United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1977
Social Security Cost-of-Living Improvement Act - Requires an annual cost-of-living increase in Federal old-age, survivors, and disability benefits under the Social Security Act. Defines the base periods from which the need for such increases shall be determined. Directs the Secretary of Labor, in consultation with the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, to develop a special Consumer Price Index for the elderly.
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 1977
Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to increase from 50 to 90 the percentage of the cost of a water or waste project which the Department of Agriculture may fund by a grant to a local association. Requires that such a grant be in an amount that will leave the average domestic user payment rate in the area served by the project at no more than: (1) one percent of the median family income of the area if such income falls in the lowest 25 percentile of the national median income; (2) one-and-one-half percent, if the median income falls in the 26 to 49 percentile; (3) two percent, if the median income falls in the 50 to 74 percentile; or (4) two-and-one-half percent, if the median income is above the 75 percentile of the national median income. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to seek State and Federal assistance if the maximum amount of a grant will be insufficient to result in the applicable user cost limitation prescribed. Specifies conditions under which the Secretary may increase the amount of a grant. Revises the priorities for recipients of such grants to accord the highest priority to specified municipalities or public agencies which have a hazardous public health situation (currently, such priority is accorded to municipalities or public agencies which already have community water supply or waste disposal systems, when due to unanticipated occurrences such systems are suddenly inadequate to serve the community needs).
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow taxpayers maintaining households to elect either a $250 income tax credit or a $1,000 deduction for each dependent aged 65 or over who resides in their homes.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1977
Department of Education Act - Establishes an executive department to be known as the Department of Education to be administered by a Secretary of Education. States that the principal function of such Department is to promote the cause and advancement of education throughout the United States. Transfers to the Secretary specified functions of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare and the Commissioner of Education, and various educational responsibilities of other Federal agencies and instrumentalities. Creates the Federal Interagency Committee on Education and the National Advisory Commission on Education. Redesignates the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, and the Secretary of such Department, as the Department of Health and Welfare, and the Secretary of Health and Welfare.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1977
Small Business Development Center Act - Authorizes the Small Business Administration to make grants to universities to assist them in developing centers to provide small businesses with a broad range of advice, information, and assistance. Limits the amount of such grant to no more than 75 percent of the cost of eligible activities in the operation or development of the center, except for grants to regional centers assisting State centers in research or other high cost activities. Establishes a Small Business Management and Technical Assistance Division within the Small Business Administration to administer the Small Business Development Center program through a Deputy Associate Administrator. Establishes a Small Business Development Center Advisory Board composed of 14 members to advise and confer with the Deputy Associate Administrator for Management and Technical Assistance. Authorizes the Administration to make grants to universities, organizations, and business concerns to support research to solve problems which affect small business concerns.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1977
Requests the President of the United States to convene a White House Conference on Small Business with the help of the Senate Small Business Committee to develop recommendations, including suggestions for joint legislative and executive action, for revitalizing and maintaining the economic viability of the small business infrastructure.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that tax liens shall not be valid unless the fact of filing is entered and recorded in a public index at the State or local office where the notice is filed.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1977
Authorizes and requests the President of the United States to designate the week beginning on the Sunday preceding the fourth Thursday in November of each year as "National Family Week."
