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United States · Official source
7,990 records where Sen. Kennedy, Edward M. [D-MA] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 28 May 1976
Directs that there be printed for the use of the Special Committee on aging 4,500 additional copies of its report to the Senate entitled "Fraud and Abuse Among Clinical Laboratories."
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1976
Expresses the condolences of the Senate of the United States on the death of the Honorable Torbert H. Macdonald, Representative from the State of Massachusetts. Appoints a committee of two Senators to attend the funeral.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1976
Establishes the George W. Norris Home National Historic Site, Nebraska.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1976
Arts, Humanities, and Cultural Affairs Act - Title I: Arts and Humanities - Amends the National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities Act of 1965 to permit under the National Endowment for the Arts a grants-in-aid program grants and contracts with respect to international activities provided that the primary purpose of such grants and contracts is to support the arts in the United States. Restricts use of allotments made to States with approved plans to not more than 50 percent of the total cost of any project or production. Requires Senate approval of Presidential appointment of members to the National Council on the Arts and the National Council on the Humanities. Authorizes the Chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities to establish a grants- in-aid program to assist States in developing and promoting the humanities. Sets forth standards relating to program administration for plans submitted by States seeking assistance. Specifies a formula for alloting funds appropriated for grants-in-aid. Authorizes the appropriation to the National Endowment for the Arts and to the National Endowment for the Humanities of specified sums for fiscal years 1977 and 1978 and such funds as may be necessary for fiscal years 1979 and 1980. Revises the maximum amount which may be appropriated to such Endownments as grants of matching amounts received through donation, bequest, and devise. Title II: Museum Services Program - Museum Services Act- Establishes within the National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities an Institute for the Improvement of Museum Services, consisting of a National Museum Services Board and a Director of the Institute. Authorizes the Director, subject to the management of the Board, to make grants to museums to increase and improve museum services. Confers authority upon the Institute to accept grants, gifts, or bequests of money for immediate disbursement in furtherance of the functions of the Institute. Authorizes the appropriation of funds for grants by the Institute for fiscal years 1977 through 1980. Title III: Cultural Challenge Program - Authorizes the Chairman of the National Endownment for the Arts, with the advice of the National Council on the Arts, to establish a program of contracts with, or grants-in-aid to, public agencies and private nonprofit organizations for the purpose of assisting cultural organizations and institutions and promoting citizen involvement with such bodies. Authorizes the appropriation of funds through fiscal year 1980 to carry out such program. Title IV: Arts Education Program - Authorizes the Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts, with the advice of the National Council on the Arts, to make grants to, or enter into contracts with, appropriate public agencies and nonprofit organizations for the purpose of developing in-service training and retraining programs for arts education personnel and conducting demonstration projects of achievements in arts education. Authorizes the appropriation of funds through fiscal year 1980 to carry out such program. Title V: - Authorizes the Chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities, with the advice of the National Council on the Humanities, to make grants and enter into contracts pursuant to a Bicentennial Challenge Grant program designed to: (1) encourage citizen participation in democratic processes and institutions; (2) develop new approaches to solving problems of a social, political, and economic nature; and (3) develop new approaches for citizen involvement in the decision making process. Authorizes the appropriation of funds through fiscal year 1980 to carry out such program. Establishes an American Bicentennial Photography and Film Project under which assistance is to be provided (1) to State art agencies to suppor qualified photography and film projects and (2) directly to applicants for film or photography projects of special merit.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1976
Energy Conservation Act - Directs the Administrator of the Federal Energy Administration to prescribe guidelines for the development and preparation of State energy conservation implementation programs. Requires that States be given an opportunity to participate in the drafting of such guidelines. Establishes eligibility criteria for State energy conservation implementation programs in order to receive Federal assistance under this Act. Imposes a preliminary requirement that the State establish a State energy conservation advisory committee to assist in the formulation of such program. Authorizes the Administrator to provide Federal financial assistance to States whose proposed energy conservation programs meet such criteria. Lists factors to be considered in determining the amount of such assistance. Stipulates that no State shall receive more than ten percent of the national total in each category of financial assistance. Authorizes the appropriation of the following sums to assist eligible State programs: $25,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, and $50,000,000 per fiscal year for fiscal years 1978, 1979, and 1980. Amends the Energy Conservation and Insulation of Buildings Act of 1976 to authorize additional appropriations of $25,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, $50,000,000 per fiscal year for fiscal years 1978 and 1979; and $100,000,000 for fiscal year 1980 to assist low-income persons under the provisions of such Act. Amends the National Housing Act to authorize the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to assist in the financing of energy conservation measures. Authorizes the appropriation of the following amounts for such assistance payments: $100,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, and $200,000, 000 per fiscal year for fiscal years 1978, 1979, and 1980. Amends the Small Business Act to empower the Small Business Administration to make loans to small business concerns for implementation of energy conservation measures. Limits the total amount of such loans under the Act of $300,000,000. Stipulates that the total amount of such payments to lending institutions under the Act shall not exceed $60,000,000. Authorizes the Administrator to guarantee loans and other obligations issued to finance energy conservation measures consistent with the purposes of this Act. Limits the aggregate amount of outstanding guarantees under this Act to $10,000,000,000. Requires annual reports to the Congress on actions taken to implement the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1976
Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize the President to furnish assistance for relief and rehabilitation for earthquake victims and other needy people in Italy. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary for such purpose.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1976
Prohibits the use of funds to carry out any work in connection with any construction in the Indian Ocean area until Congress has agreed that all reasonable efforts have been made by the U.S. to achieve a reduction of Soviet military presence in the Indian Ocean and in Somalia and to achieve an agreement with the Soviet Union regarding mutual limitations on the military presence of both countries in the Indian Ocean and on land areas adjacent thereto.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1976
Requires that estimates be made of the costs that would be incurred by State and local governments in carrying out a proposed bill or resolution in the fiscal year in which it is to become effective and in each of the four fiscal years following such fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1976
Title I: General Provisions Air Transportation Act - Defines terms, under the Federal Aviation Act of 1958, for purposes of such Act to expand charter air transportation. Requires the Civil Aeronautics Board in the exercise of its duties to consider regulation of the airline industry in a manner that encourages reliance on price and service competition as being in the public interest. States that the provisions of this title shall become effective upon the enactment of this Act. Title II: Revision of Present Regulations and Limitations to Foreign Air Transportation - Redesignates title IV (Air Carrier Economic Regulations) of the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 as title IV-A (Economic Regulation: Foreign Air Transportation). Makes such newly designated title applicable only to the regulation of foreign air transportation. Requires the Civil Aeronautics Board to act on applications for certificates of public convenience and necessity within 240 days of the filing date of such application. Permits air carriers to hold both scheduled and supplemental certificates. Prohibits the Board from imposing closed-door, single-plane, mandatory stop, or long haul restrictions on new certificates or as an amendment to existing certificates. Prohibits the Board from imposing specified restrictions on charter service. Eliminates the authority of the Postmaster General to compel air carriers to perform additional air service to carry mail. Sets forth the effective dates of the provisions of this title. Title III: Economic Regulation of Domestic Aviation: Subtitles IV-B-(Permanent) and IV-C-(Transitional) - Adds subtitles IV-B (Permanent Provisions Relating to Interstate and Overseas Air Transportation) and IV-C (Transitional Provisions Relating to Interstate and Overseas Air Transportation) to the Federal Aviation Act of 1958. Limits the provisions of IV-B to the regulation of interstate and overseas air transportation. Provides for the issuance of new "certificates of fitness" to replace the "certificate of public convenience and necessity." Prohibits air carriers from engaging in interstate or overseas air transportation without such certificate. Requires the Board to dispose of an application for such certificate within 180 days of its filing. States that such certificates shall authorize the holder to engage in scheduled and supplemental interstate and overseas air transportation between any points and shall not restrict the type, nature, or frequency of such service. Authorizes the Board to suspend or revoke such certificates after a hearing if the holder has failed to meet its obligation to maintain its fitness, willingness, or ability to perform the air transportation for which it has applied. Allows the Board to immediately suspend such certificate for up to 30 days without a hearing or notice if such suspension is required in the public interest. Prohibits the transfer of any certificate. Requires air carriers to comply with Board regulations relating to the filing and approval of insurance plans for injuries to persons or property resulting from the operation or maintenance of aircraft. Authorizes the Board to require carriers to file performance bonds to provide compensation in case a carrier fails to meet its contractual or common carrier obligations. Requires air carriers to disclose the names of persons holding more than five percent of the carrier's stock or capital. Requires each officer and director of an air carrier to disclose the stock held by him or her in any air carrier. Directs the Board to prescribe the form of any and all accounts to be kept by air carriers and empowers the Board to inspect the accounts and property of any air carrier. Empowers the Board to inquire into the management of any business or person who controls an air carrier. Prohibits, except with the Board's approval, interlocking relationships between air carriers and other carriers or firms engaged in other phases of aeronautics. Makes it unlawful for any officer or director of an air carrier to receive for his or her own benefit compensation for the negotiation, hypothecation, or sale of any securities of the carrier. Requires every carrier to file with the Board a copy of every contract or agreement affecting air transportation between such carrier and any other carrier. Requires each air carrier to file with the Board and keep open to the public a list of all rates and fares and a description of all other services performed in connection with air transportation and limitations upon liability arising out of such transportation. Requires air carriers to adhere to the tariffs filed with the Board. Requires changes in such tariffs to be filed with the Board. Permits air carriers to file tariffs which include a formula providing for the flexible pricing of air transportation. Authorizes the Board to set maximum rates and fares whenever, after notice and hearing, the Board determines that a fare or rate is unjust or unreasonable and that actual or potential competition from other airlines is insufficient to maintain a just and reasonable rate. Prescribes policy considerations which the Board must take into account in determining such maximum rates. Authorizes the Board to suspend proposed rate changes for a maximum of 180 days after the new tariff would have gone into effect. States that such proposed rate change shall go into effect if the Board does not complete a hearing and issue an order