United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1977
Export Administration and Foreign Boycott Amendments Act - Title I: Export Administration Improvements and Extension - Amends the Export Administration Act of 1969 to extend the authority granted by such Act to September 30, 1977. Requires that appropriations to carry out the Export Administration Act of 1969 be specifically authorized by Congress for each fiscal year after October 1, 1977. Revises the criteria for imposition of export controls for national security purposes. Eliminates the authority of the Secretary of Commerce to assign priority to such controls. Revises the authority of the President to impose export controls for national security purposes without regard to the availability of the controlled articles from sources other than the United States in order to require the President to predicate the imposition of controls on articles available from other sources upon a determination that absence of such a control would be detrimental to the national security of the United States. Revises the policy for control of exports for national security purposes under such Act to redefine "controlled country" as a country to which exports are restricted for national security or foreign policy purposes, rather than as a Communist country. Amends such Act to permit agricultural commodities purchased by or for a foreign country to remain in the United States free of quantitative limitations on exports relating to domestic supply and inflationary impact, upon approval by the Secretary of Commerce, in consultation with the Secretary of Agriculture, and under regulations for such export which the Secretary of Commerce is herein authorized to issue. Permits Congressional disapproval of any action by the President under such regulations to prohibit or curtail agricultural exports. Specifies that any export license application under such Act shall be deemed approved within 90 days of its receipt unless disapproved or unless the applicant is notified that additional time is required for the decision. Amends the Export Administration Act of 1969 to require persons agreeing to transfer technical data or other information to any controlled country to furnish information with respect to such agreement to the Secretary of Commerce, under regulations promulgated to monitor the effects of such transfers. Directs the Secretary to study technical data exports and their effects upon the national security or foreign policy of the United States, and to submit a report of such study to Congress. Amends such Act to exclude petroleum products refined in United States Foreign-Trade Zones, or Guam, from foreign crude oil export controls to prevent excessive drain of scarce materials except if the Secretary of Commerce finds that such products are in short supply and issues regulations herein authorized to limit such exports. Prohibits the exportation of horses by sea for slaughter. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to account for technical assistance and technical advisory committees in semiannual reports to Congress under such Act. Requires the Secretary to review regulations under such Act in order to report to Congress on simplification of such regulations. Increases the terms of persons on such committees. Increases the fine for violations of such Act to $25,000 for the first offense and to $50,000 for a subsequent offense. Increases the fine for prohibited exports to Communist-dominated nations to $50,000. Increases the civil penalty for such violation of such Act to $10,000. Permits suspension of the payment of export licensing penalties for a probationary period. Amends the Export Administration Act of 1969 to stipulate that such Act shall not be construed as authority for withholding information from Congress. Requires the President to make every reasonable effort to reduce aid to international terrorists before resorting to export controls for that purpose. Amends the requirements for reports to Congress and to the President under such Act by appropriate departments or agencies to specify information to be included in such reports and to require semiannual rather than quarterly reports. Requires a special report to Congress by the President on multilateral export controls, and a special report to Congress by the Secretary of Commerce with respect to modification of unilateral and multilateral export control lists. Requires any employee of the Department of Commerce performing functions under the Export Administration Act to disclose interests affected by such Act. Imposes civil penalties for violation of this requirement. Title II: Foreign Boycotts - Amends the Export Administration Act of 1969 to direct the President to promulgate regulations: (1) to prohibit any United States person from supporting any boycott by a foreign country against any country friendly to the United States; and (2) to require the reporting of requests for such compliance to the Secretary of Commerce. Permits the suspension or revocation of the authority of any United States person to export as a penalty for violation of such regulations. Title III: Exports of Nuclear Material and Technology - Amends the Export Administration Act of 1969 to regulate the export of nuclear material, equipment, and devices. Requires any agreement for such export to meet specified criteria with respect to reprocessing provisions and inspection by the International Atomic Energy Agency. Directs the Secretary of State to seek inclusion of such requirements in agreements made prior to this Act and to seek periodic reports on the status of inventories of plutonium, U233, and enriched uranium possessed under such agreements by non-nuclear weapons parties which are not subject to International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards. Prohibits issuance of nuclear export licenses unless the recipient country has agreed that such export will not be used for any nuclear explosive device. Specifies conditions under which nuclear materials, exported under such agreements, may be reprocessed. Declares it the sense of Congress that the President should seek international agreements regulating the use and transfer of nuclear materials. Requires the President to study the extent to which United States training of foreign nationals in nuclear engineering and related fields contributes to nuclear proliferation. Prohibits the use of funds authorized under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 for the construction, operation, or supply of nuclear powerplants.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1977
Sunset Act - Title I: Authorizations of New Budget Authority - Sets forth a five-year schedule for review and reauthorization of all Federal programs according to budget function and subfunction as set forth in the Budget of the United States Government for fiscal year 1977. States that no program not specifically reauthorized by Congress pursuant to this Act shall continue to function after the review date set forth in such schedule. Excepts from the requirements of this Act specified programs such as health care services, general retirement and disability insurance, and Federal employment retirement and disability payments. Permits legislation authorizing Federal program review more often than every five years as required by this Act. Requires the Comptroller General to identify for Congress for each program being reviewed the type of budget authority such program has and those inactive programs for which no outlays have been made during fiscal years 1976 and 1977. Title II: Review of Programs - Requires the authorizing committees of the Senate and House of Representatives to conduct "sunset reviews" of all programs prior to the review date applicable to such program and to issue a report on the findings of such review. Sets forth guidelines for the content of such sunset reviews including