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1977
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide payment for rural health clinic services pursuant to program of Supplementary Medical Insurance Benefits for the aged and Disabled of such Title.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1977
Declares it the sense of the Senate that (1) the expulsion of George A. Krimsky is contrary to the Helsinki Declaration regarding the rights of journalists and the free flow of information, (2) such action invites reciprocal steps by the United States, and (3) the United States and the Soviet Union should seek greater communication in this area to prevent such occurrences in the future.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1977
Amends the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act of 1975 to change the frequency of reimbursement to Senators for rental payments and operating costs of mobile offices in their home States from quarterly to monthly.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1977
Victims of Crime Act - Directs the Attorney General to make grants to qualified State programs for the compensation of victims of crime. Specifies requirements for program certification, including that the program (1) offer compensation for personal injuries suffered as a result of certain State and Federal crimes, (2) offer compensation to surviving dependents of persons whose deaths resulted from being victim to such a crime, (3) require cooperation with law enforcement agencies as a condition for recovery, (4) grant claimants the right to a hearing, and (5) subrogate the State to any claim the victim or dependent has against the perpetrator to the extent of the amount compensated by the State. States that grants made under this Act shall total 50 percent of the allowable compensation paid to victims and dependent survivors of victims of State crimes designated by the State as appropriate for compensation under this program and 100 percent of the allowable compensation paid to victims and dependent survivors of victims of crimes which would constitute designated State crimes except for the fact that the crime is subject to exclusive Federal jurisdiction. Limits compensation with respect to any single claim to (1) loss resulting from medical and related treatment, physical and occupational therapy and rehabilitation, and past and anticipated future earnings up to $200 per week and (2) a total of $50,000. Establishes an Advisory Committee on Victims of Crime to advise the Attorney General with respect to the administration of this Act and the compensation of victims of crime.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1977
Safe Tanker Preference Act - Prohibits tankers from off-loading oil in any port or place in the United States or in the navigable waters of the United States or the waters of a fishery conservation zone if such oil will be subsequently landed within the United States unless such vessel is a class I tanker. Defines class I tankers as those vessels which are built in, and are under the registry of, the United States, and which are equipped with the best available pollution prevention technology as prescribed by the Secretary of Transportation, including separate ballast capacity and specified navigational and monitoring devices. Defines class II tankers as vessels which are documented under the laws of a foreign country and which are certified as conforming to such standards. Defines class III tankers as all tankers not included in classes I or II. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to waive such prohibition in domestic commerce if a class I tanker is unavailable and there is a necessity for such waiver. Requires the use of class I tankers for the transportation of oil in the foreign commerce of the United States. Authorizes the use of class II tankers where no class I tanker is available at fair and reasonable rates. Authorizes the use of class III tankers only when a class I or II tanker is unavailable at fair and reasonable rates. Authorizes appropriations in such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1977
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide payment for optometric and medical vision care under the supplementary medical insurance program.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1977
National Meals-on-Wheels Act - Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to allow States to distribute Federal Funds for the establishment of: (1) projects to provide home-delivered meals to qualified homebound elderly persons; (2) an information and referral system for homebound individuals receiving such meals; and (3) an operation to seek volunteer personnel for the delivery of such meals and to compensate such personnel for related transportation expenses. Authorizes the appropriation of specified sums in fiscal years 1978 and 1979 for the purpose of providing home-delivered meals under this Act. Limits to five percent the amount of such funds which may be spent upon the administration of such program. Directs the Commissioner of the Administration on Aging to conduct a demonstration project involving at least three States to determine the feasibility of using the meals system designed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration for the elderly as a component of, or substitute for, regular nutrition projects assisted under the Older Americans Act of 1965.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1977
Extends up to three years the delimiting period of educational benefits paid by the Veterans' Administration to any veteran who was enrolled as a full-time student pursuing an approved course of education when his eligibility expired, or was enrolled as a part-time student receiving educational benefits, a loan or compensation under a program provided for in the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1977
