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
Constitutional Amendment - Provides that the people of the several States, and the District of Columbia, shall elect the President and Vice President. Requires each elector to cast a single vote for two persons who shall have consented to the joining of their names as candidates for the offices of President and Vice President. Requires the electors of President and Vice President in each State to have the qualifications requisite for electors of the most numerous branch of the State legislature, except that for electors of President and Vice President, the legislature of any State may prescribe less restrictive residence qualifications and for electors of President and Vice President the Congress may establish uniform residence qualifications. Provides that the pair of persons having the greatest number of votes for President and Vice President shall be elected, if such number be at least 40 percent of the whole number of votes cast for such offices. Provides that if no pair of persons has such number, a runoff election shall be held in which the choice of President and Vice President shall be made from the two pairs of persons who received the highest numbers of votes. Requires the days for such elections to be determined by Congress and to be uniform throughout the United States. Requires Congress to prescribe by law the time, place, and manner in which the results for such elections shall be ascertained and declared. Allows Congress to provide for the case of the death, inability, or withdrawal of any candidate for President or Vice President before a President and Vice President have been elected, and for the case of the death of both the President-elect and Vice President-elect.
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 Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to authorize payment for specified services performed by chiropractors, including x-rays and physical examinations, and related routine laboratory tests.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1977
Civil Rights Improvements Act - Declares the right to enjoy one's reputation as a right secured by the due process clause of the fourteenth amendment for purposes of provisions authorizing civil suits against persons depriving others under color of law of their constitutional and Federal statutory rights. Renders a State, unit of local government, or agency thereof, liable for damages and subject to injunctions for acts of its agents which result in the deprivation of such rights if: (1) the official directly responsible for the employee who committed such violation either directed or encouraged the violation or failed to act to remedy a pervasive pattern of unconstitutional or unlawful conduct by the employee; or (2) the party seeking relief establishes that one or more government officers engaged in grossly negligent conduct in violation of his rights but cannot identify, or prove causation with regard to, any such officer. Renders a prosecuting officer of a State, municipality, or other unit of local government liable for damages or subject to an injunction for failure to disclose to the defendant in any criminal proceeding, upon the request of such defendant or his counsel, all material evidence which such officer knows or reasonably should know is exculpatory to the defendant. Prohibits a Federal court from refusing to proceed in a civil action for the deprivation of civil rights by persons acting under color of law on the ground that either: (1) the action contains an undecided issue of State law the resolution of which could make unnecessary a decision on the Federal issues; or (2) the plaintiff has failed to exhaust State remedies. Prohibits, except under extraordinary circumstances, a Federal court from proceeding in a civil action for the deprivation of civil rights by a person acting under color of law if there is pending in a State or local court a criminal action against the plaintiff based on the same facts. Authorizes the Federal court to enjoin such a criminal action if such a civil action is pending at the time of its institution. Prohibits a Federal court from refusing to hear a civil action for the deprivation of constitutional or Federal statutory rights by persons acting under color of law or res judicata or collateral estoppel grounds based upon State or local proceedings, but limits relief which a Federal court may grant under such circumstances.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1977
Bill of Rights Procedures Act - Title I: Confidentiality of Financial, Toll, and Credit Records - Prohibits any United States entity or representative from obtaining copies of, or access to, information contained in the financial records, toll records, or credit records of any customer of a financial institution, communication common carrier, credit card issuer, or consumer reporting agency. Lifts such prohibition if: (1) the records are described with sufficient particularity; and (2) the customer has authorized disclosure, the disclosure is obtained in response to an administrative subpoena, search warrant, or judicial subpoena, or disclosure is in compliance with specified provisions of the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Sets forth procedures for obtaining customer authorization, administrative subpoenas and summons, search warrants, and judicial subpoenas. Requires financial institutions, communication common carriers, credit card issuers, and consumer reporting agencies to keep records of all examinations of customer records, including the identity of the person examining such records, the governmental agency or department such person represents, and a copy of the authorization. Directs that copies of, or the information contained in, financial, toll, or credit records obtained pursuant to this Act not be used for other than the specific statutory purpose for which the information was originally obtained and that such information