 to direct the Secretary of Transportation to promulgate safety standards for school bus external warning devices.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Tertiary Eye Center Act - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to identify tertiary eye care centers that need upgrading and to make grants to accomplish such purpose. Directs the Secretary to create a Tertiary Eye Commission to assess the present state of eye care facilities in the United States, to develop plans for improving and expanding such facilities, and to make grants to public and nonprofit private tertiary eye care centers to implement such upgrading. Requires the Commission, within two years of enactment of this Act, to submit to the Secretary and the President a final report, and to submit such interim reports as are necessary, with respect to its activities. Authorizes the appropriation of $21,000,000 to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Amends the Interstate Commerce Act to specify the motor vehicles used to transport schoolchildren and teachers which are exempt from the provisions of such Act with the exception of the maximum hours of service of employees and safety standards regarding operation and equipment. Directs the Interstate Commerce Commission to enforce specified highway safety standards promulgated by the Secretary of Transportation with respect to the owners and operators of motor vehicles employed solely in transporting schoolchildren and teachers.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Title I: Office of General Counsel to the Congress - Establishes within the Congress the Office of the General Counsel to the Congress to provide legal advice, and legal counseling to the Congress, its committees, Members, officials, and employees relating to their official duties. Requires the Counsel, upon request of the Congress, either of its two Houses, any congressional committee or subcommittee, or any Member, to commence a civil action against the President, any officer or employee of the Executive Branch, or any officer or employee of any State or its political subdivisions to compel compliance with any Federal law or with any request for information, or to represent the Congress, either of its two Houses, its committees or subcommittees, Members, former Members, officers, or employees before any grand jury proceeding or in any civil or criminal action arising from their performing or not performing any action relating to their institutional, official, or representative duties. Requires the Counsel, upon the request of the Congress, either of its two Houses, or its committees or subcommittees, to intervene or appear as amicus curiae on behalf of such persons making the request in any action pending in any court of the United States or of a State or political subdivision of such State in which there is placed in issue the constitutionality or interpretation of any law of the United States, or the validity of any official proceeding of, or official action taken by, either House of Congress, a congressional committee, a Member of Congress, or any officer, employee, office, or agency of the Congress. Directs the Counsel to review the rules published for comment or promulgated by agencies of the Federal Government and report to Congress whether such rules effectively implement the policy authorized by the Congress. Relieves the Attorney General of responsibility and authority to perform any duty which the Counsel has informed him that the Counsel has undertaken pursuant to this Act. Title II: Legal Proceedings - Confers original jurisdiction upon the district courts of the United States without regard to the amount in controversy over actions brought under this Act. States that the parties for whom the Counsel is authorized to act shall be deemed to have sufficient injury in fact to confer standing to sue.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Directs the Secretary of Transportation to prohibit individuals engaged in interstate commerce from receiving for shipment, or to ship within the United States, any compressed gas cylinders not inspected in the United States. Defines "compressed gas cylinder" as any container holding any gas under a pressure greater than 100 pounds per square inch at 130 degrees Fahrenheit.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Declares unlawful the importation or manufacture for introduction into interstate commerce of any imitation antique glassware product which is not plainly and permanently marked with the calendar year in which such product was manufactured. States that any violation shall be an unfair method of competition and an unfair or deceptive act or practice in commerce under the Federal Trade Commission Act. Vests in the Federal Trade Commission the responsibility of enforcement of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Amends the Interstate Commerce Act to authorize a motor carrier employee, or employee representative to request in writing that an investigation be conducted by the Secretary of Transportation when such individual believes that the employer has violated specified safety regulations. Requires the Secretary to conduct such an investigation upon a determination that there are reasonable grounds to believe that such a violation has occurred as soon as practicable and without notice to the alleged violator unless such notice is deemed necessary by the Secretary. Requires the Secretary to notify the employee or employee representative in writing of any disposition of the investigation. Directs the Secretary, upon a finding that a violation has occurred, to issue a citation to the violator in writing. Authorizes the Secretary to prescribe regulations for the issuance of notice in lieu of citations for de minimis violations. Stipulates that each day of such violation shall constitute a separate offense and that each citation shall include an assessment of a civil penalty of not less than $250 nor more than $1,000 for the first violation and not less than $500 nor more than $2,500 for any subsequent violation. Requires the National Transportation Safety Board to provide a hearing for individuals wishing to contest citations issued under this Act. Sets forth the review procedures for determinations by the Board. Authorizes the Secretary to order motor carriers to cease and desist from engaging in all or a specified portion of their operations in interstate commerce for up to 60 days when the Secretary finds that the carrier's operations will create an unreasonable risk of accident or injury. Sets forth the determinations to be made and the procedures to be followed in issuing such an order. Prohibits discrimination against employees who file complaints pursuant to this Act. Prohibits discrimination against employees who refuse to operate equipment subject to motor carrier safety regulations because of an apprehension of death or serious injury to themselves or others. Stipulates that such apprehension must be of such a nature that a reasonable person under the circumstances would conclude that there is a real danger of death or serious injury.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Establishes a Federal Commission on Boxing which shall exercise continuing surveillance over the field of professional boxing. Provides that whenever the Commission determines that it is likely that a professional boxing event which is to be televised in interstate commerce, or an account of which is to be transmitted in interstate commerce by wire or radio, will be in any way affected by bribery, collusion to effect the result, intentional losing, racketeering, including terrorism, extortion, organized use of threats, coercion, intimidation, or use of violence, it may issue an order prohibiting such interstate transmission or televising. Provides that whoever violates any such order of the Commission shall be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