Emergency Natural Gas Act - Authorizes the President to declare natural gas emergencies where severe natural gas shortages threaten the supply of natural gas for high-priority uses in areas of the United States. Authorizes the President to order transfers of supplies of interstate natural gas from one pipeline to another, or order the construction and operation of additional facilities to alleviate natural gas shortages. Stipulates that no such delivery or transportation may continue after April 30, 1977. Stipulates that such transfers as ordered by the President shall not subject the pipeline to regulation under the Natural Gas Act or other provisions of State or Federal law. Establishes procedures for enforcement orders and subpenas issued under this Act. Establishes criteria for compensation of pipelines for compliance with such orders. Exempts activities pursuant to this Act from the antitrust laws. Authorizes the President to require contracts for purchases of emergency supplies of natural gas before August 1, 1977. Stipulates that such transactions shall be exempt from Federal Power Commission regulation under the Natural Gas Act. Imposes civil and criminal penalties for violations of orders issued under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1977
Authorizes the Joint Committee on the Library to procure a bust or statue of Martin Luther King, Junior, and to cause such sculpture to be placed in a suitable location in the Capitol. Authorizes appropriations of not more than $25,000 to carry out this concurrent resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1977
Declares it to be the sense of Congress that wasteful energy consumption in the United States must be eliminated. Requests the President to call for a National Energy Crusade and to designate an Energy Conservation Month. Requests the President to report to the Congress and to the nation on the status of energy conservation initiatives.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1977
Commercial Fisheries Improvement Fund Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to make long-term, low interest, incentive loans for investment in shoreside facilities and fishing vessels for underutilized fisheries. Requires the Secretary, before approving a loan for the purchase of a new or used vessel, to determine that the applicant's contemplated operation of such vessel in a fishery will not cause economic hardship or injury to efficient vessels already operating in that fishery. Directs that loans made pursuant to this Act be made only to citizens or nationals of the United States. Stipulates that no corporation, partnership, or association organized under the laws of American Samoa shall be deemed a national of the United States unless 75 percent of the interest therein is owned by nationals or citizens of the United States. Establishes in the U.S. Treasury a Commercial Fisheries Improvement Fund to be used by the Secretary to make loans under this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of $250,000,000 as initial capital for all loans under this Act. Repeals provisions of the Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956 which make available loans for the financing or refinancing of the cost of purchasing, constructing, equipping, maintaining, repairing, or operating commercial fishing vessels or gear. Directs that any outstanding loans made under such provisions be handled in accordance with this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1977
Makes it unlawful for any individual or entity to solicit to enroll or enroll any member of the armed forces in any labor organization or for any member to encourage others to join or to actively support any military labor organization. Sets forth penalties for violation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow limited income tax credit for the higher education expenses paid for the taxpayer, his spouse, and his dependents.
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 1977
Medicare-Medicaid Anti-Fraud and Abuse Amendments - Amends Titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require that Medicare and Medicaid payments be made directly to the physician or other person providing the service involved. Allows payment in accordance with an assignment from the person or institution providing care or service if such assignment is made to a governmental agency or entity or is established by the order of a court of competent jurisdiction or to an agent of such person or institution if the agency does so pursuant to an agency agreement under which the compensation to be paid to the agency for his services or in connection with the billing or collection of payments due such person or institution under the plan is unrelated to the amount of such payments or the billings thereof, and is not dependent upon the actual collection of any such payment. States that the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare shall by regulation (or by contract provision) provide that any entity (other than a public agency) which is a provider or supplier that furnishes or arranges for the furnishing of items or services with respect to which payment is claimed under Title XVIII, Title V (Maternal and Child Welfare), or under Title XIX of the Social Security Act to a party to an agreement with the Secretary under such titles shall promptly comply with any request, specifically addressed to that entity by the Secretary or the Comptroller General of the United States, for information concerning ownership, control, or costs of such entities. Increases the maximum penalty for defrauding the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Authorizes the Comptroller General of the United States to sign and issue subpoenas for the purpose of any audit, investigation, examination, analysis, review, evaluation, or other function authorized by law with respect to any program authorized under this Act. Requires the Secretary to suspend any physician or practitioner from participation in the Medicare or Medicaid programs whenever such individual is convicted of a criminal offense related to their involvement in such programs. Conditions participation in or certification or recertification under the programs established by titles XVIII, XIX, and XX (Grants to States for Services) upon disclosure of the name of any person who: (1) has a direct or indirect ownership or control interest of five percent or more in such provider, institution, organization, or agency; and (2) has been convicted of a criminal offense related to the involvement of such person in any of such programs. Prohibits expenditure under the Medicaid plan to the extent that any agency, organization, or other person (other than a member of the individual's family) would have been obligated by a State law or contract to provide such care or services but for a provision of the State law or contract which limits or excludes such obligation because the individual is eligible for or receives care or services under the plan.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1977