or records not be provided to any other Government department or agency or other person except where the transfer of such information is specifically authorized by statute. Stipulates that any action under this title may be brought in any appropriate U.S. district court without regard to the amount in controversy, or in any other court of competent jurisdiction, within three years from the date on which the violation occurs or the date of discovery of such violation, whichever is later. Imposes liability on any person or entity who knowingly obtains or discloses information in violation of this title, making such person or entity liable to the customer to whom the disclosed information relates for actual damages, such punitive damages as the court may allow if the violation was willful, and the costs of litigation. Makes injunctive relief available to any person aggrieved by a violation or threatened violation of this Act. Title II: Mail Covers - Defines "mail cover" as the procedures by which a systematic record or inspection is made of any data appearing on the outside cover of any mail matter. Prohibits the initiation of any mail cover without the written authorization of specified postal officials and good cause to believe, on the basis of an affidavit setting forth the specific reasons for the proposed mail cover, that such procedure is necessary to the investigation of the commission or the attempted commission of a felony or is necessary to aid in locating a fugitive. Permits a mail cover to be conducted for 30 days, with extensions to be granted as specified. Requires any mail cover conducted for more than one year to be judicially authorized. Allows the chief postal inspector or a regional chief postal inspector to issue an emergency authorization for a mail cover on the basis of an oral request from specified law enforcement officials, if such request is supported by an affidavit within 45 days and on condition that no data from such mail cover be made available to the requesting authority until authorization according to regular procedures has been granted. Stipulates that the subjects of mail covers shall be given notice of such cover within 90 days of its termination, unless notice is judicially waived due to possible jeopardizing of continuing investigations. Requires that the chief postal inspector submit to Congress an annual report including the number of requests for mail covers, the identity of the law enforcement agencies making such requests, and a list of the offenses for which mail cover requests were received. Specifies civil remedies for violation of this title. Title III: Amendments to Chapter 119, Title 18, United States Code - Sets forth procedures and restrictions governing the interception of wire or oral communications for purposes of supervisory observing by communication common carriers and others. Requires each communication common carrier to submit an annual report to the Federal Communications Commission detailing the interceptions made by it for the protection of its service against theft of service, the nature and frequency of communications intercepted, the number of persons whose communications were intercepted, the length of such interceptions, and the number of hours of recording of intercepted communications. Prohibits the manufacture, distribution, possession, and advertising of devices for theft of communication common carrier services. Stipulates that any such device may be seized and forfeited to the United States. Title IV: Penalties - Subjects officers, agents, or employees of the United States who violate any provision of title I or title II of this Act to a fine of not more than $1,000, imprisonment for not more than one year, or both. Title V: Congressional Subpoenas - Stipulates that nothing in this Act shall apply to Congressional subpoenas.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1977
Continuing Education in Science and Engineering Act - Authorizes the National Science Foundation to initiate a program of continuing education for individuals with scientific and engineering training who (1) have been engaged in their careers for at least three years; or (2) have had their careers interrupted for at least three years. Requires such program to be designed to provide such persons: (1) with new knowledge and abilities in their special fields; or (2) with knowledge and abilities in other fields enabling them to make a more valuable contribution to the nation. Directs such program to include but not be limited to: (1) the development of special curriculums and education techniques; and (2) the awarding of fellowships to enable persons with scientific and technical training to pursue continued education. Establishes guidelines for the allocation of fellowships. Authorizes the Foundation to contract for the development of courses and curriculums specially designed for its continuing education program.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1977
Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 by establishing the price support of milk at not less than 85 percent of parity for the marketing year beginning April 1, 1977, and ending on March 31, 1979. Provides for quarterly adjustments beginning July 1, 1977.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1977