the identification of programs with duplicative objectives and an assessment of the impact of eliminating the program or funding it at a lower level. Provides the authorizing committees with assistance from the Government Accounting Office, the Congressional Budget Office, and the Congressional Research Service in carrying out such sunset reviews. Title III: Citizens' Commission on the Organization and Operation of Government - Establishes a Citizens' Commission on the Organization and Operation of Government to study and make recommendations on ways to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the Federal Government. Requires the Commission to submit its final report together with its findings and recommendations no later than September 30, 1980. Requires the Comptroller General to report once a year for two years after submission of the Commission's final report the status of actions taken as a result of the report. Terminates the Commission 90 days after submission of its final report. Authorizes to be appropriated $12,000,000 to carry out the provisions of this title. Title IV: Tax Expenditures - Requires the Joint Committee on Taxation, after consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury and the Budget Committees of the House and Senate, to prepare a reauthorization schedule for all tax expenditures, similar to the schedule set out in Title I for Federal programs, and to report its recommendations to the Committees on Ways and Means and Finance. Requires the Congress to take final action before the end of the 95th Congress on the schedule for tax expenditures. States that, following the adoption of the schedule, the Committees on Ways and Means and Finance are required to conduct "sunset" reviews of tax expenditures according to the schedule. Sets forth guidelines for such reviews similar to those set out in Title II for such programs. Title V: Miscellaneous - Requires executive department agency heads to submit to Congress (after the President has submitted his budget) a statement of that agency's request for new budget authority as transmitted to the Office of Management and Budget. Requires agency heads to furnish the authorizing committees of Congress information regarding supplemental budget requests and supplemental estimates of outlays. Provides for a one-year grace period for programs which have not been specifically reauthorized by the scheduled time.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1977
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to include community mental health centers among the facilities which may be qualified providers of services under such title. Amends Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require States having approved plans under such program to provide community mental health center services.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1977
Repeat Offenders Prosecution and Prison Improvement Act - Title I: Financial Assistance for Career Criminal Prosecution Programs - Authorizes the Administrator of the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration to provide grants and technical assistance to certain units of local government having populations of at least 250,000 for the establishment and operation of programs designed to identify and expedite the prosecution of career criminal offenders. Sets forth requirements for grant applications and limits on payments to any single local government. Establishes within the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration of the Department of Justice an Office of Repeat Offenders to administer, disseminate information, and report to the President and Congress on the grant and assistance programs created in this title. Title II: Federal Regional Prison System - Directs the Attorney General to construct five Federal regional prisons to be managed by the Bureau of Prisons. States that not more than 25 percent of the prisoners confined in any such prison may be persons convicted of Federal crimes, the balance of the inmates to consist of State offenders who would otherwise qualify for imprisonment in a Federal medium or maximum security institution and are assigned to a regional prison pursuant to a State contract with the Attorney General. Subjects State prisoners confined in prisons built under this Act to the same discipline and treatment as Federal prisoners and to the same parole standards as State prisoners in the State in which the prisoner was convicted.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1977
Standards and Conduct Resolution - Title I: Provisions Relating to the Select Committee on Standard and Conduct - Amends the resolution creating the Select Committee on Standards and Conduct of the Senate to give the Senate power to appoint members of the committee in accordance with the Standing Rules of the Senate. Limits to six consecutive years the length of service of any Member on the committee. Specifies the composition of the six-member committee based on length of service in the Senate. Makes it a duty of the select committee: (1) to receive complaints and investigate violations of any Code of Conduct applicable to Members, officers or employees of the Senate; and (2) to examine all financial statements filed pursuant to this Resolution, and report to the Senate any person who has filed a statement containing any false statement or any person who has failed to file a statement. Sets forth standards for the investigation of complaints filed with the select committee. Requires each complaint to be in writing. Requires a prompt investigation of all complaints. Sets forth procedures to assure the consideration of a complaint on which no action was taken for the first 30-working days after submission. Prohibits a Member from participating in the investigation of his or her own conduct. Provides for the appointment of a substitute for a disqualified select committee member. Authorizes the select committee to employ a counsel, assistant counsel, and investigators. Title II: Financial Disclosure Requirements - Requires each individual who for a period in excess of 90 days during a calendar year is a Senator or an officer or employee of the Senate and is compensated at an annual rate in excess of $20,000 to file a complete financial statement for the preceding year. Requires individuals who seek nomination for or election to the Senate to file a report containing a complete financial statement for the preceding year. Specifies the following information to be disclosed in a financial statement: (1) the amount and source of each item of income, or reimbursement, and each gift or aggregate thereof from a single source which exceeds $100 in amount or value; (2) the fair market value of any item received in kind if such value exceeds $500; (3) the identity and category of value of each asset other than household goods, jewelry, furniture, or personal vehicle having a value in excess of $1,000; (4) the identity and category of amount of each liability owed in excess of $1,000; (5) the identity and category of value of any securities or commodities transaction in excess of $1,000; (6) the identity and category of value of any real estate transaction in excess of $1,000; (7) any patent right held; and (8) a description of any agreement between the person filing the statement and any other person concerning employment after filing the individual's term of office. Requires officers and employees of the Senate to report the identity of any person who paid such officer or employee compensation in excess of $5,000 in any of the five years before the calendar year of filing. Sets forth increments of value to be used in stating categories of value or amount of property or financial dealings. Directs the select committee to make available to the public each report filed with it. Sets forth exceptions to this requirement. Title III: Code of Conduct - Directs the select committee to recommend to the Senate a Code of Conduct for Members of the Senate. Specifies areas for the select committee to consider when developing such Code.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1976