National Landlord-Tenant Act - Title I: National Landlord and Tenant Commission - Establishes the National Landlord and Tenant Commission. States that the Commission shall: (1) conduct and commission a study of landlord and tenant problems in the United States and review the implementation of the provisions of this Act; (2) submit to the President and to Congress such reports it deems appropriate; (3) publish the results of the investigations, studies, and research conducted under authority of this title; (4) make grants to the States for the establishment and maintenance of housing courts, and develop regulations concerning a review system for such grants; (5) develop model lease and rental agreement forms; (6) establish rules and guidelines for the purpose of implementing and enforcing this Act; and (7) appoint a special body to develop and implement a national rent control plan. Requires the Commission to utilize the services of the Department of Housing and Urban Development and all other Government agencies dealing with housing problems. Title II: Housing Courts - Authorizes the National Landlord-Tenant Commission to make grants to the States for the purpose of establishing and operating housing courts. Directs the Commission to promulgate standards for landlord-tenant dispute settlement procedures. Authorizes to be appropriated $500,000,000 for the fiscal years 1977 and 1978, and for the succeeding fiscal years such sums as Congress may authorize. Title III: Landlord- Tenant Act - States that this Act applies to, regulates, and determines rights, obligations, and remedies under a rental agreement, applicable to all rental units in the United States. Provides that housing courts of the States and all other appropriate courts of general jurisdiction over any landlord or tenant with jurisdiction with respect to any claim arising from a transaction subject to this Act. Title IV: Provisions of the Rental Agreement - States that a landlord and a tenant may include in a rental agreement terms and conditions not prohibited by this chapter or other rule of law, including rent, term of the agreement, and other provisions governing the rights, obligations, and remedies of the parties. Provides that in the absence of agreement or legislation fixing the amount of rent the tenant shall pay the fair rental value for the use and occupancy of the dwelling unit. Title V: Landlord Obligations - Requires every landlord to: (1) comply with the requirements of applicable building and housing codes; (2) make all repairs and do whatever is necessary to put and keep the premises in a fit and habitable condition; (3) keep all common areas of the premises in a clean and safe condition; (4) provide and maintain in good and safe working order and condition all electrical, plumbing, sanitary, heating, ventilating, locks, and other existing facilities such as elevators, steps, and fire safety equipment supplied or required to be supplied by the landlord; (5) provide and maintain appropriate and convenient receptacles for the removal of ashes, garbage, rubbish, and other waste incidental to the occupancy of the dwelling unit and arrange for its removal; and (6) supply running water and reasonable amounts of hot water at all times and reasonable heat based on geographic location. Requires the landlord or any person authorized to enter into a rental agreement on his behalf to disclose to the tenant in writing at or before the commencement of the tenancy the name and address of: (1) the person authorized to manage the premises; and (2) the owner of the premises or a person authorized to act for and on behalf of the owner for the purpose of service of process and for the purpose of receiving complaints, notices, and demands. Sets forth regulations governing the administration of security deposits. Limits the amount of such deposit to one month's rent. Requires the payment of interest on such deposits. Title VI: Tenant Obligations - States that the tenant shall: (1) comply with all obligations imposed upon tenants by applicable provisions of building and housing codes; (2) keep that part of the premises that he occupies and uses as clean and safe as the condition of the premises permit; (3) keep all plumbing fixtures in the dwelling unit or those used by the tenant as clean as their condition permits; (4) use in a reasonable manner all electrical, plumbing, sanitary, heating, ventilating, air-conditioning, and other facilities and appliances including elevators on the premises; (5) not deliberately or negligently destroy, deface, damage, impair, or remove any part of the premises or knowingly permit any person to do so; (6) regularly dispose from his dwelling unit all ashes, rubbish garbage, and other waste in a clean and safe manner; and (7) conduct himself and require other persons on the premises with his consent to conduct themselves in a manner that will not disturb his neighbors' peaceful enjoyment of the premises. Title VII: Landlord Remedies - Sets forth landlord's remedies for: (1) tenant's nonpayment of rent; (2) tenant's refusal to allow lawful access; and (3) tenant's abandonment. Makes provisions for landlord's remedies after the termination of the rental agreement. Title VIII: Tenant Remedies - Establishes tenant remedies for the landlord's: (1) violation of housing codes or the rental agreement; (2) failure to deliver possession; and (3) abuse of access. Title IX: Procedures for Contesting Allegations of Breach - Establishes procedures for both the landlord and the tenant to contest any allegations of a breach of the provisions of this Act or the rental agreement. Title X: Miscellaneous Provisions - States that if any provision of this Act or the application thereof to any person or circumstances is held invalid, the invalidity does not affect other provisions or application of the Act which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Makes Flag Day, June 14 of each year, a legal public holiday.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit any person from making, or instructing any other person to make, any telephone call solely to threaten or harass any person at the called number in order to collect any money alleged to be due and owing. Specifies the types of acts prohibited by this Act. Provides that a person who makes a telephone call in violation of this Act shall be liable in a civil action to the person called for a penalty in an amount of $500 for each such telephone call, in addition to attorney's fees. Directs all telephone companies to notify each telephone subscriber of his right to privacy and to be free from telephone calls from persons calling to harass, abuse, threaten, or coerce. Prohibits any person from contacting any person's employer by telephone to inform the employer of any alleged debt of an employee unless the debt has been held in a valid court judgment to be due and owing.