within such time period. Authorizes the Board to establish just and reasonable divisions of rates or fares when, after notice and hearing, it determines that existing divisions are unjust or unreasonable. Authorizes the Board to establish through service and maximum joint rates whenever it determines that such are required by the public interest. Requires carriers engaged in scheduled air transportation to file such schedules with the Board. Declares it the duty of air carriers to provide interstate and overseas air transportation upon reasonable request therefor. Prohibits air carriers from engaging in unfair or deceptive practices in the provision or sale of air transportation and directs the Board to issue regulations defining unfair or deceptive practices. Sets forth specified practices which are defined as unfair or deceptive. Allows air carriers to alter or eliminate service to any point. Authorizes the Postmaster General to make appropriate rules and regulations for the carriage of mail and to designate any flight for the carriage of mail. Authorizes the Postmaster General to regulate the carriage of air mail from foreign countries to the United States in accordance with international agreements. Empowers the Board to fix and determine fair and reasonable rates of compensation for the transportation of mail by aircraft. Specifies elements which the Board shall take into consideration in setting such rates. Prohibits the Board from taking into account specified revenues in determining the carrier's need for mail subsidies. Allows the Postmaster General to weigh the mail transported by aircraft. Provides that unexpended funds under specified air mail Acts may be used by the Postmaster General to pay for air mail carriage. Authorizes the Board to establish just and reasonable classifications of air carriers for purposes of the Federal Aviation Act of 1958. Authorizes the Board to exempt any air carrier from any provision of such Act if such an exemption is in the public interest. Exempts air carriers operating aircraft having a capacity of less than 56 seats or less than 16,000 pounds from being required to obtain a certificate from the Board if the carrier conforms to reasonable financial responsibility and reporting requirements. Provides that certificates of public convenience and necessity will remain in effect until the fourth anniversary of this Act. States that at such time the certificates of fitness provided for in this Act shall become effective. Continues the Board's authority to issue special operating authorizations under the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 until the fourth anniversary of the enactment of this Act. Allows specified passenger air carriers to expand their service subject to enumerated limitations during the transitional period commencing 180 days after the enactment of this Act and ending four years after such enactment. Provides limited discretionary authority for expansion for all cargo carriers during such period. Permits air carriers to combine such discretionary authority with any existing authority. Sets forth the permissable rates and notice requirements to the Board for any proposed rate changes or reductions in service for such discretionary service. Allows the Board to temporarily suspend such proposed rate changes or service reductions for 180 days. Provides that any air carrier which has performed 12 months of continuous nonstop scheduled air transportation between any two points pursuant to the discretionary authority conferred under this Act may acquire certification for such routes from the Board. States that any carriers holding such a certificate at the end of the transitional period under this Act shall be issued a certificate of fitness for such route. Allows any person to apply for a certificate to offer nonstop service along any route not currently receiving nonstop service. Provides that any carrier holding such a certificate at the end of the transitional period shall be issued a certificate of fitness for such route. Prohibits air carriers from reducing the level of air service during the transitional period to a level below what the Board determines is "essential air service" unless the Board approves such reduction based on specified criteria. Authorizes the Board to require any air carrier reducing its service below such level to establish cooperative working relationships with any carrier providing replacement services or to require air carriers to continue providing essential minimum service upon a guarantee of sufficient support to cover the carrier's fully allocated costs for such service. Sets forth specified carrier obligations during the period from the fourth anniversary until the tenth anniversary of this Act. Prohibits carriers from implementing any schedule change which would reduce service below the essential minimum service standards set by the Board except upon 30 days notice during such six-year period. Authorizes the Board to order a carrier to continue to provide essential air service for 90 days or until essential air service is provided by another carrier. Directs the Board to reimburse the carrier for any losses incurred by such an order. Imposes specified notice requirements for filing tariff changes to be effective four years after the enactment of this Act. Directs the Board to ensure that each point that received air service from a local service or truck carrier in March, 1976 shall continue to receive "essential air service" in the six-year period between the fourth and tenth anniversary of this Act. Sets forth a general definition of "essential air service." Sets forth specific criteria for determining whether such service is being provided to a particular point. Requires the Board to contract for additional air service to a point if essential air service is found lacking. Sets forth the procedures for awarding such contracts and terms which must be included in such contracts. Prohibits the Board from inhibiting the provisions of unsubsidized service and from awarding a subsidy contract if essential air service is otherwise available. Terminates such contract authority on the tenth anniversary of this Act. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to undertake a study of the current local service carrier subsidy program, to evaluate alternative subsidy plans, and to report to Congress within 18 months after enactment of this Act. Sets forth regulations regarding the consolidation, merger, and acquisition of control of domestic air carriers which shall be effective upon the enactment of this Act and end ten years later. Prohibits specified forms of joint control of and merger by two air carriers or by an air carrier and any other common carrier unless such action is approved by the Board. Requires the Board to approve mergers or joint control agreements found not to be inconsistent with the public interest or other specified criteria. Requires the Board to dispose of all such applications within 240 days. Exempts from such regulations interests in ground facilities. Grants jurisdiction to the Board over non-air carriers who acquire control of an air carrier relating to specified provisions of this Act. Authorizes the Board to investigate any person who may be engaging in prohibited activities under this Act. Establishes a presumption that any person owning ten percent of the stock or capital of an air carrier controls that carrier. Sets forth regulations regarding pooling and other agreements which shall be effective until the tenth anniversary of this Act. Requires the Board to notify the Attorney General and the Secretary of Transportation of any intercarrier agreement. Requires the Board to conduct a hearing on such agreement upon the request of either of such two officials. Requires the Board to approve such agreements except under specified circumstances. Confers immunity upon individuals affected by orders issued under specified provisions of this Act from antitrust laws until the tenth anniversary of this Act. Requires the Board to attach appropriate labor protective conditions to orders relating to the merger, consolidation, or acquisition of domestic air carriers or relating to pooling or other agreements. Sets forth the Board's ratemaking authority during the transitional period commencing upon the enactment of this Act and ending on the fourth anniversary of this Act. Authorizes the Postmaster General to contract with any carrier for carriage of air mail if he finds that the present carriage is inadequate. Sets forth the effective dates of the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1976
Authorizes the government of the Virgin Islands to levy a surtax on future income taxes payable to itself which will not exceed ten percent. Authorizes $15,000,000 in loan funds to be appropriated for the government of the Virgin Islands' operating expenses. Authorizes $61,000,000 to be appropriated for loans for the capital improvement program of the Virgin Islands. States the conditions for extension and repayment of such loans. Empowers the Secretary of the Interior to place stipulations on such loans as he deems necessary.
United States · United States Congress · 14 April 1976
Authorizes Federal financial assistance under the Emergency School Aid Act for programs and projects for: (1) construction and operation of "magnet" schools; (2) the pairing of schools and programs with specific colleges and universities and with leading businesses; (3) the development of plans for and construction of "neutral site" schools; (4) the construction and development of education parks; and (5) education programs designed to improve the quality of education in inner city schools and the general use of "education magnetism. Authorizes appropriations of $250,000,000 for the period beginning on July 1, 1976 and ending September 30, 1976 and $1,000,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 1977 and 1978 to carry out the provisions of the Emergency School Aid Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 April 1976
Treaty Powers Resolution - Expresses the sense of the Senate that any international agreement which involves a significant political, military, or economic commitment to a foreign country constitutes a treaty and should be submitted to the Senate for its advice and consent. Provides that the Senate may, by resolution, find that any international agreement hereafter entered into which has not been submitted to the Senate for its advice and consent constitutes a treaty. States that it shall not be in order to consider any bill or joint resolution or any amendment thereto, or any report of a committee of conference, which authorizes or provides budget authority to implement any international agreement which the Senate has found to constitute a treaty unless the Senate has given its advice and consent to ratification of such agreement.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 1976
Electric Utility Rate Reform and Regulatory Improvement Act - Title I: General Provisions - Declares it the purpose of this Act to reform inequities in the structure of electric utility rates. Defines terms used in the Act. Title II: Utility Rate Reform - Defines terms as used in this title. Limits applicability of this title to sales of electric energy for purposes other than resale by an electric utility, where sales by such utility for purposes other than resale exceed 200 million kilowatt-hours during the second preceding calendar year. Imposes national minimum standards on utility rate structures, to be enforced by State regulatory authorities. Prohibits rate structures which allow lower rates for increased consumption without a showing that such lower rates actually reflect decreased costs. Authorizes State regulatory agencies to eliminate price differentials for residential users of subsistence quantities of electricity, unless the Governor of the State has determined that an adequate alternative means to alleviate the burden to low-income residential consumers has been implemented. Stipulates that promotional and advertising costs, with exceptions, may not be treated by a utility as an operating expense for purposes of rate determination. Requires evidentiary hearings by regulatory authorities on proposed rate increases. Restricts the use of automatic fuel adjustment clauses by requiring an annual review of the use of such clauses electric by utilities. Authorizes State regulatory authorities to prescribe variances upon application by electric consumers or utilities unduly hardshipped by the requirements of this title. Directs State authorities to prescribe load management techniques to reduce maximum kilowatt demand on electric utilities. Establishes procedures to be followed in determining marginal costs of services to electric consumers. Establishes an Electric Utility Ratemaking Assistance Office in the Federal Energy Administration to provide information and assistance with respect to ratemaking policies and procedures established by this Act. Title III: Financial Assistance to State Regulatory Authorities - Authorizes the Electric Utility Ratemaking Assistance Office (established by Title II of this Act) to make grants to State regulatory authorities for the following purposes: (1) to increase the quantity and quality of State regulatory staff; (2) to establish programs to meet Federal consumer representation requirements; and (3) to demonstrate innovative rate structures. Prescribes criteria for the allotment of funds to the States. Authorizes the appropriation of $30,000,000 in any fiscal year for grants to improve staffing. Authorizes the appropriation of $5,000,000 for grants for consumer representation, and $5,000,000 for grants for rate structure innovation.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 1976