Requests the President of the United States to transmit a report about the freedom of citizens of Romania to exercise their rights and cultural freedoms, and especially their right to emigrate, to each House of Congress and to the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe. Requests that such a report be transmitted each time the President makes a request for authority to waive the application of the Trade Act of 1974, or for authority to extend the United States-Romanian Trade Agreement itself. Requests the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe to transmit a report with respect to the freedom of the citizens of Romania to emigrate, and on the status of minorities in that country, to both Houses of Congress. Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that if Romania restricts fundamental rights of its citizens, it should be denied its current most-favored nation treatment, and the 1975 United States-Romanian Trade Agreement should be ended. Provides an additional $50,000 for the Trade Subcommittee of the Committee on Ways and Means of the House to assist in carrying out its duties under the Trade Act of 1974.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1976
Amends Rule XI of the Rules of the House of Representatives to provide that committee funds shall not be used for travel unless its official nature is established by resolution approved by majority vote of the committee involved. Requires that the official travel resolution set forth specific items including the purpose of each destination, the names of all persons who propose to take the trip, the anticipated benefit to the taxpayers, and the estimated total expense.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1976
Expresses the sense of Congress that the Attorney General parole into the United States those South American aliens having fled to Argentina and those Uruguayans within Uruguay who are in danger of losing their lives because of their political beliefs.
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 1976
Bridge Safety Act - Title I: Bridge Program - Declares it to be the finding of Congress that a bridge repair and replacement program to enable a State to repair or replace highway bridges which are unsafe is in the vital interest of the Nation. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to approve Federal participation in a State project to repair or replace a bridge under a needs formula as established in this Act. Stipulates that the Federal share of any such project shall not exceed 90 percent of its cost. Authorizes appropriations out of the Highway Trust Fund of $180,000,000 for the period beginning July 1, 1976, and ending September 30, 1976, and $720,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 1977 through 1990 for such purpose. Title II: Extension of Highway Trust Fund and Certain Related Provisions - Extends appropriations under the Highway Revenue Act of 1956 for the Highway Trust Fund through fiscal year 1990. Extends the Land and Water Conservation Fund through fiscal year 1990. Postpones specified excise tax reductions under the Internal Revenue Code of 1954.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 1976
Amends the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 to make the provisions, fomerly applicable to persons between 40 and 60 years of age, applicable to anyone 40 years of age or older.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 1976
Arthritis, Diabetes, and Digestive Disease Amendments - Title I: Arthritis and Related Musculoskeletal Diseases - Amends the Public Health Service Act to repeal the authority of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to establish and support projects for the development and demonstration of methods for arthritis prevention. Stipulates that projects for the development and demonstration of arthritis screening, detection, and referral methods shall emphasize new and improved methods for dissemination of information to the general public. Authorizes the appropriation of $3,000,000 for fiscal year 1978, $4,000,000 for fiscal year 1979, and $5,000,000 for fiscal year 1980 for arthritis screening, detection, and referral data system demonstration projects. Amends the Public Health Service Act to require that arthritis centers established under such Act conduct arthritis research training programs for physicians and other health professionals. Authorizes the appropriation of $18,700,000 for fiscal year 1978, $19,000,000 for fiscal year 1979, and $20,000,000 for fiscal year 1980 to arthritis centers for arthritis screening, detection, and referral demonstration projects. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish a National Arthritis Advisory Board to: (1) review and evaluate the Arthritis Plan formulated under the National Arthritis Act of 1974; and (2) assure the most effective utilization and organization of arthritis resources. Makes provision for staffing and compensation of the Board. Authorizes the appropriation of $100,000 each year for fiscal years 1978, 1979, and 1980 to carry out the activities of the Board. Title II: Diabetes - 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 under the National Diabetes Mellitus Research and Education Act to combat diabetes. Specifies 11 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 1978 and each of the two fiscal years thereafter. Authorizes, under the Public Health Service Act, the appropriation of specified sums in fiscal years 1978-1980 for the purpose of making grants to centers for research and training in diabetes mellitus and related endocrine and metabolic disorders. Title III: Digestive Diseases - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish a National Commission on Digestive Diseases. Directs the Commission to develop and recommend a long-range plan for the use of national resources to deal with digestive diseases, such plan to include provisions for: (1) research studies into the biological process related to digestive diseases; (2) investigations into the epidemiology, etiology, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and control of such diseases; (3) development of coordinated health care systems to combat digestive diseases; and (4) education and training of scientists, clinicians, educators, and allied health professionals in fields related to digestive diseases. Makes provision for staffing and compensation for the Commission. Directs the Commission to make a final report to Congress within 18 months of its initial meeting, such report to include the projected costs of implementing programs to combat digestive diseases, legislative recommendations, and a long-range plan for dealing with such diseases. Authorizes the appropriation of $1,500,000, without fiscal year limitation, to carry out the activities of the Commission. Directs the Secretary to establish a Coordinating Committee for Digestive Diseases to improve coordination among Federal agencies in the research, training, control, and treatment of digestive diseases.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 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. Requires sprinkler systems for such facilities in any program under the jurisdiction of the Veterans' Administration. Allows the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to waive this requirement only when the installation of complete sprinkler systems would constitute an unreasonable hardship. Authorizes the Secretary to make loans to such facilities to assist them in financing part or all of the cost of purchasing and installing automatic sprinkler systems. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants for such installation under specified circumstances.