Health Security Act - Title I: Health Security Benefits - Makes every resident of the U.S. (and every non-resident citizen when in the U.S.) eligible for covered services. Permits reciprocal and "buy-in" agreements for groups or non- resident aliens, and in some cases benefits to U.S. residents when visiting in other countries. Entitles every eligible person to have payments made by the Health Security Board for covered services provided within the United States by a participating provider. Extends coverage to all necessary professional services of physicians, wherever furnished. Extends coverage to: (1) comprehensive dental services (exclusive of most orthodontic services) for children under age 15, with the covered age group increasing by two years each year until all those under age 25 are covered; (2) inpatient and outpatient hospital services and services of a home health agency; and (3) pathology and radiology services as parts of institutional services. Limits payment for skilled nursing home care. Limits the psychiatric hospital benefit to 45 consecutive days of active treatment during a spell of illness. Extends coverage to two categories of drug use: prescribed medicines administered to inpatients or outpatients within participating hospitals or to enrollees of comprehensive health service organizations; and drugs necessary for the treatment of specified chronic illnesses or conditions requiring long or expensive therapy. Requires the Board and the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish two lists of approved drugs, taking into account the safety, efficacy and cost of each drug. Lists approved medicines available for use in institutions and by comprehensive health service organizations and those available for use outside such organized settings. Declares that the appliances benefit is similar in concept and operation to the drug benefit, subject to a limitation on aggregate cost. Extends coverage to professional services of optometrists and podiatrists, subject to regulations, and diagnostic or therapeutic services furnished by independent pathology laboratories and radiology services. Excludes from coverage: (1) health services furnished or paid for under a workmen's compensation law; and (2) services of a professional practitioner if they are furnished in a hospital which is not a participating provider. Requires that participating providers meet standards established in this title or by the Board. Allows eligible professional practitioners to practice in the State where they are licensed and requires that all newly licensed applicants for participation meet national standards established by the Board in addition to existing State standards. Establishes conditions of participation for general hospitals. Makes psychiatric hospitals eligible to participate only if the Board finds that the hospital is engaged in furnishing active diagnostic, therapeutic and rehabilitative services to mentally ill patients. Establishes conditions of participation for skilled nursing homes similar to those established for extended care facilities under Medicare. Makes provisions for the participation of home health service agencies. Allows the following to participate as providers of health services under this Act: (1) a health maintenance organization which undertakes to provide an enrolled population either with complete health care or, at least, with complete health security services (other than institutional services, mental health or dental services) for the maintenance of health and the care of ambulatory patients; (2) a foundation sponsored by a county or other local medical society; and (3) community health centers or the like which, though furnishing services as comprehensive as are required by this Act, do not serve an enrolled or otherwise predetermined population and may not meet other requirements of this Act. Permits the Board to contract directly with public or other nonprofit mental health centers and mental health day care services. Specifies the conditions under which independent pathology laboratories, independent radiological services, and providers of drugs, devices, appliances, equipment, or ambulance services may qualify as providers under the Health Security Program. Requires that a participating skilled nursing home have in effect an agreement with at least one participating hospital for the transfer of patients and medical and other information as medically appropriate. Prohibits in malpractice judgments any damages to be awarded to the injured party for the cost of medical services which he is entitled to receive under this Act. Excludes the institutions of the Department of Defense and the Veterans' Administration, and institutions of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare serving merchant seamen or Indians or Alaskan natives, from serving as participating providers, as well as any employee of these institutions when acting as an employee. Allows reimbursement for any services furnished by such institutions or agencies to eligible persons who are not a part of their normal clientele. Permits a physician, dentist, optometrist, or podiatrist, licensed in one State and meeting the national standards, to furnish Health Security benefits in any other State. Grants similar authority to other health professional and nonprofessional personnel. Establishes the Health Security Trust Fund, to receive the net assets of existing (Medicare) funds taken over by the Health Security program, the yield of the Health Security taxes, and the Government's contribution from general revenues amounting to 100 percent of the yield from these taxes. Directs that three separate accounts be established in the Health Security Trust Fund: a Health Service Account, a Health Resources Development Account, and an Administration Account. Allocates the Health Services account among the regions of the country. Stipulates that the allocation to each region shall be based on the aggregate sum expended during the most recent 12-month period for covered services (with appropriate modification for estimated changes in the consumer price index, the expected number of eligible beneficiaries, and estimated changes in the number of participating providers). Directs the Board to divide the allocation to each region into funds available to pay: institutional services; physician services; dental services; furnishing of drugs; furnishing of devices, appliances, equipment; and miscellaneous services. Stipulates that payments for covered services provided to eligible persons by participating providers shall be made from the Health Service Account in the Trust Fund. Authorizes the Board to experiment