Earthquake Hazards Reduction Act - Directs the President to establish an earthquake hazard reduction program. Lists the objectives of such program, including: (1) the development of technology to make new and existing structures earthquake resistant; (2) the implementation of an earthquake prediction system in areas of high and moderate seismic risk; and (3) the development of model codes and other means to coordinate information about seismic risk with land use policy and building activity. Specifies the Federal agencies which are to participate in, and identifies activities to be conducted under, the program. Establishes a National Advisory Committee on Earthquake Hazard Reduction to review and advise the President on matters regarding the earthquake hazard reduction program. Authorizes the appropriation of designated sums for fiscal years 1978-1980 to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1977
Directs the Secretary of Transportation to take such action as may be appropriate to encourage States to establish highway assistance patrols to assist motorists having mechanical or other problems. Requires the Secretary to conduct a study of the effectiveness of such patrols and to report the results of such study to the Congress. (Adds 23 U.S.C. 406)
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1977
Postal Reorganization Act Amendments - Requires that all revenues and fees collected by the Postal Service be deposited in the general fund of the United States Treasury. Authorizes appropriations to the Postal Service for its operation and requires that such sums be deposited in the Postal Service Fund. Requires the Postal Service to present specified budgetary and financial information to the appropriate Congressional committees when requesting appropriations. Reclassifies income as revenue for purposes of the Act. Sets limitations on the amounts and purposes for which obligations may be issued by the Postal Service. Places the United States Postal Service within the executive branch of the Government. Abolishes the Board of Governors. Makes the Postmaster General the head of the Postal Service, and requires that such individual and the Deputy Postmaster General be appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. Sets forth the staff structure for Assistant Postmasters General and judicial officers. Gives the Postmaster General power to delegate authority to other Postal Service employees. Requires the Postmaster General to transmit an annual report to the President and Congress. Sets forth the duties and powers of the Postal Rate Commission, and procedures for appellate review of decisions.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1977
Energy Policy Act - Requires all agencies of the Federal Government, to the fullest extent possible, to utilize a systematic, interdisciplinary approach to insure the integrated use of both physical and social sciences in producing, conserving, and utilizing the Nation's energy resources. Establishes the Council on Energy Policy in the Executive Office of the President to: (1) serve as the principal adviser to the President on energy policy; (2) make recommendations to the President and Congress for resolving conflict between the policies relating to energy of different Federal agencies; and (3) keep Congress fully and currently informed of all its activities. Directs the Council to promulgate guidelines for the preparation of energy resource statements by other Federal agencies. Requires that such guidelines be implemented for major Federal activities that affect energy resources. Directs the Council to prepare and submit to the President and Congress annually an energy report to accompany the Energy Plan to be prepared by the Council under this Act. Specifies that the Energy Plan shall be for the purposes of energy development, utilization, and conservation. Authorizes the appropriation of the following amounts to carry out the purposes of this Act: $1,000,000 for fiscal year 1978; $2,000,000 for fiscal year 1979; and $4,000,000 for each fiscal year thereafter.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1977
National Energy Mobilization Act - Title I: National Energy Mobilization Board - Establishes in the executive branch an independent agency to be known as the National Energy Mobilization Board. Authorizes the Board to enter into contracts to acquire and dispose of property and to take such other measures as necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act. Title II: Authorized Energy Programs - Directs the Board to estimate energy needs of the United States and to establish domestic energy production and conservation targets. Stipulates that such targets shall be set in annual increments over a ten-year period. Authorizes the Board to identify and monitor the activities of private and governmental entities necessary to achieve such targets. Empowers the Board to obtain such information as necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act. Authorizes the Board to require the allocation of essential supplies of materials and equipment necessary to maximize domestic energy supplies. Directs the Board to establish a Federal energy resource assessment program. Directs the Board to study the feasibility and material needs of one or more oil and natural gas pipeline routes from the Naval Petroleum Reserve Number Four in Alaska. Directs the Board to submit periodic reports to Congress on the progress of such study. Authorizes the Board to prepare a Federal Facilities Energy Program to utilize idle or surplus resources of the Federal Government to augment the production of domestic energy resources. Directs the Board to review and evaluate Federal agency procedures in order to identify areas where unreasonable procedural delays and impediments can be eliminated. Title III: Programs Requiring Express Legislative