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 1976
Amends Titles XVIII (Medicare), XIX (Medicaid), and XX (Grants to States for Services) of the Social Security Act to establish the Special Commission on Quality Assurance and Utilization Control in Home Health Care. States that the Commission shall be composed of 17 members appointed by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. Sets forth the fields of experience and expertise from which Commission members are to be drawn, including five representatives of professional groups with expertise in accreditation and three who are recipients of benefits under Medicare, Medicaid, or under a State plan of services. Requires Senate approval of the member designated chairman of the Commission. States that the function and duty of the Commission shall be: (1) to conduct a full and complete study, investigation, and review of the provision of home health care and services to individuals in the United States, including care and services furnished by agencies which do not qualify as providers of services under the Social Security Act as well as care and services furnished by agencies which do so qualify, with the particular objective of determining: (a) the extent to which additional quality assurance and utilization control in the provision of such care and services is needed; and (b) the manner in which the standards, conditions, and requirements of Title XVIII, Title XIX, or Title XX should be modified in order to provide additonal assurance and control; and (2) on the basis of such study, investigation, and review, to develop a detailed plan for quality assurance and utilization control in home health care. Directs the submission to the Secretary and the Congress of the required plan within one year of the appointment of the majority of the members of the Commission. Requires the Secretary, within 90 days of the submission of such plan, to issue regulations making such modifications in the Social Security Act as may be necessary to implement the plan and carry out the Commission's accompanying recommendations, and to submit to the Congress any recommendations which would require a change in existing law.
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 1976
National Commission for the Protection of Human Subjects of Biomedical and Behavioral Programs Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act by establishing the National Commission for the Protection of Human Subjects of Biomedical and Behavioral Programs. Specifies that the 12 members of the Commission shall be appointed by the President from individuals distinguished in specified fields including medicine, law, ethics, theology, philosophy, and the humanities with no more than five members being selected from individuals who are or have been engaged in biomedical or behavioral research involving human subjects. Provides that the Commission may undertake, or contract for the undertaking of, studies on the protection of human subjects of biomedical and behavioral programs and on research activities (such as research on recombinant DNA) which have or are likely to have significant implications for human health, as it deems appropriate. Requires the Commission's study to include the following: (1) identification of the basic ethic principles which should underlie the conduct of biomedical and behavioral research involving human subjects; (2) identification of the requirements for an individual who is a child, prisoner, member of the Armed Forces, institutionalized because of mental illness retardation, or his legal representative, to give informed consent to such individual's participation in biomedical and behavioral research conducted, supported or regulated by a Federal agency; (3) a study of past, present, and projected research in the modification of any living organism or virus by insertion of recombinant DNA molecules, the ethical, social, legal, and economic implications of such research; and the potential hazards posed by such research to the research personnel, the human subjects of such research, and the public at large; (4) a study of the scope and extent of personal injuries to, or death of, human subjects in the course of biomedical and behavioral research; (5) an identification of the basic ethical principles which should underlie the delivery of health services to patients in programs conducted or supported by a Federal agency; (6) a study to develop methods for the systematic assessment of the ethical, social, legal, and economic implications of the application in medical practice of significant advances in biomedical and behavioral research, technology, and diagnostic and therapeutic techniques. Directs the Commission to monitor the actions of, advise, and make recommendations to, Federal agencies with respect to the conduct of biomedical and behavioral research conducted, supported or regulated by such agencies and with respect to the implementation of such administrative actions as may be appropriate to apply the ethical principles, ethical guidelines, and informed consent requirements identified and developed in such studies to such research. Repeals provisions of the Public Health Service Act which create the National Advisory Council for the Protection of Subjects of Biomedical and Behavioral Research.