with other methods of reimbursement so long as the experimental method does not increase the cost of service or lead to overutilization or underutilization of services. Stipulates that skilled nursing homes and home health agencies shall be paid in the same manner as a general hospital (on an approved annual budget basis). Stipulates that a health organization shall be paid for covered services, on the basis of a fixed capitation rate multiplied by the number of eligible enrollees. Authorizes special improvement grants: (1) to any public or other nonprofit health agency or institution to establish improved coordination and linkages with other providers of services; and (2) to organizations providing comprehensive ambulatory care, to improve their utilization review, budget, statistical, or records and information retrieval systems, to acquire equipment needed for those purposes, or to acquire equipment useful for mass screening or for other diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. Sets forth the responsibilities and duties of the Secretary of HEW and the Board with regard to this title. Creates an administrative structure within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare with exclusive responsibility for the administration of the Health Security program. Establishes a five-member, full-time Health Security Board serving under the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. Requires that the members be appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, for five-year overlapping terms. Establishes a National Health Security Advisory Council, with the Chairman of the Board serving as the Council's Chairman and 20 additional members not in the employ of the Federal Government. Authorizes the Advisory Council to appoint professional or technical committees to assist in its functions. Directs the Advisory Council to advise the Board on matters of general policy in the administration of the program, the formulation of regulations and the allocation of funds for services. Charges the Board with responsibility for informing the public and providers about the administration and operation of the Health Security program. Requires the Board to make a continuing study and evaluation of the program, including adequacy, quality and costs of services. Authorizes the Board to make detailed statistical and other studies on a national, regional, or local basis of any aspect of the title; to develop and test incentive systems for improving quality of care, methods of peer review of drug utilization and of other service performances; to develop and test systems of information retrieval, budget programs, instrumentation for multiphasic screening or patient services, and reimbursement systems for drugs; and to make such other studies which it considers would improve the quality of services and the administration of the program. Grants authority to the Board, in accordance with regulations, to make determinations of who are participating providers of services, determinations of eligibility, of whether services are covered, and the amount to be paid to providers. Allows a provider of services who is dissatisfied with a final Board determination to obtain a hearing before a Board panel, and judicial review of a final decision. Authorizes the Board, with the advice and assistance of the Commission on the Quality of Health Care, to issue and review regulations assuring the quality of care furnished under this Act. Requires continuing professional education by physicians, dentists, optometrists, and podiatrists. Authorizes the appointment of a Deputy Secretary of HEW and an Under Secretary for Health and Science. Stipulates that no provision of this Act shall alter any contractual obligation of an employer to provide health services to his employees and their dependents. Title II: Health Security Taxes - Converts the existing Medicare hospital insurance payroll taxes into Health Security taxes, and raises the rates to one percent on employees and 3.5 percent on employers. Excludes from the gross income of employees, for income tax purposes, payment by their employers of part or all of the Health Security taxes on the employees. Converts the existing Medicare self-employment tax into a Health Security self-employment tax, raising the rate to 2.5 percent. Adds a new one percent Health Security tax on earned income (unless such income is less than $400 a year), subject to the same maximum on taxable income as is applicable to the employee and self-employment taxes. Title III: Commission on the Quality of Health Care - Establishes in the Department of HEW a Commission on the Quality of Health Care, with the primary responsibility of: (1) initiating and continuing development of methods of assessing the quality of health care furnished under the Health Security Act; and (2) submitting to the Secretary and the Health Security Board its findings and recommendations. Stipulates that in carrying out its duties the Commission shall emphasize, and give first consideration to, care furnished for those illnesses and conditions which have relatively high incidence in the population and which are relatively amenable to medical or other care. Title IV: Repeal or Amendment of Other Acts - Requires that after the effective date of benefits received under this Act no State shall be required to furnish any service covered under Health Security as a part of its State plan for participation under Medicaid. Title V: Studies Related to Health Security - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare in consultation with the Secretary of State and the Secretary of the Treasury to study the coverage of health services for U.S. residents in other countries. Directs the Secretary of HEW to study the feasibility and desirability of coordinating the Federal health benefit programs for merchant seamen and Indians and Alaskan natives and also veterans and members of the Armed Forces, with the Health Security Benefit Program.