Central Arizona Indian Tribal Water Rights Settlement Act - Defines the term "Central Arizona Indian Tribes" as meaning the Ak Chin Indian Community, the Fort McDowell Mohave-Apache Community, the Gila River Indian Community, the Papago Tribe of Arizona, and the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. Title I: Water Resource Projects - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to undertake: (1) a ten year program to acquire a firm surface water supply on behalf of the Ak Chin Indian Community; (2) a five year program to acquire a firm surface water supply on behalf of the Fort McDowell Mohave-Apache Indian Community; (3) a ten year program to acquire a firm surface water supply on behalf of the Gila River Indian Community; (4) a ten year program to acquire a firm surface water supply on behalf of the Papago Tribe; and (5) a ten year program to acquire a firm surface water supply on behalf of the Salt River Pima- Maricopa Indian Community. Sets forth the amounts of water which shall be made available to each tribe for various purposes and projects. Grants the Secretary authority to undertake projects designed to maximize the amounts of water available from underground sources and available water distribution systems. Authorizes appropriations for the construction of water resource project facilities and irrigation distribution systems of $32,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, $28,000,000 for fiscal year 1978, $28,000,000 during fiscal year 1979, and $8,000,000 during each of the next seven fiscal years. Authorizes appropriations for loans to the Central Arizona Tribes of $12,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, $12,000,000 for fiscal year 1978, $12,000,000 for fiscal year 1979, and $6,000,000 for each of the next seven fiscal years. Title II: Acquisition of Water - Authorizes the Secretary to acquire, by purchase, exchange, or eminent domain proceedings, such private lands and such State water rights as he deems appropriate for the purpose of providing water to the Central Arizona Tribes. Prohibits the acquisition of water rights belonging to any Indian tribe, band, group or community, or any individual Indian allottees. Permits the Secretary, in his discretion, to transfer to lands within the reservations of the Central Arizona Tribes any Federal water rights appurtenant to the public lands or to any lands within a Federal reservation under his jurisdiction which are surplus to the needs of such lands. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into contracts and to use facilities constructed in whole or in part with Federal funds to facilitate the delivery of water to reservations of the Central Arizona Tribes. States that the Secretary may spend up to $2,000,000 of the funds appropriated pursuant to this Act for the purpose of making grants to the Central Arizona Tribes to develop plans for efficient use of newly irrigated lands and to carry out training programs for Indian farmers. Authorizes appropriations for acquisition costs of $38,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, $36,000,000 for fiscal year 1978, $36,000,000 for fiscal year 1979, and $20,000,000 for each of the next seven fiscal years. Authorizes appropriation of sums necessary for delivery of water to the Central Arizona Tribes, for payments under contracts entered into by the Secretary, and for grants to the tribes. Title III: Settlement - Stipulates that the acquisition and delivery of water pursuant to this Act shall satisfy each tribe's present and future right to the use of surface water for farming purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 12 April 1976
Administrative Rule Making Reform Act - Requires a Federal agency preparing to hold a rule making session to make a reasonable effort to inform those likely to be affected by the proposed rule making. Requires that if the affected group is large, representatives of such group must be notified. Requires, in addition to present requirements, that the notice of rule making include the projected effective date of the rules, the purpose of the rule making, the text of the proposed rules, and the technical or other studies on which the agency intends to rely in the rule making proceedings. Applies the requirements of this Act to all rule making sessions except: (1) those specifically authorized to be kept secret in the interest of national security; and (2) those relating to agency management. Requires public notice and public opportunity for comment of all rule making proceedings under this Act unless the agency finds that the rules to be proposed are emergency rules or are of routine or insignificant impact in which case the rule must be published with reasons for its adoption. Requires Federal agencies to give interested persons at least 45 days to participate in the rule making. Requires the agency to maintain a file of each proceeding to be made available to the courts, Congress, and to the public, in connection with review of the rule. Limits the period for public comment to a maximum of 90 days. Requires a copy of all proposed rules to be sent to Congress. States that such rule, other than an emergency rule, shall not become effective if it is disapproved within 90 days by both Houses of Congress, or it is disapproved within 60 days by one House and no action is taken on the disapproval resolution by the other House. Provides that either House of Congress may, by resolution, require any agency to reconsider and resubmit any rule to which this Act applies. Requires that such proposed rule be repromulgated anew in accordance with all the provisions of this Act unless it is reconsidered and resubmitted to Congress within 180 days after the adoption of the resolution requiring such reconsideration. Sets forth procedures for adoption of resolutions to approve, disapprove, or compel reconsideration for both Houses. Requires the Administrative Conference of the United States to study congressional review of agency rule making under this Act and report the effect of such review on such rule making before July 1, 1982. Authorizes to be appropriated $200,000 to finance such study. Makes this Act effective on the first day of the first session of the Ninety-fifth Congress. Terminates the congressional review required by this Act at the adjournment of the Ninety-seventh Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 12 April 1976
Administrative Procedure Review Act - Title I: Administrative Review - Provides that any interested person is entitled to judicial review of any Federal agency act and that such action for judicial review shall not be dismissed for failure to exhaust administrative remedies. Title II: Amendments to Title 28, United States Code - Confers upon any taxpayer standing to maintain an action which seeks to prevent, terminate, or recover for the United States an expenditure of funds from the United States Treasury on the grounds that such expenditure violates the Constitution or laws of the United States. States that such action may be commenced in any United States district court without regard to the amount in controversy and without exhausting administrative remedies.