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
Creates a House Select Committee on Professional Sports to conduct an inquiry into the need for legislation with respect to the professional sports industry and to conduct a comprehensive study to determine the impact of current antitrust law and policy on all professional sports. Requires the select committee to annually report the results of all activities and investigations conducted by the committee.
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 · 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 · 26 August 1976
Authorizes the President to issue a proclamation designating the week beginning October 3, 1976, and ending October 9, 1976, as "National Volunteer Firemen Week."
United States · United States Congress · 10 August 1976
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 · 10 August 1976
Provides that this resolution shall serve as a permanent monument to the memory of Major General Arthur St. Clair.
United States · United States Congress · 9 August 1976
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that the determination of whether amounts received by an individual under a Federal or State scholarship (including the value of contributed services and accommodations) at an educational institution are excludable from gross income shall be made without regard to whether: (1) such individual while receiving such amounts is a member of the uniformed services on active duty or in an off-duty or inactive status; or (2) such individual is required as a condition of receiving such amounts (a) to serve for a certain period of time as a member of the uniformed services; or (b) to agree to perform services in his profession or occupation for a certain period of time in a certain geographical area or under other specified conditions. Provides that in the case of an individual who has obtained one or more Federal or State education loans, no amount shall be included in gross income by reason of: (1) the discharge in whole or in part of the indebtedness of the individual under such a loan; or (2) the payment in whole or in part of the principal or interest under such a loan if such discharge or payment is pursuant to an agreement under which the individual agreed to perform services in his profession or occupation for a certain period of time in a certain geographical area or under other specified conditions.
United States · United States Congress · 9 August 1976
National Diabetes Advisory Board Act - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish a National Diabetes Advisory Board to insure the implementation of the long-range plan formulated by the National Commission on Diabetes to combat diabetes. Specifies seven Federal health officers as members of the Board, in addition to seven health professionals and five members of the general public to be appointed by the Secretary. Makes provision for staffing and compensation. Authorizes the Board to enter into contracts or other arrangements, or to take such other action as may be necessary to carry out its functions. Authorizes the Board to engage in and sponsor activities, collect data, and provide technical assistance as it deems necessary and advisable in the performance of its functions. Requires the Board to submit simultaneously to the President and Congress an Annual Diabetes Report describing Board activities in the prior year and progress made in diabetes research, treatment, and education with specific reference to the long-range plan to combat diabetes mellitus and suggesting recommended future expenditures and legislation. Authorizes the appropriation of $500,000 for fiscal year 1976 and such sums as are necessary for each of the four fiscal years thereafter. Authorizes the Secretary to make distinguished scientist awards to individual scientists who have shown continuous and outstanding productivity in diabetes research for the purpose of continuing such research. Limits the amount of each grant to no more than $35,000 per year. Authorizes the appropriation of specified amounts for the purpose of making such grants in fiscal years 1976-1980. Authorizes, under the Public Health Service Act, the appropriation of specified sums in fiscal years 1977-1981 for the purpose of making grants to centers for research and training in diabetes mellitus and related endocrine and metabolic disorders.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1976
Rail Amendments - Title I: Amendments to the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973 - Amends the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973 the make the performance of the functions of the Office of Rail Public Counsel the responsibility of the Rail Services Planning Office until a Director of the Office of Rail Public Counsel has taken office. Transfers the funds appropriated to the Rail Public Counsel, pursuant to the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976, to the Director of the Rail Services Planning Office for such purpose. Grants immunity from liability for damages to the Consolidated Rail Corporation or its directors with respect to claims based solely on property transfers made by the Corporation to the National Railroad Passenger Corporation, or any State, local, or regional transportation authority to meet the needs of commuter or innercity rail passenger service. States that options conveyed to the Corporation by a railroad in reorganization with respect to the acquisition of rail properties pursuant to the final system plan by the Corporation, on behalf of a State, local, or regional transportation authority shall be deemed to remain in effect for seven days after the enactment of this Act. Increases the aggregate principal on loan agreements for payments of obligations which the United States Railway Association may enter into with the Consolidated Rail Corporation, the National Railroad Passenger Corporation, and profitable railroads from $230,000,000 to $450,000,000. Allows such obligations to include payments for claims deriving from membership in employee voluntary relief plans and employee medical and life insurance plans. Requires the Corporation to promptly make application to the Association for loan funds if the "cash and other current assets of the estates" of railroads in reorganization are insufficient to pay specified obligations. Specifies priorities for the disbursement of funds held in escrowed accounts by a railroad in reorganization which are determined to be "cash and other current assets of the estate" of such railroad. Increases the aggregate principal amount of obligations issued by the Association which may be outstanding at any one time from $275,000,000 to $495,000,000. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to make payments to the trustees of a railroad in reorganization for purposes of discharging obligations of such railroad to nonemployee claimants for personal injuries suffered during the reorganization period. Revises the basis for determining compensation for the use of rail properties or the value of such properties of railroads in reorganization. Allows States, responsible persons, or profitable railroads to acquire rail properties which were designates in the final system plan to be offered for sale to a profitable railroad but which were subsequently transferred to the Corporation after termination of such designation. Sets forth review procedures for such acquisition proposals. Entitles the Consolidated Rail Corporation, the National Railroad Passenger Corporation, an acquiring railroad or the United States Railway Association to a direct claim from the estate of a railroad in reorganization for amounts paid by such entities for specified employee claims against the railroad in reorganization. Revises the method for determining the monthly displacement allowance for protected employees adversely affected by railroad reorganzation. Makes the resolution procedures established by the Consolidated Rail Corporation the exclusive means available for resolving disputes between the Corporation and noncontract employees and stipulates that any arbitration decision shall be final with respect to such parties. Title II: Amendments to the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 - Amends the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 to revise the time period during which railroads may apply to the Secretary of Transportation for financial assistance for facilities rehabilitation and improvement financing. States that the Secretary shall not consider the availability of obligations guaranteed under such Act in determining whether the assistance requested is available from other sources. Authorizes the Secretary to make redeemable preference shares purchased by him for rehabilitation and improvement financing subordinate to common stock under certain conditions. Sets forth prerequisites and conditions for obligations to be Federally guaranteed under such Act. Directs the Secretary to conduct a comprehensive study to freight transportation in the Midwest. Title III: Amendments to the Rail Passenger Service Act - Amends the Rail Passenger Service Act to exempt from provisions of the Public Health Service Act, relating to quarantines and inspections, waste disposals from railroad conveyances operated in intercity rail freight service, or maintenance service. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to submit a report to Congress with repsect to the environmental effects of such exemption and the financial effects on the railroad industry of a repeal or modification of such exemption. Title IV: Amendments to the Interstate Commerce Act - Amends the Interstate Commerce Act to allow common carriers by railroad to enter into or operate under a contract with freight forwarders governing the transportation of property moving on the bills of lading of such freight forwarder and the compensation to be paid for such transportation. Requires that any such contract be filed with the Interstate Commerce Commission and that such agreement not unduly prefer or prejudice any of its participants or other freight forwarder. Removes the authority of the Commission with respect to the discontinuance or abandonment of any spur, industrial, team, switching, or side tracks which are located entirely in one State or any street, suburban, or interurban electric railway which is not operated as part of a general system of rail transportation.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1976
Entitles the foreign-built passenger vessel, "Cunard Adventurer," to be documented to engage in the coastwise passenger trade between ports in the State of Hawaii, and to engage in the coastwise passenger trade between ports on the western coast of the United States and specified ports in the State of Hawaii. Conditions such documentation upon the transfer of the ship to any citizen of the United States and compliance with the inspection laws of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1976
Allegheny County Bridge Emergency Assistance Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to initiate projects to assist in the construction and replacement of bridge structures in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. Stipulates that the Federal share of such projects shall equal 80 percent of the total project costs. Authorizes the appropriation of $125,000,000 from the Highway Trust Fund, to be divided equally over the five-year period from fiscal year 1977 through fiscal year 1981, inclusive, to pay such share.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1976
Establishes in the House of Representatives a select committee to be known as the Select Committee on Narcotics Abuse and Control. Provides that the select committee shall conduct a continuing comprehensive study and review of the problems of narcotics abuse and control and shall review any recommendations made by the President, or by any department or agency of the executive branch of the Federal Government, relating to programs or policies affecting narcotics abuse or control. Authorizes the select committee to conduct field investigations or inspections. Requires the select committee to submit an annual report to the House which shall include a summary of the activities of the select committee during the calendar year to which such report applies.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 1976