United States · United States Congress · 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 · 1 October 1976
Family Farm Security Act - Title I: Land Acquisition Loans - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to guarantee loans to enable young people who wish to engage in farming on a career basis to purchase land necessary for such purpose. Stipulates that no loan shall be guaranteed in an amount in excess of: (1) 75 percent of its total amount; (2) the appraised value of the property; or (3) $150,000, whichever is less. Authorizes the Secretary to make payment adjustments extending payments for up to an additional ten years for loans having a maximum term of 20 years. Directs the Secretary during the first ten years of a loan to pay annually to the lender four percent of the outstanding balance due at the beginning of that year. Requires the borrower to repay such amounts to the Secretary in the eleventh year unless such individual is granted an extension. Stipulates that such loans may only be made available to individuals who would be unable to purchase the farmland for which the loan is made without the assistance of this Act. Directs the Secretary to provide for the appointment of local county committees to assist in the screening of applicants for loan guarantees and payment adjustment assistance. Authorizes appropriations in such amounts as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this title. Requires the Secretary to report to specified committees of Congress the amount of funds required to operate the loan guarantee program within two years after the enactment of this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to guarantee such loans in an amount up to five times the funds appropriated for such purpose. Title II: Operating Loans - Authorizes the Secretary to make operating loans of up to $50,000 to individuals whose loans are guaranteed under title I of this Act and who are unable to finance their actual needs at reasonable rates and terms through commercial sources. Sets forth the repayment period and interest rate for such loans. Authorizes appropriations in such amounts as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this title.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1976
Disapproves of the action taken by the President of the United States under the Trade Act of 1974 and transmitted to Congress on August 28, 1976, in which the President declined to grant import relief to domestic producers of honey.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1976
Disapproves of the action taken by the President of the United States under the Trade Act of 1974 and transmitted to Congress on August 28, 1976, in which the President declined to grant import relief to domestic producers of honey.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1976
Youth Community Employment Act - Title I: Youth Community Service - Youth Community Service Act - Establishes a youth community service program as part of the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act of 1973 whereby each prime sponsor under such Act is to make grants to eligible applicants for the purpose of providing community service employment for youths in jobs required to carry out eligible community service projects. Authorizes the appropriation of designated sums for such program for fiscal years 1977 and 1978 and of amounts for succeeding calendar quarters based upon a specified formula which takes into account the national unemployment rate. Sets forth guidelines for the distribution and use of funds appropriated under this title. Details requirements for applications for grants under this title, including (1) a full description of the project, the jobs to be filled, the job training and skill development opportunities that will be made available to participating youths, and the wages to be paid persons who work on the project, and (2) assurances regarding project supervision and administration, assistance to participating youths in obtaining future employment, lack of discrimination toward any participant or applicant for participation, profits to be made by the grant applicant on the project, use of the completed project, and specified other conditions relative to the project. Sets forth standards for approval of applications by prime sponsors. Requires that projects under this title not result in displacement of currently employed workers and that youths employed in jobs assisted under this title receive a specified minimum wage and workmen's compensation, health, and unemployment benefits. Title II: Youth Counseling and Employment Service - Establishes a Youth Counseling and Employment Service in the United States Employment Service of the Department of Labor. Directs the Secretary of Labor to make such arrangements as are necessary to assure that there is established in each State employment service a youth counseling and employment service. Authorizes the Secretary, through the Youth Counseling and Employment Service, to make grants to State employment services to establish job counseling, job information, and job placement programs for youths. Directs the Secretary, through the Youth Counseling and Employment Service and the United States Employment Service, (1) to make grants to public agencies, colleges, and nonprofit private organizations for the purpose of training and retraining job counseling and placement personnel, (2) to carry out a program of grants to States for computer equipment and guidance to provide job and education information to youths, for the provision of employment and career information to State youth counseling and employment services, and for printed and audiovisual materials, and (3) to carry out a program of demonstration and evaluation projects relating to job counseling, job information, and job placement programs and techniques for youths. Authorizes the appropriation of designated sums to carry out the provisions of this Act for fiscal years 1977-83. Sets forth guidelines for the allocation of such funds. Directs the Secretary to require the Youth Counseling and Employment Service and State employment service agencies administering activities assisted under this Act to coordinate their activities with agencies and organizations conducting related manpower and employment programs under other provisions of law.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1976