Authorization - Directs the Board to prepare a Federal Coal Production Program consisting of a legislative recommendation for the accelerated exploration and production of domestic coal resources. Directs the Board to develop a Federal Energy Transportation System Improvement Program consisting of legislative recommendations for programs to assure the development of energy-efficient transportation systems. Authorizes the Board to prepare an Energy Capital Investment Program, designed to make adequate capital available for private investment in the production, development and transportation of conventional energy supplies. Stipulates that no program under this title shall be carried out until a report describing the program has been transmitted to the Congress. Authorizes the Board to make loan guarantees for high-priority energy projects, up to a maximum of $100,000,000 for any one project. Establishes eligibility criteria for such projects. Title IV: Advisory Committees and Interagency Coordination - Authorizes the Board to establish advisory committees to consult with the Board during the development of any program established pursuant to this Act. Directs all agencies of the Federal Government to develop techniques to conserve energy resources. Title V: General Provisions - Directs the Board to develop an affirmative action plan to assure that no person shall be excluded from participating in any program initiated by the Board on the grounds of race, creed, color, national origin, or sex. Stipulates that this Act shall terminate September 30, 1980. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as necessary to carry out the objectives of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1977
Grants a Federal charter to the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association. Declares that the purposes of such corporation are to encourage the study of events relating to the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and to shield from neglect the graves of those who served there during the attack.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1977
Energy Transportation Security Act - Amends the Merchant Marine Act, 1936, to direct the Secretary of Commerce to require that at least 20 percent of the gross tonnage of oil transported in bulk on ocean vessels for import into the United States be carried on privately owned United States-flag commercial vessels, provided that the Secretary finds that such United States vessels as are available will be adequate to carry such quantity. Raises the requirement to 25 percent after June 30, 1978, and to 30 percent after June 30, 1980. Requires the Secretary to make annual reports to the Congress and the President on the implementation of this Act. Exempts from the provisions of this Act refineries whose capacity is less than 30,000 barrels per day.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1977
Allows a tax deduction, without limitation, under the Internal Revenue Code, for medical expenses paid for a dependent who: (1) has not attained the age of 19 before the close of the taxable year and is suffering from a physical or mental impairment or defect which has been in existence for more than three months and results in a substantial loss, or loss of use in a normal manner, of any substantial portion of the musculoskeletal system, or results in a substantial loss of vision, hearing, or speech; or (2) has attained the age of 19 before the close of the taxable year and is suffering from a physical or mental impairment or defect described in (1) which commenced prior to attaining such age.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow taxpayers to credit against the income tax specified higher education expenses, including tuition, fees, books, and supplies, incurred by the taxpayer for himself or any dependent. Limits the credit to 75 percent of the first $200 for any individual, 25 percent of the next $300, and 10 percent of the next $1,000. Limits the credit to expenses incurred by full time students at institutions of vocational and higher education, minus scholarships and veterans' benefits. Limits the total credit allowed the taxpayer to his income tax liability minus the sum of all other credits applied thereto. Disallows any deduction of educational expenses used to determine the amount of the credit allowed by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1977
Fair Marketing of Petroleum Products Act - Prohibits refiners or distributors of petroleum products from canceling, failing to renew, or otherwise terminating a franchise unless the retailer or distributor whose franchise is terminated failed to comply substantially with any essential and reasonable requirement of such franchise or failed to act in good faith in carrying out the terms of such franchise, or unless such refiner or distributor withdraws entirely from the sale of refined petroleum products in commerce for sale other than resale in the United States. Limits the marketing activities of a person who is a major market shareholder, as such term is defined in this Act, prohibiting the establishment of new distributorships or retail outlets the personnel of which are under the control of such person or under the control of an entity controlled by such person if such activity would yield to such shareholder a specified share of the market for petroleum products. Sets forth procedural and jurisdictional requirements for suits brought as result of violation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to limit the application of the Tax Reform Act's elimination of the sick pay exclusion for persons who have not retired on total disability, to taxable years beginning after December 31, 1976.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1977
Declares the sense of Congress that, simultaneously with the issuance of a general amnesty or pardon for United States draft evaders of the Vietnam era, a Presidential Task Force on Missing in Action and Prisoners of War should be established to propose courses of action to achieve the fullest possible accounting for all Americans listed as missing in Southeast Asia, including the return of remains, and to make recommendations concerning Federal policies relating to prisoners of war and missing in action.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1976