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act - Title I: General Provisions - Expresses the intent and findings of Congress that alternative energy sources for public and private consumption are necessary to reduce dependence on petroleum, natural gas, and nuclear and hydroelectric generations as a power source. Establishes the objective of establishing a cooperative effort to recover potential energy sources and other valuable materials from discarded material. Title II: Office of Discarded Materials; Authorities of the Administrator - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to establish within the Agency an Office of Discarded Materials to carry out administrative functions under this Act and the Solid Waste Disposal Act. Stipulates that the Administrator shall have exclusive supervisory authority over litigation commenced under this Act. Requires that the concurrence of the Administrator be obtained with respect to any aspect of proceedings before the Supreme Court where the Attorney General acts as the Administrator's representative. Directs the Administrator to collect information on discarded materials for dissemination to the public. Requires the establishment of resource recovery panels to assist State and local programs. Directs the Administrator to undertake studies and reports on discarded mining wastes and sludge material. Authorizes Federal grants to public and private applicants to assist in the purchase of discarded tire shredders. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1978 and 1979 for such programs and studies. Requires annual reports to Congress by the Administrator on activities of the Office of Discarded Materials. Title III: Hazardous Waste Management - Directs the Administrator to establish criteria for identifying hazardous waste materials. Establishes procedures for the development of standards to seasonably protect human health from hazardous waste. Directs the Administrator to establish a permit program to regulate the treatment, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste. Establishes requirements for application for such permits. Directs the Administrator to establish standards for State hazardous waste programs. Establishes procedures for authorization and withdrawal of authorization by the Administrator for the operation of State programs. Requires the operators of facilities regulated by this Act to allow authorized officials duly designated by the Administrator access to records relating to hazardous waste, and to enter and inspect facilities at any reasonable time upon the furnishing of a written statement as to the reason for the inspection by the authorized official. Establishes procedures for Federal enforcement of hazardous waste regulations. Title IV: State or Regional Discarded Materials Plans - Directs the Administrator to establish guidelines for State or regional discarded materials management plans. Lists factors to be considered by the Administrator in developing such guidelines. Establishes minimum requirements for approval of plans by the Administrator. Authorizes technical assistance to States and localities for the development and implementation of such plans. Directs the Administrator to establish criteria for classification of facilities as sanitary landfills. Stipulates that each State or regional plan shall require disposal of all discarded material in a sanitary landfill. Authorizes the appropriation of $30,000,000 for fiscal year 1978, $40,000,000 for fiscal year 1979, and $50,000,000 for fiscal year 1980 for grants to States for the development and implementation of State plans. Authorizes Federal loan guarantees from the United States Resource Recovery Corporation to local governments and other persons only with respect to facilities located in States or regions having an approved plan. Title V: Duties of the Secretary of Commerce in Resource Conservation and Recovery - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish accurate specifications for recovered materials, to promote development of resource recovery technology, and to stimulate the development of markets for recovered materials. Title VI: United States Resource Recovery Corporation - Creates a nonprofit United States Resource Recovery Corporation to stimulate the construction of new resource recovery facilities by reducing a portion of the operating risk inherent in traditional methods of capital formation for such facilities. Authorizes the Corporation to provide financial assistance to eligible facilities for up to 50 percent of the initial project cost. Limits the amount of financial assistance, which may be outstanding at any time to a total of $2,500,000,000. Authorizes the appropriation of $3,000,000 for fiscal year 1978 and $5,000,000 for fiscal year 1979, for administrative expenses incurred by the Corporation. Title VII: Federal Responsibilities - Requires Federal procurement agencies to maximize use of resource recovery and energy efficient methods in Federal procurement practices. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to establish guidelines for procurement agencies with recommended practices designed to encourage energy conservation and resource recovery. Title VIII: Miscellaneous Provisions - Prohibits employers from discriminating against employees who seek to enforce legally protected rights under this Act. Authorizes citizen suits in Federal district courts for alleged violations of provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 1976
Amends the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1975 to direct the Secretary of Transportation to conduct a study of freight transportation in the Midwest including the effects on railroads which could be caused by possible changes in the capacity of the lock system of the Mississippi River and the Illinois Waterway navigation system. Prohibits the expansion of the present lock capacity on the Mississippi or Illinois river prior to the submission of the Secretary's study to Congress one year from the enactment of this Act.