Department of Education Act - Establishes the Department of Education, to be administered by a Secretary of Education appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Sets forth the Secretary's powers and duties. States that the principal function of the Department shall be to promote the cause and advancement of education throughout the United States. Transfers to the Secretary specified education-related functions of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare and of the Commissioner of Education. Authorizes the President to transfer to the Department any Federal agency or instrumentality which the President determines to have functions relating to education and should be transferred to promote bureaucratic efficiency and the purposes of this Act. Redesignates the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare as the Department of Health and Welfare. Establishes the Federal Interagency Committee on Education to study and make recommendations relative to the coordination of Federal programs affecting education. Establishes the National Advisory Committee on Education. Specifies the Committee's advisory, investigatory, and supervisory duties. Establishes, within the Department, an Office of the Inspector General. Directs the Inspector General to oversee auditing and investigative activities relating to programs and operations of the Department and to take specified actions to promote economy and efficiency in the administration of, and the prevention and detection of fraud and abuse in, programs administered or financed by the Department. Requires the Inspector General to submit specified reports of the Office's activities to the Secretary and to Congress. Transfers to the Office functions, powers, and duties of certain agencies and offices within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. States that all orders, regulations, contracts and licenses previously in effect under any provision of law amended under this Act or in the exercise of functions transferred under this Act shall remain in effect until modified or terminated by the Secretary. States that this Act shall not affect any proceedings pending before any department or agency, but that such proceedings to the extent they relate to functions transferred under this Act shall be continued before the Department. Authorizes the Secretary to establish a working capital fund for expenses necessary for the maintenance and operation of such common administrative services as the Secretary shall find to be desirable. Authorizes the Secretary to provide specified services, supplies, and facilities for employees of the Department and their dependents stationed in remote areas.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1976
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Department of Agriculture should not indiscriminately reduce disaster payments made under the Agriculture and Consumer Protection Act of 1973 with respect to farmers who use disaster-affected corn and grain sorghum for silage or other nongrain use, and that regulations should be developed which will accord just treatment to all producers suffering crop losses because of natural disaster.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 1976
Amends the Emergency Livestock Credit Act of 1974 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture, with respect to emergency livestock loans guaranteed under such Act, to encourage lenders to modify their repayment schedules for such loans to allow up to a two-year grace period on principal repayment for borrowers whose livestock operations are in localities designated as major disaster or emergency areas during 1976 or 1977. Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to authorize the Secretary, with respect to farm ownership loans, operating loans, or emergency loans made under such Act to modify the repayment schedule on such loans by allowing up to a two-year grace period on principal and interest payments for borrowers whose farming, ranching, or aquaculture operations are in localities designated as major disaster or emergency areas during 1976, 1977, or 1978. Amends the Agricultural Act of 1970 to authorize the Secretary to acquire hay for inclusion in the disaster reserve created under the Agricultural Act of 1970 and to purchase the hay and other commodities in such reserve through the Commodity Credit Corporation.
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 · 22 September 1976
Authorizes the printing for use of the Joint Economic Committee 5,000 additional copies of the joint committee print Soviet Economy in a New Perspective.
United States · United States Congress · 21 September 1976
Condemns the murders of Orlando Letelier and Ronni Karpen Moffit and the serious injury of Michael Moffitt. Urges a complete and thorough investigation by Federal authorities of the circumstances surrounding the bombing.