United States · United States Congress · 1 September 1976
National Commission on Regulatory Reform Act - Establishes the National Commission on Regulatory Reform. Directs the Commission to make a full and complete study of such regulatory activities of the independent regulatory agencies of the Federal Government as the Commission determines to be primarily economic in nature and to have a significant effect on the segments of the economy involving transportation, communication, the development and distribution of energy resources, or financial institutions. States that such study shall be undertaken to determine: (1) whether such regulatory activities have limited competition within such segments of the economy, and if they have, what the economic consequences have been; (2) whether such regulatory activities have, in other way, contributed to current economic difficulties, in particular inflation; and (3) whether changes need to be made with regard to such independent Federal establishments and their regulatory activities. Requires that such study shall include, with regard to each independent Federal establishment whose regulatory activities are included in such study: (1) an analysis of the purposes for which it was created, its structure and jurisdiction, the statutory framework governing its operation and activities, and the procedures and policies it has adopted; (2) an assessment of its effectiveness in carrying out its purposes; (3) an analysis of the costs and benefits of its various programs and policies, with particular reference to any adverse economic impact; and (4) an examination of the relationship between its regulatory activities and those of State and local regulatory agencies. Sets forth the membership, powers, and authority of the Commission. Directs the Commission to submit to the President and Congress within one year a report containing: (1) a statement of the status of the study being conducted pursuant to this Act; (2) a detailed statement of any findings made or conclusions reached by the Commission; and (3) any recommendations for legislation or administrative action, or both, deemed appropriate by the Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 31 August 1976
Arthritis, Diabetes, and Digestive Disease Amendments - Title I: Arthritis and Related Musculoskeletal Diseases - Amends the Public Health Service Act to repeal the authority of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to establish and support projects for the development and demonstration of methods for arthritis prevention. Stipulates that projects for the development and demonstration of arthritis screening, detection, and referral methods shall emphasize new and improved methods for dissemination of information to the general public. Authorizes the appropriation of $3,000,000 for fiscal year 1978, $4,000,000 for fiscal year 1979, and $5,000,000 for fiscal year 1980 for arthritis screening, detection, and referral data system demonstration projects. Amends the Public Health Service Act to require that arthritis centers established under such Act conduct arthritis research training programs for physicians and other health professionals. Authorizes the appropriation of $18,700,000 for fiscal year 1978, $19,000,000 for fiscal year 1979, and $20,000,000 for fiscal year 1980 to arthritis centers for arthritis screening, detection, and referral demonstration projects. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish a National Arthritis Advisory Board to: (1) review and evaluate the Arthritis Plan formulated under the National Arthritis Act of 1974; and (2) assure the most effective utilization and organization of arthritis resources. Makes provision for staffing and compensation of the Board. Authorizes the appropriation of $100,000 for fiscal year 1978 and such sums as may be necessary for each of the following two fiscal years to carry out the activities of the Board. Title II: Diabetes - 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 under the National Diabetes Mellitus Research and Education Act 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 1978 and such sums as are necessary for each of the four fiscal years thereafter. Authorizes, under the Public Health Service Act, the appropriation of specified sums in fiscal years 1978-1980 for the purpose of making grants to centers for research and training in diabetes mellitus and related endocrine and metabolic disorders. Title III: Digestive Diseases - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish a National Commission on Digestive Diseases. Directs the Commission to develop and recommend a long-range plan for the use of national resources to deal with digestive diseases, such plan to include provisions for: (1) research studies into the biological process related to digestive diseases; (2) investigations into the epidemiology, etiology, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and control of such diseases; (3) development of coordinated health care systems to combat digestive diseases; and (4) education and training of scientists, clinicians, educators, and allied health professionals in fields related to digestive diseases. Makes provision for staffing and compensation for the Commission. Directs the Commission to make a final report to Congress within 18 months of its initial meeting, such report to include the projected costs of implementing programs to combat digestive diseases, legislative recommendations, and a long-range plan for dealing with such diseases. Authorizes the appropriation of $1,500,000, without fiscal year limitation, to carry out the activities of the Commission. Directs the Secretary to establish a Coordinating Committee for Digestive Diseases to improve coordination among Federal agencies in the research, training, control, and treatment of digestive diseases.
United States · United States Congress · 30 August 1976
Bridge Safety Act - Title I: Bridge Program - Declares it to be the finding of Congress that a bridge repair and replacement program to enable a State to repair or replace highway bridges which are unsafe is in the vital interest of the Nation. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to approve Federal participation in a State project to repair or replace a bridge under a needs formula as established in this Act. Stipulates that the Federal share of any such project shall not exceed 90 percent of its cost. Authorizes appropriations out of the Highway Trust Fund of $180,000,000 for the period beginning July 1, 1976, and ending September 30, 1976, and $720,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 1977 through 1990 for such purpose. Title II: Extension of Highway Trust Fund and Certain Related Provisions - Extends appropriations under the Highway Revenue Act of 1956 for the Highway Trust Fund through fiscal year 1990. Extends the Land and Water Conservation Fund through fiscal year 1990. Postpones specified excise tax reductions under the Internal Revenue Code of 1954.
United States · United States Congress · 30 August 1976
Surplus School Conversion Act - Entitles taxpayers, under the Internal Revenue Code, to elect to take a deduction with respect to the amortization of any qualified school or hospital property based on a period of 180 months. Defines qualified school or hospital property to mean any building or other structure which is acquired by the taxpayer from a tax-exempt organization which used such structure to provide facilities for an educational institution or an institution which provided medical or custodial care. Makes technical and conforming amendments.
United States · United States Congress · 30 August 1976
Surplus School Conservation Act - Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to make grants to local agencies to pay the costs of renovating closed school buildings so they may be converted for other educational and social purposes. Suggests purposes for which conversion grants may be extended, including: (1) community centers; (2) senior citizen centers; (3) day care centers; (4) vocational schools; (5) medical facilities; and (6) recreational centers. Sets forth application requirements which local agencies must complete including: (1) structuring a plan for renovation of the closed school building; (2) estimating costs of such renovation; and (3) demonstrating to the Secretary's satisfaction sufficient financial ability to carry out the provisions of such plan. States that the amount of a grant under this Act shall be 80 percent of the estimated cost of renovation. Requires local agencies which receive a grant for more than the actual cost of renovation to return such surplus money to the Secretary. Sets priorities to be followed by the Secretary in approving applications for grants under this Act including: (1) an application for renovating a closed school building in a school district whose current school enrollments have decreased by ten percent or more from the school enrollments of the previous school year, and (2) an application for renovating a closed school building which is not being utilized for any educational or social service purpose at the time of application. Directs the Secretary to serve as a national clearinghouse to local agencies by providing information on feasible alternative uses for closed school buildings. Prohibits the distribution of more than ten percent of the funds appropriated by Congress for the program for grants in any fiscal year. Requires the Secretary to prepare and submit to the President and Congress: (1) a yearly report listing local agencies which received grants and the purposes for which such grants were made; and (2) a detailed evaluation of the effectiveness of the program based on cost analysis and a survey of school closure problems to be submitted at the end of three years.