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1976
Federal Program Information Act - Creates a Federal Program Information Center to establish and maintain a computerized program information system which is capable of identifying all existing Federal domestic assistance programs. Requires that such identification include enough information to allow a prospective beneficiary to determine whether or not he qualifies for such program by utilizing the system. Directs the President to publish an annual catalog of such programs which includes all information in the Center's data base. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1976
Amends the Tariff Schedules of the United States to reduce the customs duty for fish netting or fish nets of fabric other than cotton or vegetable fibers.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1976
Health Professions Educational Assistance Act - Title I: Extension of Current Authorities Through Fiscal Year 1977 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to extend appropriation authorizations for specified medical training and education programs through fiscal year 1977. Title II: General Provisions - Requires any entity providing health services to an area where large segments of the population are of limited English-speaking ability to emphasize the recruitment of health personnel speaking the language predominantly spoken by such segments of the population as a prerequisite to receiving assistance under such Act. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to encourage the development of cooperative interdisciplinary training among health professions schools, emphasizing the use of the team approach to the delivery of health services and the training and utilization of auxiliary personnel. Title III: Student Assistance - Limits student medical education loans, in each academic year, to the cost of tuition for that year and $2,500. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish a program of student loan insurance for students in eligible health professions schools. Establishes ceilings on the total principal amount of new loans made and installments paid pursuant to lines of credit to students covered by Federal loan insurance in fiscal years 1978 through 1980. Sets forth annual insurable limits per student based on the kind of medical school attended. Stipulates conditions student borrowers must meet to be eligible for federally insured student loans and sets forth the terms of such loans. Allows eligible lenders to apply to the Secretary for a certificate of insurance covering a medical education loan made by such lender to an eligible student and setting forth the amount and terms of the insurance. Directs an insurance beneficiary to notify the Secretary promptly of any default by a student borrower. Authorizes the Secretary, upon request or the Secretary's own motion, to pay to the beneficiary the amount of the loss sustained by the insured upon the student loan. Authorizes the Secretary to reduce payment for health services to borrowers who are practicing their professions but have defaulted on their loans in amounts up to the remaining balance of such loans. Establishes a student loan insurance fund to be available to the Secretary for the purpose of making payments in connection with the default of student loans. Stipulates that the Secretary may sue and be sued in any appropriate Federal or State court in any civil action arising in connection with student medical education loans without regard to the amount in controversy. Grants Federal credit unions the power to make insured medical education loans to student members in accordance with these provisions. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to public or nonprofit private health professions schools for scholarships to be awarded by such schools to students who are of exceptional financial need and who are in their first year of postbaccalaureate study. Title IV: National Health Service Corps - Directs the Secretary to designate annually areas, population groups, and medical or public facilities, as health manpower shortage areas. Authorizes the Secretary to assign members of the National Health Service Corps to provide health services to such areas upon approval of an application by an appropriate entity for such assignment. Requires as a condition to approval that the entity enter into a cost sharing agreement for a specific assignment period. Requires the Secretary to submit to Congress an annual report on specified aspects of the Corp's activities and the cost sharing and health services operations. Directs the Secretary to establish the National Health Service Corps Scholarship Program to assure an adequate supply of health professionals for the National Health Service Corps. Lists conditions of eligibility for such Program. Requires each participant to serve in the Corps for a period of one year for each year a scholarship is received under such Program. Allows the Secretary to release an individual from such obligation if such individual applies for release and enters into a written agreement with the Secretary to engage in a full-time private clinical practice in an area which has been designated as a health manpower shortage area for a period of one year for each year a scholarship was received under the Program. Requires participants in such Program to enter into a written contract with the Secretary. Entitles the United States to recover damages in the event of a breach of the participant's contractual obligations, such damages to be computed according to the formula specified. Title V: Postgraduate Physician Training - Establishes in the Public Health Service the National Council on Postgraduate Physician Training to conduct studies and other activities relevant to postgraduate training of physicians, including assessments of: (1) physician specialty distribution in the United States; (2) the need for financial support for postgraduate physician training; (3) the service needs of hospitals and other health institutions; (4) the educational component of postgraduate physician training programs; and (5) the impact of practice in the United States by graduates of foreign medical schools. Directs the Secretary to divide the United States into ten regions, establishing in each a Regional Council on Postgraduate Training within the region served by such Council. Directs the Secretary, upon the recommendation of each regional council, to certify annual postgraduate physician training positions in entities which directly provide such training within the region served by the regional council. Prohibits any entity which maintains uncertified postgraduate training positions from receiving financial assistance under the Public Health Service Act, or the Mental Retardation Facilities and Community Mental Health Centers Construction Act of 1963. Makes it unlawful for any person subject to these provisions to knowingly establish or maintain residency training positions contrary to such provisions. Subjects violators to a civil penalty of not more than $10,000 for each violation. Title VI: Foreign Medical Graduates - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to