United States · United States Congress · 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 · 1 September 1976
Declares it the sense of the Congress that every person has the right to a nutritionally adequate diet. Stresses the need to combat hunger and makes it a basic reference point of United States policy in all areas relating to nutrition. Asserts that the goal of the United States should be to substantially increase its food assistance abroad, especially to those countries needing increased food production and more efficient distribution patterns. Expresses the view that assistance ought to be more effective through use of coordinated efforts between international organizations, donor nations, and recipient countries.
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 · 26 August 1976
Urges the President to direct United States Ambassadors abroad to seek the consideration by foreign governments of suspension of their air service to any foreign nation aiding or abetting terrorism. States that the President should undertake international discussions and negotiations which would strengthen the current minimum safety standards established pursuant to the Convention on International Civil Aviation. Urges the President to end air transportation between the United States and any foreign nation which violates such act; services violating nations; or does not maintain transportation security sufficient to meet the minimum security standards established pursuant to the Convention.
United States · United States Congress · 10 August 1976
Expresses the sense of the Senate regarding United States participation in the Declaration on International Investment and Multinational Enterprises. States that the voluntary guidelines for multinational enterprises are reasonable standards of business practice. Expresses the opinion that the Committee on International Investment and Multinational Enterprises are an appropriate means for achieving the purposes of the declaration. Welcomes the joining of the United States Government with other Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development countries in the Declaration on International Investment and Multinational Enterprises.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1976
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to construct, operate, and maintain the Allen Camp unit of the Central Valley project in California. Authorizes the Secretary to replace roads and bridges which would be inundated by the project. Places restrictions on the use of water from such project. Authorizes the appropriation of $64,220,000 for construction of the unit. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1977 of $150,000 under the Indian Elementary and Secondary School Assistance Act, $1,200,000 under the Elementary and Secondary School Assistance Act, $1,200,000 under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, and $632,000 under the Adult Education Act for the continuation of specified grants authorized under those Acts. Directs the Commissioner of Education to make grants under authorities contained in the Indian Education Act in specified amounts to applicants not yet funded for fiscal year 1976 from the Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1976.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1976
Amends the Emergency Livestock Credit Act to extend the authority of the Secretary of Agriculture to guarantee loans under such Act until September 30, 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1976
States that the Senate of the United States endorses and supports the President's offer to provide assistance to the victims of the earthquakes in the People's Republic of China. Extends the deepest condolences of the Senate to the victims of the earthquakes.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 1976
Investment Policy Act - Title I: Findings and Definitions - States the conclusion of Congress that the lack of a national policy of investment is a serious deficiency which can adversely affect the economic health and well-being of the United States. Title II: Declaration of National Policy - Declares it the policy of the Federal Government, in cooperation with State and local governments, to use all practical means to provide sufficient incentives to assure maximum investment in private enterprise. Title III: Federal Agency Coordination and Cooperation - Requires the President to focus on this national policy in an Investment Policy Report to be included in the annual Economic Report to Congress. Calls for the cooperation and coordination of Federal agencies in carrying out this policy.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 1976
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the President should initiate discussions leading to negotiations with other nations to restrain the growth of palm oil imports into the United States. Calls upon development agencies to make an analysis of the impact of support of the production in developing countries of specific agricultural commodities for export on agricultural adjustments in other nations. Calls for action by the United States and development agencies to insure that the resources available for agricultural development in the developing nations of the world are directed at the relief of hunger and malnutrition.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1976
Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act and the Emergency Livestock Credit Act of 1974 to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to postpone the principal and interest payments on emergency loans made or insured under such Acts for up to three years. Authorizes the Secretary to extend the repayment period of operating loans under the Consolidated Rural Development Act up to a 20-year period in the event of any disaster occurring between January 1, 1975, and July 1, 1976.
