United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to eliminate the requirement that persons filing an application with the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare include as part of application for approval of a new drug full reports of investigations which show whether or not such a drug is effective. Eliminates the power of the Secretary to disapprove a new drug on the basis that such drug will not have the effect it purports or is represented to have under the conditions of use prescribed, recommended, or suggested in the proposed labeling of the drug. Prevents the Secretary from withholding exemption for an experimental drug for investigative purposes on the basis that such drug will not be effective in a research context. Eliminates the authority of the Secretary to withhold approval of an application with respect to any new animal drugs on the basis that full reports of investigations on such drug have not proven it effective. Prevents the Secretary from withdrawing approval of a new animal drug on the basis that it poses an imminent hazard to health of man or animals because of a lack of substantial evidence that the drug will have the effect it purports or is represented to have under the conditions of use prescribed, recommended, or suggested in the labeling of it.
United States · United States Congress · 2 September 1976
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Secretary of Defense shall inter an Unknown Soldier from the Vietnam War in Arlington National Cemetery and make a permanent display of representative medals, ribbons, and tributes of the Vietnam War in the Arlington Memorial Amphitheater.
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 · 29 July 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 · 1 July 1976
Repeals the regulation promulgated by the Federal Trade Commission which subjects purchasers of notes of consumers to defenses such consumers have against the seller of goods or services to whom such consumer issued such note, and prohibits holder in due course protection for such purchasers. Prohibits the Commission from promulgating such a rule in the future.
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 1976
Authorizes regulated investment companies, under the Internal Revenue Code, to pay exempt-interest dividends in an amount up to 90 percent of the excess of its tax-exempt interest without affecting its tax-exempt status. Allows shareholders to treat such exempt-interest dividends as excludable from gross income. Disallows that portion of the deduction for expenses and interest relating to tax-exempt income which the amount of such company's exempt-income bears to its gross income.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1976
Amends rule XXII of the Rules of the House of Representatives to remove the limitation on the number of Members who may introduce jointly any bill, memorial, or resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1976
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a charitable deduction against the income, estate, and gift tax for contributions by an individual to a domestic fraternal society operating under the lodge system for the purpose of constructing or maintaining a building the principal purpose of which is to house such organization.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1976
Repeals the regulation promulgated by the Federal Trade Commission which subjects purchasers of notes of consumers to defenses such consumers have against the seller of goods or services to whom such consumer issued such note, and prohibits holder in due course protection for such purchasers. Prohibits the Commission from promulgating such a rule in the future.
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 · 18 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 · 16 June 1976
Eliminates the requirement, under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, that new drugs be regulated according to their effectiveness. States that such drugs be regulated solely to assure their safety.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1976
Repeals the regulation promulgated by the Federal Trade Commission which subjects purchasers of notes of consumers to defenses such consumers have against the seller of goods or services to whom such consumer issued such note, and prohibits holder in due course protection for such purchasers. Prohibits the Commission from promulgating such a rule in the future.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1976
Consumer Communications Reform Act - States that Congress finds that the revenues from integrated interstate and foreign common carrier telecommunications services helped maintain a level of charges for telephone exchange service which is lower than otherwise would be required. Expresses the sense of Congress that the authorization of lines, facilities, or services of specialized carriers which duplicate the lines, facilities, or services of other telecommunications common carriers is contrary to the public interest. Reaffirms the intent of Congress that the complete authority to regulate terminal and station equipment used for telephone exchange service shall rest with the States even though such terminal and station equipment also may be used in connection with interstate services. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to provide that no compensatory charges for or in connection with such communication service may be found to be unjust or unreasonable on the ground that it is to low. Prohibits the Federal Communications Commission from holding the charge of a carrier up to a particular level to protect the traffic or revenues from a communication service offered or provided by another carrier if such charge proposed by the carrier is compensatory. Grants the Commission jurisdiction to approve the acquisition of control by a domestic common carrier of any other domestic common carrier or to approve the acquisition by a person which is not a common carrier of control of any domestic common carrier or the acquisition of the whole or any part of the property of a domestic common carrier after determining that the acquisition is in the public interest. Provides that the Commission shall not grant or authorize any construction permit, station license, or certificate, for the construction, acquisition, or operation of any communication or transmission line or facility, or extension thereof, or any modification or renewal thereof, unless the Commission shall find, after full opportunity for evidentiary hearing on the record, that such permit, license, or certificate will not result in increased charges or unnecessary duplication of communication lines.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1976
Establishes a Joint Congressional Committee on Forest Management Policy composed of six members of each House to study the appropriateness of existing forest management policy. Requires the Committee to submit to Congress an interim report no later than one year after enactment of this Act and a final report no later than two years after the enactment of this Act, each containing the Committee's findings and recommendations. Terminates the Committee 60 days after it submits its final report. States that the expenses of the Committee, which shall not exceed $100,000, shall be paid from the contingent fund of the House of Representatives.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1976
Provides for the incorporation of the Gold Star Wives of America. Sets forth the objectives, purposes and powers of such corporation. Stipulates the nonpolitical nature the corporation is to be maintained.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 1976
Legal Fees Reimbursement Act - Provides that in any legal action initiated by the Government, or in any action instituted by a taxpayer contesting the accuracy of a deficiency or claiming a refund of taxes paid where the taxpayer prevails or substantially prevails, the Government shall be liable for the reimbursement in full of all reasonable litigation expenses incurred by the taxpayer as a consequence of legal defense, under the Internal Revenue Code.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1976
Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to prohibit the issuance of solid waste management regulations with respect to the sale or distribution of beverage containers at Federal facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1976
Authorizes a maximum loan amount for guaranteed real estate loans, under the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act, of $200,000 or the value of the farm or security, whichever is less. Revises the interest rate for specified loans under such Act. Increases the maximum loan limitation and revises the interest rate for operating loans under such Act. Provides for congressional authorization of program levels under such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1976
Designates the week beginning April 4, 1976, as "National Drafting Week." Authorizes and requests the President to issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to observe such week with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1976
Authorizes the President to issue annually a proclamation designating the seven-day period commencing on April 30 of each year as "National Beta Sigma Phi Week," to recognize the National Beta Sigma Phi Sorority and its social, cultural, and service programs.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1976
Extends from April 1 to October 1, 1976, the maximum period during which recipients of services on September 30, 1975, under title IV (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) and title VI (Grants to States for Services to the Aged, Blind, and Disabled) of the Social Security Act may continue to receive services under title XX (Grants to States for Services) of that Act without individual determinations of eligibility.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1976
Provides that the tax deduction, under the Internal Revenue Code, for charitable contributions of ordinary income property that is used by the donee solely for the care of the ill, the needy, or infants, which use is related to the donee's basis for tax exempt status, shall be reduced by only one-half of the amount of gain which would have been realized if the property contributed had been sold at its fair market value.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1976
Expresses the solidarity of the American people in efforts to enlarge human freedom by the participants in the second Brussels conference, February 17 to 19, 1976.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1976
Extends from February 1, 1976, to October 1, 1976, the period during which payment may be made for child day care services under titles IV, (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) and XX (Grants to States for Services) of the Social Security Act without regard to new staffing standards imposed by or under title XX.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1976
Authorizes the President to issue a proclamation designating the week beginning April 4, 1976, as "National Rural Health Week." Urges improved health services and intensified dissemination of health information for rural America.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1976
Imposes a fine of not more than $10,000 and/or imprisonment of not more than ten years for disclosure of (1) the association of any individual or entity with the foreign intelligence operation of the United States, or (2) the identity of such individual where such disclosure may prejudice the safety of such individual.