make specified preference immigrant aliens who graduate from a medical school and are coming to the United States principally to perform services as members of the medical profession ineligible to receive visas or to be admitted into the United States. Increases restrictions on granting immigrant visas to foreign medical professionals who were previously granted educational visitor status while attending a health professions school in the United States. Title VII: Standards for State Licensure of Physicians or Dentists - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary to: (1) develop and establish model standards for State licensure of physicians and dentists; (2) prepare examinations for licensing and procedures for relicensing of physicians and dentists; and (3) develop appropriate standards for continuing education programs for physicians and dentists. Requires the Secretary to submit a report no later than October 1, 1978, jointly to the Committee of Labor and PUblic Welfare of the Senate and to the Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce of the House of Representatives on minimum standards for State licensure of physicians and dentists. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to State agencies to assist in the establishment of State systems for the initial licensure and subsequent renewals of licensure for physicians and dentists. Title VIII: Grants for Schools of Medicine, Osteopathy, and Dentistry - Revises the method of calculating the amount of annual capitation grants to schools of medicine, osteopathy, and dentistry to support their educational programs. Prohibits such grants unless the applicant for aid gives assurances that student enrollment and the level of non-Federal aid will not be less than in the previous year. Requires medical schools receiving grants to reserve a specified percentage of places for full-time students who have applied for scholarships under such Act. Requires such schools to reserve a specified percentage of their filled residencies in family practice, primary internal medicine, primary pediatrics, primary obstetrics, and gynecology. Requires dental schools receiving grants to develop, establish, and operate a Training in Expanded Auxiliary Management program (T.E.A.M.) to train dental students in the organization and management of multiple auxiliary dental-team practice. Title IX: Grants for Schools of Veterinary Medicine, Optometry, Pharmacy, and Podiatry - Directs the Secretary to make annual grants to schools of veterinary medicine, optometry, pharmacy, and podiatry to support their educational programs. Sets forth the method of calculating the amount of such annual grants. Requires schools of pharmacy to include in their applications the assurance that they will provide each student with a training program in clinical pharmacy. Requires schools of veterinary medicine to include in their applications the assurance that their clinical training will emphasize predominantly care to food and fibre producing animals. Title X: Public Health and Health Care Administration - Directs the Secretary to make annual capitation grants to schools of public health for the support of their educational programs. Directs the Secretary to make annual grants to public or nonprofit private entities (except schools of public health) to support their graduate educational programs in health administration and health planning, including schools of social work). Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to assist schools of public health and specified other public nonprofit educational entities in meeting the costs of special projects in: (1) biostatistics or epidemiology; (2) health administration, health planning, or health policy analysis and planning; and (3) environmental or occupational health. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to such schools and entities for traineeships. Title XI: Allied Health Personnel - Directs the Secretary to make grants and enter into contracts to assist eligible entities in meeting the costs of activities undertaken with respect to: (1) methods of regional coordination and management of education and training for allied health personnel within and among educational institutions and their clinical affiliates; (2) methods for retraining allied health personnel; (3) meaningful career ladders for practicing allied health personnel; and (4) new or improved methods of credentialing allied health personnel. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to public and nonprofit private entities for traineeships provided by such entities for the advanced training programs for such personnel or for service in administrative or supervisory positions. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to and enter into contracts with schools of allied health and specified other entities to assist in meeting the costs of aiding students or potential students who are financially or otherwise disadvantaged. Title XII: Special Project Grants and Contracts - Authorizes the Secretary to make grants and enter into contracts with any public or nonprofit entity to carry out special projects related to: (1) programs for physician assistance and expanded functional auxiliaries; (2) educational assistance to individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds; (3) start up grants; (4) area health education center programs; (5) financial distress assistance to medical schools; (6) grants for training, traineeships, and fellowships in primary internal medicine and primary pediatrics; (7) human behavior and psychiatry in medical and dental practice; (8) speech pathology and audiology; (9) humanism in health care; (10) biomedical educational programs; (11) education of U.S. citizens returning from foreign medical schools; (12) grants for bilingual health clinical training centers; (13) projects grants and contracts for schools of optometry, pharmacy, and podiatry; (14) grants to schools of social work in health care; (15) health manpower development grants and contracts; (16) health professions data; (17) environmental health educational grants; (18) health problems relating to women; (19) regional health professions schools; (20) primary dental care development; (21) U.S. citizens who have completed medical training abroad; (22) psychology training programs; (23) implications of advances in biomedical research; (24) dietetic residencies; and (25) regional systems of continuing education. Title XIII: Occupational Health Training and Education Centers - Directs the Secretary to make grants to assist public nonprofit colleges or universities to establish and operate occupational health training and education centers through cooperative arrangements between schools of medicine and schools of public health. Title XIV: Assistance for Construction of Primary Health Care Teaching Facilities - Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to a public or nonprofit private entity to assist in the construction of ambulatory care teaching facilities for the training of physicians and dentists. Title XV: Miscellaneous - Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to public and nonprofit private schools of nursing and other private entities to establish and operate programs to train and educate nurse practitioners, pediatric nurses, and physician assistants who are residents of urban or rural underserved areas. Authorizes the appropriation of specified amounts in fiscal years 1978 through 1980 to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 1976