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.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 1976
Emergency Livestock Assistance Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to designate a State or subdivision thereof as an emergency area if the combined hay, forage, or pasture losses are 40 percent below normal production for such area. Authorizes the Secretary to pay three-fourths of the cost of transporting a 90 day supply of hay and forages to livestock producers in such areas. Allows the Secretary to extend such time period if such action is neccessary and appropriate. States that such assistance shall be made available to producers whose assets exceed liabilities by no more than $100,000 or where not providing such assistance would result in financial hardship. Terminates the Secretary's authority to provide such assistance on October 1, 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 1976
Requires the inclusion of professional registered nurses in Professional Standards Review Organizations of medical professionals in carrying out the functions of such review organizations under Title XI (General Provisions and Professional Standards Review) of the Social Security Act. Requires the inclusion of two professional registered nurses on the Statewide Professional Standards Review Councils organized pursuant to such Title. Requires the inclusion of three professional registered nurses on the National Professional Standards Review Council. Includes professional registered nurses in that class of health care practitioners which may not be held civilly liable on account of any action taken in compliance with or reliance upon norms of care and treatment applied by a Professional Standards Review Organization.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1976
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 1977 and 1978 for the purpose of providing home-delivered meals under this Act. 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. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary in fiscal year 1977 to carry out this project.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1976
Amends the River and Harbor Act of 1970 to extend the study of the winter navigation season for the Great Lakes-Saint Lawrence Seaway System until June 30, 1979 (presently December 31, 1976). Increases appropriations for such program to $15,684,000 (presently $9,500,000). Provides an allocation for Soo Locks operations.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1976
National Food Policy Act - Establishes within the Executive Office a three-member Council of National Food Policy Advisors to: (1) assist the President on matters pertaining to food and agriculture; and (2) to gather and assess information concerning developments affecting food and agriculture and to determine whether such developments or trends will interfere with the declared policy under this Act of maintaining a viable domestic farm economy. Requires the Council to annually submit an Annual Food and Agriculture Assessment Report to the President and the Congress. Directs the President to appoint an Assistant for Food and Agricultural Affairs who shall be the President's chief policy advisor and assistant with respect to food, agricultural, and nutrition matters. Directs the President to appoint a Public Advisory Committee on National Food Policy to advise the Assistant to the President for Food and Agricultural Affairs regarding Federal programs and policies relating to food, nutrition and agriculture and to advise the Assistant on the impact of policy alternatives and decisions on the various sectors of the domestic agricultural economy and the economy generally. Authorizes appropriations in such amounts as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 1976
Amends the National Labor Relations Act to require that an employer who assumes the ownership or operation of a business must honor the terms and conditions of an existing collective bargaining contract.
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 1976
Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to reimburse livestock producers or to otherwise pay for the transportation costs they incur for the shipment of hay into counties severly affected by drought, flood, or other natural disaster for their livestock herds. Authorizes the Secretary to designate emergency areas if he determines that as a result of such disaster the hay crop for that county is not more than 50 percent of the estimated crop.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1976
Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1977 to carry out the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation between the United States and Spain, January 24, 1976, including $15,000,000 for military assistance under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, $7,000,000 for security supporting assistance under such Act, $2,000,000 for international military education and training under such Act, and $12,000,000 for guaranties under the Foreign Military Sales Act. Declares such assistance exempt from restrictions upon grants to an economically developed nation capable of sustaining its own defense burden and economic growth, under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. Directs that the United States contribution toward modernization and maintenance of the aircraft control and warning network in Spain be financed from Department of Defense appropriations. Authorizes the President to apply the proceeds from the lease of aircraft to Spain to the purchase of aircraft for such country, notwithstanding restrictions regarding the application of such proceeds.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1976
National Neighborhood Policy Act - Establishes a National Commission on Neighborhoods which will will include four members from the House and the Senate and 16 public members appointed by the President. States the duties of the Commission, which include studying the factors necessary to neighborhood survival and revitalization and making recommendations for modification of existing laws and policies. Makes provisions for the administration of this Commission. Authorizes to be appropriated funds necessary to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1976
Provides that during consideration of the Treaty of the Friendship and Cooperation between the United States and Spain, provisions of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 requiring the presentment of appropriations by May 15 of each fiscal year shall be waived.
![Official portrait of Sen. Humphrey, Hubert H. [D-MN]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/h000953_200.jpg)