United States · United States Congress · 25 August 1976
Prohibits foreign assistance to any nation which is subject to an air traffic suspension order for air piracy under the Aviation Act of 1958. Makes violation of such prohibition a felony punishable by a fine of not more than $10,000, or imprisonment for not more than two years, or both. Permits any person to bring an action in a district court of the United States without regard to amount in controversy to enforce such prohibition.
United States · United States Congress · 25 August 1976
Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to establish a minimum one year period with respect to a Presidential suspension of the right of air carriers to engage in transportation to or from countries which are determined to be aiding or abetting aircraft hijackers or with other countries which engage in transportation with such a country. Sets forth criminal penalties for violations of such a suspension order.
United States · United States Congress · 25 August 1976
Condemns North Korea for its continued acts of treachery culminating in the axe murders of two American officers and the wounding of five others. Directs the Speaker of the House to make known the regrets of the House to the wives and children and other survivors of Major Bonifas and Lieutenant Barrett.
United States · United States Congress · 25 August 1976
Directs the House Committee on Armed Services to make a study of the murder by members of the North Korean Armed Forces serving as guards at Panmunjom of two American Army officers attached to the United Nations Command, and other recent North Korean violations of the armistice agreement. Requires the committee to transmit a report to the House containing a statement of the findings of the committee no later than January 3, 1977.
United States · United States Congress · 25 August 1976
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should take such steps as may be necessary to place the threat to the peace created by the murder of two American Army officers attached to the United Nations Command by members of the North Korean Armed Forces serving as guards at Panmunjom, and other recent North Korean violations of the armistice agreement, on the agenda of the United Nations.
United States · United States Congress · 10 August 1976
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the President shall submit a full report to Congress on fundamental human rights and cultural freedoms in Romania with special emphasis on the national minorities, showing concrete measures taken to ameliorate their situation by the Romanian Government. Directs that should no ameliorative measures occur, it is the sense of the House that the 1975 United States-Romanian Trade Agreement and the most-favored-nation treatment of the Socialist Republic of Romania shall not be extended.
United States · United States Congress · 9 August 1976
Bridge Safety Act - Title I: Bridge Program - Declares it to be the finding of Congress that a bridge repair and replacement program to enable a State to repair or replace highway bridges which are unsafe is in the vital interest of the Nation. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to approve Federal participation in a State project to repair or replace a bridge under a needs formula as established in this Act. Stipulates that the Federal share of any such project shall not exceed 90 percent of its cost. Authorizes appropriations out of the Highway Trust Fund of $180,000,000 for the period beginning July 1, 1976, and ending September 30, 1976, and $720,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 1977 through 1990 for such purpose. Title II: Extension of Highway Trust Fund and Certain Related Provisions - Extends appropriations under the Highway Revenue Act of 1956 for the Highway Trust Fund through fiscal year 1990. Extends the Land and Water Conservation Fund through fiscal year 1990. Postpones specified excise tax reductions under the Internal Revenue Code of 1954.
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 · 5 August 1976
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that the amount of the charitable deduction allowed for expenses incurred in the operation of a motor vehicle shall include that portion of the costs of operating and maintaining such vehicle (including a reasonable allowance for depreciation) which is allocable to such operation, and shall be determined in the same manner as if such operation were in connection with a trade or business of the taxpayer.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1976
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt from excise tax buses purchased by tax exempt organizations or by other persons for exclusive use in furnishing transportation for a State or local government or a tax exempt organization (presently, transportation must be limited to students and employees of schools).
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1976
National Influenza Program - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish, conduct, and support activities necessary to carry out a national influenza immunization program. Directs the Secretary to make quarterly reports to Congress on the administration of such activities. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study of the scope and extent of liability for personal injuries arising out of immunization programs and of alternative approaches to providing protection against such liability and compensation for such injuries. Requires the Secretary to report the results of such study, along with legislative recommendations, to Congress within one year of enactment of these provisions. Makes the United States liable with respect to claims for personal injury or death resulting from the administration of vaccine under the immunization program. Establishes procedures under which all such claims will be asserted directly against the United States and makes such procedures the exclusive legal remedy.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1976
Commends the government and commando units of Israel for the rescue mission at Entebbe Airport. Disapproves efforts being undertaken by certain nations to condemn or censure Israel for such mission. Supports the United States-United Kingdom position at the United Nations condemning all acts of terrorism. Requests the President to engage in the negotiation of agreements with other nations to help prevent acts of terrorism.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1976
Urges the President to deny to any country granting sanctuary or aid to international terrorists the benefits of designation as a beneficiary developing country as relates to the Generalized System of Preferences and duty-free treatment for eligible articles.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 1976
Bridge Safety Act - Title I: Bridge Program - Declares it to be the finding of Congress that a bridge repair and replacement program to enable a State to repair or replace highway bridges which are unsafe is in the vital interest of the Nation. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to approve Federal participation in a State project to repair or replace a bridge under a needs formula as established in this Act. Stipulates that the Federal share of any such project shall not exceed 90 percent of its cost. Authorizes appropriations out of the Highway Trust Fund of $180,000,000 for the period beginning July 1, 1976, and ending September 30, 1976, and $720,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 1977 through 1990 for such purpose. Title II: Extension of Highway Trust Fund and Certain Related Provisions - Extends appropriations under the Highway Revenue Act of 1956 for the Highway Trust Fund through fiscal year 1990. Extends the Land and Water Conservation Fund through fiscal year 1990. Postpones specified excise tax reductions under the Internal Revenue Code of 1954.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 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. Provides that the name of any Member may be added or deleted as a sponsor of a bill, memorial, or resolution which has been introduced if a request on behalf of such Member is made by a Member to the Speaker prior to the enactment or adoption of such bill, memorial, or resolution by the House.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 1976
Provides that the fees payable to agents or attorneys who represent veterans in allowed claims under the veterans laws shall be paid by the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs rather than deducted from amounts awarded under the claims.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 1976
Amends Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to provide that attorneys' fees allowed in administrative or judicial proceedings under that Title (or under title XVIII (Medicare) of such Act), in cases where the claimants are successful, shall be paid by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare rather than deducted from the amounts awarded claimants.