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 · 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 · 2 June 1976
Establishes in the House of Representatives the Select Committee on Nuclear Proliferation and Nuclear Export Policy. Directs the Committee to conduct a full and complete study of: (1) the threat of nuclear proliferation; (2) the present policies of the United States concerning nuclear proliferation; (3) the decisionmaking process within the executive branch on nuclear export policies; and (4) any related areas which the committee deems necessary to investigate and study to discharge its responsibilities. Directs the committee to report to the House as soon as practicable the results of its investigation and study, together with such recommendations as it deems advisable.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1976
Removes all limits on the number of home health visits for which payments may be made under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act. Authorizes appropriate health professionals, as well as physicians, to establish home health services plans under the Medicare program. States that when such services are planned by a health professional other than a physician, such services shall include nutritional counseling, and "periodic chore services," and "hospital outreach services" as are defined in this Act. Includes within the term "medical and other health services" as defined in title XVIII: (1) annual, comprehensive physical examinations; (2) examinations for eyeglasses; (3) examinations for hearing aids; (4) dental services; (5) foot care services; and (6) the provision of eyeglasses, hearing aids, and dentures. Includes "outpatient rehabilitation services" within the medical and other health services for which payment will be made under the Medicare program. Defines the term "outpatient rehabilitation services. Includes, within the class of medical and other health services for which payment will be made under the Medicare program, health and supportive services furnished by, or under the direction of, health professionals in elderly day care centers. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to publish regulations governing the provision of such services. Extends the scope of the review functions of professional standards review organizations under title XI (General Provisions) of the Social Security Act to include the review of health care services at skilled nursing homes, intermediate care facilities, and other long-term care providers, and the performance of nurses, social workers, guidance counselors, and other health care professional, as well as physicians. Declares it to be the policy of the United States that all Federal and federally supported health programs include comprehensive home health care to the same extent as it is provided for under the Medicare program.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1976
Prohibits any nursing home or skilled nursing facility which is participating in the hospital insurance program of title XVIII (Medicare) or in the medical assistance program of title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act from requiring any patient to turn over to it any social security benefit check to which the patient is entitled after such patient has given 30 days written advance notice of his intention to leave such home or facility.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1976
Older Americans Health Services Act - Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to increase the amounts authorized to be appropriated in fiscal year 1976 through 1978 for purposes of informational exchange on the subject of restraining programs for older Americans. Allows the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants under such Act to cover the cost of administering and operating multipurpose senior centers. Declares it the sense of Congress that any Federal legislation establishing a national health insurance program should include specified provisions relating to the availability of home health services for older persons.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1976
Amends the National Housing Act to direct the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to give special emphasis to insuring mortgages covering medical practice facilities which are primarily for the purpose of providing preventive, diagnostic, and treatment services to elderly outpatients. Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to entitle a grant recipient to an additional grant if such recipient plans to use such additional grant for the construction or maintenance of a senior center providing recreational, health, and nutritional services. Directs the Secretary to insure mortgages made in connection with senior centers offering health, nutritional, recreational, and social facilities to elderly persons, regardless of whether such centers offer housing facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1976
Amends the Legal Services Corporation Act to direct the Corporation to provide financial assistance to qualified programs designed to furnish legal assistance to eligible older persons in connection with any determination relating to eligibility or payment for home health services or specified health-related hearings under the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1976
Establishes within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare a Home Health Clearinghouse. Directs such Clearinghouse to establish and maintain a computer system to gather information on services and benefits available to the elderly through public and private agencies. Directs the Clearinghouse to publish and keep current a publication describing services and benefits available to the elderly under Federal law. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as are necessary to establish and maintain the Clearinghouse. Creates in the Department an Assistant Secretary for Elderly Health, to perform specified duties, including the coordination of Department policy relating to the health of the elderly and coordination of the interagency task force on long-term home and institutional care of the elderly.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1976
Medicare Long-Term Care Act - Repeals existing provisions for post-hospital home health services under Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act. Establishes, within the hospital insurance program of such Title, a program of long-term care benefits to be provided for aged and disabled individuals including all recipients of supplemental security income benefits and to be financed without additional cost to such individuals, through the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund, from funds appropriated by the Federal Government. States that the benefits provided to an individual by such program shall consist of: (1) home health services; (2) homemaker services; (3) nutrition services; (4) long-term institutional care services; (5) day care and foster home services; and (6) community mental health center outpatient services. Requires that, to the maximum extent possible, such benefits shall be provided by or through community long-term care centers, as defined in this Act; and, in any case where a State has an agency which performs the functions of planning and developing such centers and overseeing their operation the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare shall make grants to the State or State agency to reimburse it for expenses incurred in the performance of such functions. Directs the Secretary to pay 75 percent of the amount expended by a State for the operation of a State long-term care agency. Enumerates the functions of such an agency. Declares that a community long-term care center shall: (1) provide the items and services listed in this Act to each individual (i) who is eligible for benefits under this part, (ii) who resides in the area served by such center and (iii) who is certified as requiring such services; (2) evaluate and certify the long-term care needs of an individual for whom such care may be required in order to maintain such individual in an independent living arrangement which is reasonable given such individual's state of health and other circumstances (but not including such individual's economic circumstances); (3) maintain a continuous relationship with (and periodically evaluate not less than annually) each individual who is receiving any of the items and services listed in this Act; (4) provide full opportunity for such individual and his family to participate in the determinations and functions under this Act; (5) provide an organized system for making its existence and location known to all individuals in its service area who are eligible for benefits under this part, and for making known to such individuals the method or methods by which they may most efficiently obtain and use the services which it makes available; and (6) perform such other functions as the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare may by regulation prescribe in