Department of the Environment and Oceans Act - Title I: Organization of the Department - Establishes an executive Department of the Environment and Oceans. Includes as component units of such Department the United States Coast Guard, the Corps of Engineers, the Environmental Protection Agency, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and various functions currently in the Department of the Interior. Establishes, under the Secretary of the Environment and Oceans, the offices of Deputy Secretary of the Environment and Oceans, Assistant Secretary for Policy, Assistant Secretary for Inter-governmental Relations and Public Information, Assistant Secretary for Administration, and Assistant Secretary for Science and Technology. Establishes Assistant Secretaries for Air Quality, Water Quality, Oceans, Recreation and Parks, Environmental Hazards, Atmospheric Services, and the Coast Guard. Title II: Powers and Duties of the Secretary - Lists the powers and duties of the Secretary of the Department. Requires the filing of an annual report with the Congress on the activities of the Department. Authorizes the Secretary to commence litigation to enforce Acts within the Department's jurisdiction should the Attorney General decline to proceed within 45 days of request. Establishes procedures for public access to information. Title III: Clean Air Administration - Transfers responsibilities of the Environmental Protection Agency with respect to air quality to the Clean Air Administration, to be within the Department. Title IV: Water Quality Administration - Transfers responsibilities for water quality from the Environmental Protection Agency to the Water Quality Administration, within the new Department. Title V: National Oceans Administration - Transfers responsibilities of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration with respect to oceans to the National Oceans Administration, an agency of the new Department. Title VI: Recreation and Parks Administration - Establishes a Recreation and Parks Administration within the new Department. Title VII: Environmental Hazards Control Administration - Transfers responsibility of the Environmental Protection Agency with respect to toxic substances, radiation, pesticides, noise pollution, and solid waste, to the Environmental Hazards Control Administration, within the new Department. Title VIII: Atmospheric Services Administration - Transfers responsibilities of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration with respect to weather prediction and atmospheric services to the Atmospheric Services Administration, within the new Department. Lists additional functions, duties, and powers with respect to weather monitoring and prediction assigned to the Administration. Title IX: United States Coast Guard - Transfers the Coast Guard to the new Department. Title X: Miscellaneous Provisions - Lists the provisions of the law to be administered by the Secretary. Establishes procedures for implementation of the provisions of this Act through a Special Committee on Implementation. Amends or repeals miscellaneous provisions of law to conform with the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 1976
Establishes a Compact of Permanent Union between Puerto Rico and the United States. Delineates the legal and political framework for this union. Recognizes the right of the people of Puerto Rico to govern themselves according to their own Constitution and laws, and the right of the United States Government to exercise authority and powers specified in the Compact. Reserves all other political and governmental authority to Puerto Rico or to the people of Puerto Rico. Recognizes the Supreme Court of the United States as the final adjudicator of this Compact, including the decision as to whether the laws of the United States or of Puerto Rico conform to this compact and applicable provisions of the Constitution of the United States. Grants the United States responsibility for foreign affairs and defense affecting Puerto Rico. Provides that Puerto Rico may conclude educational, cultural, health, sporting, professional, industrial, agricultural, financial, commercial, scientific, and technical agreements with foreign countries and may participate in specialized agencies of international organizations dealing in these matters. Makes all persons born in Puerto Rico citizens of the United States with all attenuant rights, privileges, and immunities, as well as duties. Grants United States citizens residing in Puerto Rico the same rights, privileges and immunities as well as duties established by the Constitution and laws of Puerto Rico. States that the currency of the United States shall be the exclusive currency of Puerto Rico, and all United States law relating to currency, coinage, gold, and silver are applicable to Puerto Rico. Directs that economic, trade, and commercial relations between the United States and Puerto Rico shall be conducted within the framework of the common market between the two entities. Prohibits tariffs, customs, or duties on trade between the two countries and makes provisions for regulating proceeds of customs, duties, licenses and tariffs collected in or in respect to imports into Puerto Rico from other countries. Directs the United States to take into account Puerto Rico's stage of economic development in all international trade negotiations, and to protect and promote Puerto Rico's economic interests. Makes all property acquired in Puerto Rico by the United States under the cession of Spain in the treaty of peace of December 10, 1898, and not subsequently disposed of, the property of Puerto Rico. Permits the United States to use for public purposes all property which is now being used for such purposes. Allows the President of the United States to convey from time to time to Puerto Rico any lands, buildings, or interests in lands or other property of the United States within the territorial limits of Puerto Rico which are deemed no longer necessary for the purposes of the United States. Limits the applicability of United States income tax laws to residents of Puerto Rico to that income derived from United States or foreign sources. Establishes full reciprocity between the United States and Puerto