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 1975
Domestic Control of Fertilizer Materials Act - Prohibits any person not a citizen of the United States from acquiring directly or indirectly more than a five percent voting interest in a domestic producer of materials used in the production of fertilizer. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to require any such non-citizen who purchases after December 19, 1975, an interest prohibited by this Act to transfer such interest to a citizen of the United States as expeditiously as possible. Authorizes the Secretary to promulgate such regulations as are necessary to carry out his authority under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 1975
Extends from February 1, 1976, to October 1, 1977, the period during which payment may be made for child day care services under titles IV (Aid to Dependent Children) and XX (Grants to States for Social Services) of the Social Security Act without regard to new staffing standards imposed by or under title XX.
United States · United States Congress · 15 December 1975
Grants the consent of Congress to an amendment to the Sabine River Compact entered into by Texas and Louisiana, which amendment expands the Compact to include pollution abatement and salt water intrusion.
United States · United States Congress · 9 December 1975
Provides that in civil actions where the United States is a plaintiff, a prevailing defendant may recover a reasonable attorney's fee and other reasonable litigation costs, whether or not other costs are awarded or awardable against the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 3 December 1975
Requires that States having agreements entered into under the Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance program of the Social Security Act will continue to make social security payments and reports on a calendar-quarter basis no more frequently than the fifteenth of the second month following the calendar quarter.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1975
Truth in Government Accounting Act - Requires that the United States Government prepare and make public annual consolidated financial statements utilizing the accrual method of accounting.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 1975
Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States Government while engaged in a lessening of tensions with the People's Republic of China, do nothing to compromise continued close relations with the Republic of China.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 1975
Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States Government while engaged in a lessening of tensions with the People's Republic of China, do nothing to compromise continued close relations with the Republic of China.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1975
Declares that the Congress has not delegated to the Federal Trade Commission any authority to preempt the laws of the States or their political subdivisions.
United States · United States Congress · 14 November 1975
Designates 1976 as "National Bicentennial Highway Safety Year." Provides that each month of 1976 shall focus on a specific area of activity which offers the prospect of achieving substantial reductions in accidents on the Nation's highways.
United States · United States Congress · 13 November 1975
Expedites the holding of hearings under titles II, (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) XVI, (Supplemental Security Income Benefits) and XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act by establishing uniform review procedures under such titles.
United States · United States Congress · 11 November 1975
Removes the import duty under the Tariff Schedules of the United States with respect to jewelry which is to be distributed free to spectators by participants in parades, carnivals, and other similar public events.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 1975
Requires that the prevailing fees recognized under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act for fiscal year 1976 be not less than those for fiscal year 1975. Extends for three years the existing authority of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to grant temporary waivers of nursing staff requirements for small hospitals in rural areas. Maintains the present system of coordination of the Medicare and Federal Employees' Health Benefit programs. Provides for the correction of a technical error in the law that prevents increases in the medicare part B premiums.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 1975
Condemns the resolution adopted by the Third Committee of the United Nations General Assembly which equates Zionism with racism, and urges the U.N. General Assembly to disapprove such resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1975
Exempts the Sabine River Authority of Louisiana and the Sabine River Authority of Texas from charges for the use, occupancy, and enjoyment of specified lands of the United States within the Sabine National Forest, Texas, in consideration of the joint development by Louisiana and Texas of a recurring and environmentally sound source of energy represented by the Toledo Bend Dam and Reservoir.
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 1975
Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States Government while engaged in a lessening of tensions with the People's Republic of China, do nothing to compromise continued close relations with the Republic of China.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 1975
Provides, under the Internal Revenue Code, that a life insurance company may disregard a distribution during the last month of its taxable year, determined to have been made out of the policyholders surplus account, if such distribution is returned to the company not later than the due date for filing its income tax return (including extensions thereof) for that year.