order to have such center most effectively carry out the purposes of this Act. Defines terms used in this Act, including the services to be provided by community long-term care centers. Directs the Secretary to develop and promulgate to community long-term care centers one or more methods of obtaining payment for the benefits covered under this Act. Requires the Secretary to prescribe regulations setting forth the standards of care for homemaker and nutritional services. Establishes the Federal Advisory Council on Long-Term Care. Sets forth the qualifications of the five members of such Council. States that it shall be the duty and function of the Council to provide advice and recommendations for the consideration of the Secretary on regulations under this Act and on matters of general policy with respect to this Act. States that no regulations of the Secretary under this Act shall become effective unless they have first been approved by the Council. States that the determination of whether an individual is entitled to benefits under this Act shall be made by the Secretary in accordance with regulations prescribed by him. Authorizes the appropriation to the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund of such sums as the Secretary considers necessary for any fiscal year for the purposes of the program created by this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants and enter into contracts with institutions to meet the cost of training programs in the techniques and methods of providing long-term health care.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1976
Amends the Health Revenue Sharing and Health Services Act to permit the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants and loans for the initial costs of establishing and operating home health agencies and for expansion of their services. Permits the Secretary to make grants to educational institutions and other public and nonprofit private entities for programs for the training of guidance counselors, social workers, nurses, geriatric specialists, and other home health services personnel. Authorizes the appropriation of specified amounts for fiscal year 1977 for the purpose of making such grants. Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to include within its medical coverage: (1) preventive health care, including an annual comprehensive physical examination of older individuals, and diagnostic services; (2) hearing aids, foot care, dental care, and vision aids (including hearing and vision examinations for older individuals); (3) care and services provided by outpatient clinics for the elderly; (4) nutritional counseling; (5) professional guidance and counseling for aged and disabled individuals living alone at home; (6) periodic chore services; and (7) hospital outreach services. Revises such Act to require State comprehensive medical plans to include provisions for intermediate care facility services. Charges the Professional Standards Review Organization with the same responsibility for review of health care services in the case of skilled nursing homes, intermediate care facilities, and other long-term care providers as now required with respect to hospitals. Permits the Secretary to make grants to States to assist them in funding specified demonstration and pilot projects to determine the effectiveness of various home health and supportive services. Permits the Secretary to make grants to political subdivisions of States to enable them to conduct annual health fairs through which individuals over age 60 would be provided free medical checkups. Authorizes the Secretary to make demonstration grants to help meet the cost of establishing and operating private nonprofit entities to provide community care to persons over age 65. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to political subdivisions of States to enable them to establish and operate programs to provide mobile health facilities to persons over age 60. Amends the Public Health Service Act to require that a minimum of $20,000,000 be obligated for grants and contracts for emergency medical services systems for the elderly.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1976
Appropriates $7,000,000 out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated as an additional amount for carrying out the home health services provisions of the Health Revenue Sharing and Health Services Act. Appropriates specified sums, out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, for making multipurpose senior center grants under the Older Americans Act of 1965.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1976
Authorizes a tax deduction, under the Internal Revenue Code, for any taxpayer who contributes the right to use any real property owned by the taxpayer to a tax-exempt organization for use by a qualified senior citizen facility. Limits such deduction to 50 percent of the lesser of the fair market rental value of such property or the amount of State or local property taxes which are paid or incurred by the taxpayer and which are allocable to such property.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1976
Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, under title XX (Grants to States for Services) of the Social Security Act, to allot social services funds which are unused in one year to States for use in the succeeding fiscal year for the purpose of preventing or reducing inappropriate institutional care by providing for community-based or home-based care, or other forms of less intensive care. Requires that States requesting such funds have approved plans for the provision of such care. Directs the Secretary to pay quarterly to each State 85 percent of the State's expenditures for the provision of services in or through multipurpose senior centers. Directs the Secretary to standardize the eligibility requirements applicable to the provision of assistance, under the individual State programs, to multipurpose senior centers.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1976
Older Persons Comprehensive Counseling Assistance Act - Title I: General Provisions - Declares it the finding of Congress that systematic, organized community programs of counseling can help make older persons as independent as possible, encouraging meaningful lives in the community and outside care institutions. Authorizes the appropriation of specified amounts for fiscal years 1977-1981 for the purposes of making grants under this Act. Directs the United States Commissioner on Aging, through the National Information Resource Clearing House for the Aging, to collect, analyze, and disseminate information related to counseling services for older persons. Title II: Counseling Assistance Programs - Requires each State desiring a grant under this Act to submit a comprehensive State plan for providing counseling assistance to the elderly, such plan to conform to specified criteria. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to States having approved plans, such grants to be distributed to area agencies on aging for counseling assistance programs for the elderly on the basis of statewide needs and priorities. Permits the use of grants to fund counseling assistance outreach programs, preretirement counseling programs, career counseling assistance programs, referral services, community activities, and counseling for families of sick and disabled senior citizens. Enumerates requirements for State programs and for State training and retraining programs for counseling personnel. Directs the Commissioner of the Administration on Aging to contract with postsecondary education institutions and area agencies on aging for the purpose of providing needed training and retraining of counseling personnel. Directs the Commissioner on Aging to carry out a program of demonstration and evaluation for specified purposes, including: (1) identification of existing effective practices in counseling older persons; (2) identification of areas where further development is needed; and (3) development of model training programs for professional counselors.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1976
Establishes the House Committee on Health which shall have the responsibility for investigating health measures generally, health facilities, health care programs, national health insurance, public health and quarantine, and biomedical research and development.
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 1976
Interstate Horseracing Act - Expresses the findings of Congress with regard to the significance of the horseracing industry and the effects of off-track betting on such industry. Declares that the policy of the Congress is to assure continued revenue flow from horseracing to the States and to protect the horseracing industry. States that any person accepting any interstate off-track wages in violation of this Act shall be liable for damages to the host State (the State in which the race in held), the host racing association, and any horse owner whose horse participated in the horserace with respect to which the off-track wage was accepted.