Rico and other bodies politic of the United States. Establishes a voting Representative from Puerto Rico in the United States House of Representatives who shall be elected according to the laws of Puerto Rico. Declares that such a Representative shall have all rights, privileges and immunities of such members as are compatible with the Constitution of the United States and as provided by the House of Representatives. Applies all Federal laws to Puerto Rico which are presently applicable. Sets forth methods for objecting to and denying applicability of future legislation which affects Puerto Rico. Permits the assignment of Federal functions to Puerto Rico which would otherwise be vested in the Government of the United States by law. Sets forth the procedures through which such transfers may occur. Places the primary responsibility for protecting and improving the environmental quality of Puerto Rico with Puerto Rico. States that environmental regulations promulgated by Puerto Rico shall be presumptively valid, and not disapproved or superceded by Federal regulations unless they are determined to be clearly injurious to the health and safety of the Puerto Rican people. Creates a Joint Commission on United States-Puerto Rico Relations to assist in bringing the legal and administrative relations between the United States and Puerto Rico into further conformity with the fundamental objectives of this Compact. Enumerates tasks of the Joint Commission, including: (1) to study desirability of retaining, modifying or eliminating application of specified Federal laws to Puerto Rico, and methods of implementing Commission policy decisions; (2) to study other possible transfers of Federal functions to agencies of Puerto Rico, and methods of implementing such transfers; and (3) to study the desirability of recommending a system of contributory payments from the Government of Puerto Rico to the Treasury of the United States in such ways as to not impede the socio-economic development of Puerto Rico. Establishes a United States district court for Puerto Rico and grants this court the same powers as other U.S. district court. Sets forth the procedures and jurisdiction of the U.S. district court for Puerto Rico in general. Applies all immigration laws, rules, regulations, and procedures of the United States to Puerto Rico. States that in order to become effective, this Compact must be approved by the Congress of the United States and by the electorate of Puerto Rico in a special referendum called for that purpose by the Legislative Assembly of Puerto Rico. Establishes an amending procedure to this Compact, which may be modified only by mutual agreement between the Government of the United States and the Government of Puerto Rico with the approval of the electorate of Puerto Rico.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 1976
Government Economy and Spending Reform Act - Title I: Authorizations of New Budget Authority - Terminates all budget authority for Federal programs on specified dates according to the functional or subfunctional category of each program as set forth in the fiscal year 1977 budget. Requires the Comptroller General to report to Congress by April 1, 1977, on specified programs with respect to the laws under which such program is carried on, the amount of new budget authority received by such program during the four fiscal years ending before April 1, 1977, and to identify programs for which no outlays have been made during the last two fiscal years ending before April 1, 1977. Prohibits providing new budget authority after the applicable review date set forth in this Act unless the provision of such budget authority is specifically authorized by law or the standing rules of either House of Congress. Title II: Zero-Base Program Review - Sets forth a timetable for Congressional zero-base review of new budget authority. Defines "zero-base review" as an evaluation of a given program to determine the merits of its continuation at a level less than, equal to, or more than its existing level. Requires each congressional committee conducting a zero-based program review to adopt tentative and final review plans, receive reports from the Comptroller General and Federal agencies on the program being reviewed, and report to their respective House the results of such zero-base review of the program. Sets forth minimum objectives of inquiry for such reviews. Requires that any committee reporting pursuant to this Act recommend the extent to which any program reviewed should be continued or eliminated. Title III: Continuing Review - Amends the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1970 to require, whenever the Comptroller General issues a report which discloses any substantial deficiency in the achievement of the objectives of any Federal program, the agency conducting such program to report to specified congressional committees 60 days after such report and every six months thereafter to deliniate the actions taken with respect to such deficiency. Requires that such agency continue to issue such reports until such time as the Comptroller General determines that no purpose is served by their submission. Amends the Budget and Accounting Act, 1921, to require the inclusion in the Budget of a statement of the specific objectives of each Government program, and a comparison, in each subsequent Budget, of the achievement of such objectives for the last completed fiscal year with the planned objectives of such year. Title IV: Citizens Bicentennial Commission on the Organization and Operation of Government - Establishes the Citizens' Bicentennial Commission on the Organization and Operation of Government, an independent agency of 18 members to study Federal agencies. Directs the Commission to make recommendations to the President and Congress for the restructuring of such agencies to improve their efficiency. Requires the Commission to submit its final report by September 30, 1979, and terminate it 90 days thereafter. Authorizes to be appropriated without fiscal year limitation $12,000,000 to carry out the provisions of this title. Title V: Miscellaneous - Requires the Director of Management and Budget to study the feasibility of zero-base budgeting for Federal agencies. Requires the Director of the Congressional Budget Office to study the feasibility of personnel ceilings on employees of the United States and their relationships to alternative methods of carrying out the activities of such employees. Requires that such reports be submitted to Congress. Requires Federal agency heads to report requests for new budget authority to Congress. Requires specified committees to study the effectiveness of the zero-base review procedures required by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1976