United States · United States Congress · 2 July 1976
Directs the President to proclaim that Valentyn Moroz shall be an honorary citizen of the United States. Urges cooperation in observance of the principles of the Final Act of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Soviet Union as one of the signators to the Final Act should provide Valentyn Moroz with the opportunity to accept the invitation of Harvard University for the 1976-77 academic year.
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
Authorizes and requests the President to issue a proclamation designating the week beginning on November 7, 1976, as "National Respiratory Therapy Week".
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1976
National Commission on Regulatory Reform Act - Establishes the National Commission on Regulatory Reform. Directs the Commission to make a full and complete study of such regulatory activities of the independent regulatory agencies of the Federal Government as the Commission determines to be primarily economic in nature and to have a significant effect on the segments of the economy involving transportation, communication, the development and distribution of energy resources, or financial institutions. States that such study shall be undertaken to determine: (1) whether such regulatory activities have limited competition within such segments of the economy, and if they have, what the economic consequences have been; (2) whether such regulatory activities have, in other way, contributed to current economic difficulties, in particular inflation; and (3) whether changes need to be made with regard to such independent Federal establishments and their regulatory activities. Requires that such study shall include, with regard to each independent Federal establishment whose regulatory activities are included in such study: (1) an analysis of the purposes for which it was created, its structure and jurisdiction, the statutory framework governing its operation and activities, and the procedures and policies it has adopted; (2) an assessment of its effectiveness in carrying out its purposes; (3) an analysis of the costs and benefits of its various programs and policies, with particular reference to any adverse economic impact; and (4) an examination of the relationship between its regulatory activities and those of State and local regulatory agencies. Sets forth the membership, powers, and authority of the Commission. Directs the Commission to submit to the President and Congress within one year a report containing: (1) a statement of the status of the study being conducted pursuant to this Act; (2) a detailed statement of any findings made or conclusions reached by the Commission; and (3) any recommendations for legislation or administrative action, or both, deemed appropriate by the Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1976
Expresses the sense of the Congress of the United States that there shall be created for the House and Senate jointly an Office of Independent Auditor, who shall have the power to investigate and publicly report facts and recommendations pertaining to any alleged violation by a Member, officer, or employee of the House or Senate of any law, rule, regulation, or other standard of official conduct applicable to that individual's conduct in the performance of his or her duties.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1976
National School-Age Mother and Child Health Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to designated State agencies to meet part of the cost of planning and coordinating services for school age girls and their children. Sets forth requirements which the State plans must meet before receiving such grants, including: comprehensive health care to school-age girls (associated with the continuation of pregnancy) and to their children, family planning and counseling, infant and child day care and a coordinated program of social services. Directs that no identifying information of persons receiving services shall be collected by the Federal or State government. Authorizes the appropriation of $30,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 and for each of the next two succeeding fiscal years to carry out the purposes of this Act. Establishes a unit within the Maternal and Child Health Service of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare to administer and coordinate the program established by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1976
Opportunities Industrialization Centers Job Creation and Training Act - States that the purpose of this Act is to provide special authority for the Opportunities Industrialization Centers in order to create and provide job opportunities for specific unemployed persons who were particularly hard hit by the recent economic recession, and to provide opportunities for industry to create additional jobs for the unemployed in rural and urban communities. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to enter into a contract with Opportunities Industrialization Centers, Incorporated (OIC) in order to provide comprehensive employment services and jobs for unemployed persons. Requires each such contract to contain provisions assuring that specific requirements are complied with, including requirements that (1) special consideration in providing jobs will be given to unemployed persons who are most severely disadvantaged in terms of the length of time they have been unemployed; (2) due consideration will be given to persons who have participated in manpower training programs for whom unemployment opportunities would be otherwise available, and (3) the program will to the maximum extent feasible contribute to the elimination of artificial barriers to employment and occupational advancement. Sets forth special conditions to be met prior to providing financial assistance pursuant to a contract entered into under this Act. Requires the programs to contribute, to the maximum extent feasible, to the occupational development or upward mobility of individual participants. Prohibits the Secretary from providing financial assistance unless he determines that: (1) periodic reports will be submitted to him to measure the effectiveness of the program; (2) there will be no discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, political affiliation, or beliefs within the program; and (3) the participants in the program will not be employed in the construction, operation, or maintenance of sectarian religious facilities. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the provisions of this Act of $150,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, $200,000,000 for fiscal year 1978, $300,000,000 for fiscal year 1979, and $350,000,000 for fiscal year 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1976
Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the licensing of clinical laboratories. Sets forth the standards that must be met to receive and maintain such a license. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to publish, administer, and enforce national standards for clinical laboratories to assure consistent performance by the laboratories of accurate tests and other procedures. Authorizes the Secretary to delegate regulation and licensing authority to a State if the Secretary determines that such State: (1) has adopted standards for such laboratories and a system of licensure which are no less stringent than the national standards and licensing system; (2) has adopted and is implementing adequate enforcement procedures; (3) will keep records and make reports as the Secretary may require; (4) permits exemptions from the requirements which are no less stringent than exemptions from national standards; and (5) has adopted and can implement adequate procedures for the control of health hazards which may result from an activity of a clinical laboratory. Enumerates conditions under which the Secretary may suspend or revoke the license of a clinical laboratory. Authorizes anyone aggrieved by suspension or revocation of a clinical laboratory license to file a petition for review with the appropriate United States court of appeals. Makes all consequent judgments of such courts subject to review by the Supreme Court. Stipulates that any unlicensed person, requred to be licensed under this Act who solicits or accepts directly or indirectly any specimen for laboratory examination shall be fined not more than $10,000, imprisoned for not more than one year, or both. Stipulates that any owner, operator, or employee of a clinical laboratory who willfully engages in any false, fictitious, or fraudulent billing practice for the purpose of obtaining payment for laboratory services provided under specified Federal health assistance programs shall be fined not more than $10,000, imprisoned for not more than three years, or both. Stipulates that no unlicensed clinical laboratory required to be licensed by this Act may receive a grant, contract, or other form of financial assistance under the Public Health Service Act, or charge or collect for laboratory services for any entity which receives a grant, contract, or financial assistance under such Act. Prohibits discrimination by an employer against an employee who has commenced, participated in, or testified in any proceeding authorized by this Act. Allows employees so discriminated against to file a complaint with the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to investigate such complaints and provide relief or deny the complaint within 90 days of its receipt. Permits persons aggrieved by the Secretary's final action on such complaints to obtain review in the appropriate United States court of appeals. Authorizes agents of the Secretary to enter at reasonable times any clincial laboratory for inspection purposes. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to States with primary enforcement responsibility to assist in meeting the cost of administering programs for the regulation of clinical laboratories, such grants not to exceed 75% of the State's cost. Authorizes the appropriation of specified amounts in fiscal years 1979 through 1981 for the purpose of making such grants. Establishes in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare an advisory council on clinical laboratories to advise the Secretary with respect to: (1) regulations promulgated under this Act; and (2) coordination between the Federal and State laboratory regulatory programs to avoid duplicate enforcement. Directs the Secretary to establish within the Department an administrative unit to be responsible for the coordination of the regulatory functions authorized by this Act and for specified laboratory regulatory functions under the Social Security Act. Requires the Secretary to make an annual report to Congress on the accuracy of tests and procedures performed by clincial laboratores. Amends the Social Security Act to set forth procedures for determining costs and charges for clinical laboratory services and prohibits reimbursement to the extent that any cost or charge is found to be unreasonable. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study of: (1) existing voluntary certification standards and State licensure laws for clinical laboratory supervisors, technologists, and technicians; and (2) qualifications of entities that certify such personnel as qualified to perform clinical laboratory services. Requires the Secretary to submit to Congress a summary of information received through license exemption applications during the three-year period after national standards for clinical laboratories are promulagated. Directs the Secretary, on the basis of such information, to make recommendations on possible revision of clinical laboratory licensing exemptions.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1976
Drug Safety Amendments - Requires, under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, the insertion on packages of any drug which may be sold only upon prescription, the name and place of business of the manufacturer of the final dosage form of the drug and, if different, the name and place of business of the packer or distributor and, in the case of any other drug or device, the name and place of business of the manufacturer, packer, or distributor. Requires reports on, and recordkeeping pertaining to, clinical and preclinical investigation of drugs or substances intended for use as a drug. Provides that if the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare determines that any information obtained or received by him reasonably supports a conclusion that such a drug introduced for commercial distribution may present a significant hazard to human health, or may cause cancer in animals, he shall mail or cause to be mailed to all practitioners licensed by law to administer drugs, a summary of such information. Provides for the conditional approval of new drugs by the Secretary. Authorizes the Secretary to suspend approval of a drug application if a condition has not been met. Authorizes the Secretary, acting through the National Institutes of Health and in consultation with the Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, to support studies of the short-term or long-term use of drugs and alternative forms of drug therapy and studies involving the comparison of drugs. Authorizes the appropriation of $10,000,000 for each fiscal year for such studies. Requires the Secretary to make an annual report to the Congress on the activities undertaken or supported under this Act. Grants the Secretary authority to suspend approved applications for a new drug, a new animal drug, or a feed containing such a drug upon a finding that such suspension is necessary to reduce or eliminate a significant risk of illness or injury.
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 1976
Provides that funds shall not be expended from the contingent fund of the House of Representatives for allowances to Members, officers, or standing committees of the House except through the adoption of a resolution by the House of Representatives.
![Official portrait of Sen. Heinz, John [R-PA]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/h000456_200.jpg)