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 1976
Natural Gas Act Amendments - Amends the Natural Gas Act to terminate Federal Power Commission authority to directly regulate sales prices of new natural gas except for new natural gas produced from offshore Federal lands. Stipulates that prices for onshore sales of new natural gas shall not exceed the ceiling price for sales of new natural gas produced from offshore Federal lands. Stipulates that prices paid for natural gas in transactions between a natural gas company and its affiliates shall not exceed prices paid in comparable sales by persons not affiliated with any natural gas company. Directs the Federal Power Commission to conduct studies and make reports regarding the nature and availability of natural gas reserves. Requires that the Commission keep current information available relating to the estimated natural gas reserves for individual fields. Establishes procedures for the establishment of ceiling prices for new natural gas produced from offshore Federal lands. Authorizes the Commission to grant exemptions to price ceilings within high-cost production areas. Establishes procedures for adjustments to price ceilings established pursuant to this Act. Directs the Commission to prohibit the curtailment of adequate supplies of natural gas for essential agricultural purposes. Stipulates that the provisions of the Natural Gas Act shall extend to synthetic natural gas. Directs the Commission to prohibit the use of natural gas as boiler fuel where adequate alternatives are available. Authorizes exemptions from such prohibition where necessary to comply with pollution control or environmental protection and safety standards. Establishes procedures for the establishment and periodic revision of national ceiling prices for the sale of old natural gas in interstate commerce.
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 1976
National Home Health Care Act - Broadens the coverage of home health services under Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act and removes the 100-visit limitation presently applicable to the home health service program. Extends the coverage of posthospital home health services to include payment for items and services which the individual could otherwise obtain in a skilled nursing facility. Requires the inclusion of home health services under Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act, and permits the payment of rent under such program for elderly and handicapped persons who would otherwise require nursing home care. Provides expanded Federal funding for congregate housing for the displaced and the elderly by increasing the amount available for such housing under the low-income housing program. Establishes, in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, a Home Health Patient Ombudsman, who shall be appointed and provided with adequate staff and facilities by the Secretary. Makes it the duty and responsibility of the ombudsman to monitor specified programs under the Social Security Act and the various medical assistance programs under the State plan approved pursuant to such Act, and to maintain such oversight of those programs and their operation and administration as may be necessary to: (1) assure that home health patients under such programs are receiving the care to which they are entitled; (2) provide safeguards against over-charging for home health services; (3) identify abuses against home health patients; (4) receive, handle, and expedite complaints by home health patients; (5) recommend to the Secretary any changes in the regulations affecting home health services which may appear necessary or desirable; and (6) take appropriate action (including the transmission of findings to the Attorney General) with respect to abuses and violations of law affecting the provision or receipt of home health services under such programs. Requires the disclosure to the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare of the identity of all persons with an ownership interest in a skilled nursing facility. Requires the Secretary to conduct a study and report to the Congress on the feasibility of extending to the Medicare program the prospective cost-related method of computing payments to nursing homes and home health agencies which is currently provided for under the Medicaid programs.
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
Requires the United States Postal Service to hold a public hearing prior to closing any post office. Lists factors which the Postal Service must consider and evaluate in making a determination with respect to any such closing.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1976
Interstate Horseracing Act - Expresses the findings of Congress with regard to the significance of the horseracing industry and the effects of off-track betting on such industry. Declares that the policy of the Congress is to assure continued revenue flow from horseracing to the States and to protect the horseracing industry. States that any person accepting any interstate off-track wages in violation of this Act shall be liable for damages to the host State (the State in which the race is held), the host racing association, and any horse owner whose horse participated in the horserace with respect to which the off-track wager was accepted.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1976
Directs State boards receiving funds under the Vocational Education Act of 1963 to use a portion of such funds for grants for research into the areas of inservice training in vocational education program development and the recruitment of skilled craftsmen and technicians employed in the community into the vocational education teaching profession.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1976
Amtrak Improvement Act - Authorizes appropriations to carry out the provisions of the Rail Passenger Service Act. Authorizes the National Railroad Passenger Corporation to employ security guards for the protection of rail passengers and property. Prohibits the Corporation from entering into incentive payment contracts with railroads or regional transportation agencies for a level of service which is equal to or less than the level provided by such railroad or agency before the date such contract was entered into. Prohibits the Corporation from entering into such contracts on any basis other than a train-by- train basis or for any level of on-time performance for any train not operated within five minutes of its scheduled time for not less than 90 percent of its scheduled operations. Requires the approval of the Secretary of the Treasury for any guarantee authority for a lease transaction under such Act. Requires the Interstate Commerce Commission to report to the Congress all requests filed by the Corporation to issue, modify, or grant an exemption from regulations under such Act regarding adequacy of service together with the results of any Commission action on such requests. Exempts local public bodies which provide rail mass transportation services from the Interstate Commerce Act if the interstate fares or the ability to apply to the Interstate Commerce Commission for rate changes of such body is subject to the approval or disapproval by the Governor of the State in which it provides services.