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 1975
Catastrophic Health Insurance and Medical Assistance Reform Act - Title I: Catastrophic Illness Insurance - Establishes a Catastrophic Health Insurance Program under the Social Security Act. Sets forth the eligibility criteria for individuals. Provides that every individual who: (1) is a resident of the United States; and (2) is a citizen of, or a lawfully admitted alien in, the United States shall be entitled to catastrophic health insurance benefits provided by this Act in cases where he is not covered by an employer plan. Delimits the scope of benefits. Includes therein hospital and related insurance benefits (hospital, post-hospital and home health services) and medical and other health benefits. Provides for a general deductible from: (a) the reasonable costs of inpatient hospital services past the 60th day; and (b) inpatient hospital benefits of the higher of the following: (1) $2,000; or (2) $2,000 adjusted by the Consumer Price Index to reflect changes in fees for physician services (in $100 increments). Permits payments for specified mental health care services. Requires the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to promulgate regulations prescribing standards designed to assure that services consisting of the furnishing of blood or blood products, or the application of procedures or courses of treatment which are experimental or extraordinarily complex, will be provided only when such services are appropriate to the health care needs of the patient. Creates, in the United States Treasury, a Federal Catastrophic Health Insurance Trust Fund to provide a reserve for payment of benefits authorized by this Act. States that individuals covered under approved employer or self-employed plans shall be entitled to those benefits rather than the benefits provided by the catastrophic health insurance plan. Defines the term "employer plan" as meaning an insurance policy, contract, or other arrangement entered into between an employer and a carrier under which the carrier, in consideration of premiums or other periodic payments, undertakes to pay for the costs of health services received by the employer's employees. Requires that the coverage provided under such plans must include a package of benefits which is the same as that provided by the Federal catastrophic health insurance benefits plan established under this Act. Sets forth additional requirements governing employer health plans. Establishes an Actuarial Committee to prepare and recommend annually to the Secretary a Table of Values of Catastrophic Health Insurance Coverage, which shall establish the actuarial value of one year's catastrophic health insurance coverage for employers, carriers, and others involved in the programs. Allows an income tax credit under the Internal Revenue Code for the actuarial value of catastrophic health insurance coverage for the self-employed and for the employees covered under approved employer plans. Title II: Medical Assistance Plan for Low-Income People - Provides, for low-income individuals and families, assistance toward the costs of necessary hospital, skilled nursing facility, medical, and other health care services. Guarantees free choice by patients of health services from any person, institution, or agency qualified under this Act. Permits individuals the option of obtaining other health insurance protection. Describes the medical assistance plan, what individuals are eligible to receive its health benefits, and the application procedure. Enumerates the scope of benefits under the plan, including: (1) 60 days of inpatient hospital services; (2) skilled nursing facility services; and (3) home health services. Prescribes the co-payment requirements and proceudres of persons eligible for benefits. Makes special provisions relating to Medicaid eligibles and the circumstances under which such persons are eligible for health benefits under this title. Creates the Medical Coverage Trust Fund. Makes provisions for State contributions to the Fund. Authorizes appropriations to the fund for each fiscal year of sums necessary to carry out the purposes of this title. Sets forth the definitions of terms used in this title, including the meaning of "income," "health care expenses," and "inpatient hospital services."" Prohibits exclusion by employers of specified employees from coverage under group health insurance plans. Title III: Private Basic Health Insurance Certification Program - States that any insurer may provide any health insurance policy to the Secretary for his examination and certification. Sets forth the standards under which the Secretary shall not certify any such insurance policy. Title IV: Amendments to the Medicare Program Immunizations - Authorizes payments for immunizations which the Secretary determines are appropriate under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, but only if provided on a scheduled allowance basis, as determined under regulations promulgated by the Secretary. Extends coverage of the renal disease program authorized under such Act to specified individuals not previously covered. Title V: General Provisions Relating to Health Insurance Under Social Security Act - Requires the Secretary to establish a separate organizational unit within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare under the direction of the Assistant Secretary for Health Insurance Administration, who shall report directly to the Secretary and who shall have policy and administrative responsibility for the programs established by this Act and by the unemployment compensation, medicare, medicaid, and renal disease programs of the Social Security Act. Expresses the policy of Congress to encourage and expand philanthropic support for health care.
![Official portrait of Rep. Waggonner, Joe D., Jr. [D-LA-4]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/w000018_200.jpg)