Expresses the Senate's gratitude to Mike Mansfield of Montana for his participation in the Government and his service on behalf of the Nation's people.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 1976
Medicare-Medicaid Anti-Fraud Act - Establishes within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, an Office of Central Fraud and Abuse Control. Provides that such Office shall have the overall responsibility for directing and establishing policies with respect to the undertaking of activities which are designed to deal with fraud and abuse in the Maternal and Child Health and Crippled Children's Services, Medicare and Medicaid. Specifies that the Office shall also have responsibility for investigating alleged fraud or abuse in any such program, and assisting State agencies, at their request, in the establishment and operation of State antifraud and abuse activities. Directs that no payment for Medicare service may be made to a person claiming such payment under an assignment, including a power of attorney, but may be made to an agent of the person furnishing such service. Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare or the Comptroller General to require providers or suppliers of items or services, with respect to which payment is claimed under one of the programs within the jurisdiction of the Office, to furnish specified information including the following: (1) the identity of persons having ownership interest in such entity; and (2) a consolidated certified costs report with respect to its costs and charges, including costs and charges of related organizations. Specifies sanctions which shall be imposed upon entities which fail to comply with requests for information. Increases the penalties for defrauding the Medicare or Medicaid programs. Provides that it shall be a felony (presently misdemeanor) punishable by imprisonment of up to five years for such an offense. States that where a Professional Standards Review Organization is found competent by the Secretary to assume review responsibility with respect to specified types of health care services or specified providers or practitioners of such services and is performing such reviews, such reviews shall constitute the conclusive determination on those issues for purposes of payment under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 31 August 1976
Rural Energy Office Act - Establishes within the Department of Agriculture an Office of Rural Energy Assessment and Development whose Director shall be appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture. Makes such Office responsible for identifying, developing, and compiling data pertaining to fuel and other energy needs of persons residing in rural areas. Requires the Office to submit biennial reports to Congress containing an accounting of the findings and conclusions of the Office with respect to the following subject matters as they relate to the needs of persons in rural areas: (1) the heating and cooling of residential dwelling units; (2) transportation; (3) the production of agricultural commodities; (4) the energy needs of businesses and industries; (5) sources of electricity; (6) conservation of energy; and (7) energy research and development. Requires the Office to provide such report to specified committees of Congress and directs such committees to cooperate in publishing and making available to the public every six months a document containing the most recent information provided by the Office. Establishes a civil fine to be assessed against the Director of such Office if the Director fails to submit such reports by the dates specified in this Act. Requires specified executive departments and independent regulatory bodies to submit a copy of any proposed regulation which relates to an energy matter referred to in this Act, to the Secretary of Agriculture for such Secretary's comments and recommendations. Authorizes appropriations in such amounts as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act. Terminates the Office and provisions of this Act in five years.
United States · United States Congress · 27 August 1976
Designates the extension of the Senate Office Building presently under construction pursuant to the Supplemental Appropriations Act, 1973, as the "Philip A. Hart Office Building."
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1976
Amends the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 to permit the Secretary of Agriculture to allow owners or operators of farms in eligible counties in South Carolina who have suffered a loss of ten percent or more of their tobacco acreage due to a natural disaster, to lease all or part of their tobacco allotment or quota to owners or operators in the same or other counties within the State.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 1976
Endangered American Wilderness Act - Designates specified lands in the following national forests as components of the National Wilderness Preservation System: (1) Umatilla National Forest, Washington and Oregon; (2) Inyo and Sequoia National Forests, California; (3) Coronado National Forest, Arizona; (4) Tongass National Forest, Alaska; (5) Wasatch and Uinta National Forests, Utah; (6) Cibola National Forest, New Mexico; (7) Los Padres National Forest, California; (8) Mendocino National Forest, California; and (9) Willamette National Forest, Oregon. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to review the feasibility and suitability of designating as wilderness specified lands in the following national forests: (1) White River National Forest, Colorado; (2) Lolo and Kootenai National Forests, Montana; and (3) Coronado National Forest, Arizona.
![Official portrait of Sen. Hollings, Ernest F. [D-SC]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/h000725_200.jpg)