Solar Energy Act - Title I: Findings, Policy, Purpose and Definitions - Declares it the policy of the United States to reduce national reliance on crude oil imports as an energy source by demonstrating the reliability of solar energy generation facilities. Title II: Solar Energy Fiscal Year 1977 Suggested Budget Outlays for Operating Expenses, Plant and Equipment, and Construction - Recommends budget outlays for fiscal year 1977 in the following areas: solar heating and cooling, agricultural and industrial process heat, solar-thermal electric, photovoltaic, ocean-thermal, wind, solar crop irrigation, resource assessment and technology utilization, and other areas of solar energy research. Includes recommended budget outlays for specific projects. Title III: Responsibilities of the Administration - Amends the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974 to direct the Administrator of the Energy Research and Development Administration to: (1) insure, to the maximum extent possible, that procurement under such Act be on a cost-sharing basis with private business; (2) consult with the Administrator of the Small Business Administration before granting or contracting of any demonstration projects under the Act; and (3) report to the President and the Congress by September 30, 1977 on the integration of existing electric utility systems with decentralized solar-electric generation systems.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1976
Municipal Taxable Bond Alternative Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a State, a possession of the United States, any political subdivision of any of the foregoing, or the District of Columbia, to elect to issue taxable obligations, the interest of which will be included in the gross income of the recipient. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to pay without condition or requirement 40 percent of the interest yield on each obligation for which the election of taxability has been made. Makes technical and conforming amendments.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1976
National Science Foundation Authorization Act - Title I: Appropriations Authorized - Authorizes the appropriation of specified sums for designated uses to the National Science Foundation for fiscal year 1977. Requires that reports made by the Director of the National Science Foundation of the Foundation's activities pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act and the Federal Advisory Committee Act contain specified information. Requires the Director to report to the Committee on Science and Technology of the House of Representatives and to the Committee on Labor and Public Welfare of the Senate: (1) the extent to which the results of specified research projects have been utilized and any barriers to such utilization; and (2) a monthly statement on all grants or contracts completed by the Foundation during the previous 30 days. Title II: National and International Needs and Resources - Directs the Foundation to conduct and support activities designed to improve and promote the use of the scientific and technological resources of the United States in solving international problems. Directs the Foundation to encourage and promote the conduct of underdisciplinary research. Directs the Foundation to establish a "science for citizens program" to improve public understanding of public policy issues involving science and technology and to facilitate the participation of the scientific community in solving public policy issues. Establishes an advisory committee to participate in the planning and implementation of such program. Directs the Foundation to initiate a continuing education program for scientists and engineers who have engaged in their careers for at least five years. Authorizes the Foundation to make grants for curricula development and to award fellowships. Directs the Foundation to establish six Minority Centers for Graduate Education in Science and Engineering. Directs the Foundation to establish an Office of Small Business Research and Development. Requires the Director to initiate an intensive search for qualified women and members of minority groups to fill executive level positions in the Foundation. Authorizes the Foundation to establish an Advisory Council on the National Science Foundation. Title III: National Science and Technology Policy - Amends the National Science Foundation Act of 1950 to include among the Foundation's functions recommending and encouraging the application of scientific and technical knowledge to the solution of national and international problems. Revises certain qualifications for National Science Board membership. Title IV: General Provisions - Authorizes the appropriation of funds not to exceed $6,000,000 for expenses incurred by the Foundation outside the United States. Requires the Director to keep the Committee on Science and Technology of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Labor and Public Welfare of the Senate fully informed of the Foundation's activities.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1976
Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act - Requires the Chief Justice of the United States to designate seven district court judges, each of whom shall have jurisdiction to hear applications for and grant orders approving electronic surveillance anywhere within the United States. Requires the Chief Justice to designate three Federal judges to comprise a special court of appeals which shall have jurisdiction to hear an appeal by the United States from the denial of any application. Grants the United States a further right to appeal an affirmance of denial to the Supreme Court. Requires each application for any order approving electronic surveillance for foreign intelligence purposes to be approved by the Attorney General and to include: (1) the identity of the officer making the application; (2) the authority conferred on the applicant by the President and the approval of the Attorney General to make the application; (3) the identity of the subject of the surveillance; (4) the fact and circumstances justifying belief that the target of surveillance is a foreign power or an agent of a foreign power; (5) a description of the type of information sought and a certification by one of specified Federal officers that such information is foreign intelligence information that cannot feasibly be obtained by normal investigative techniques; and (6) a statement of the period of time for which the surveillance is required. Directs the judge to enter an ex parte order as requested or as modified approving the electronic surveillance if he finds that the criteria specified have been met. Allows issuance of orders to approve surveillance for 90 days or the period necessary to achieve its purposes, whichever is less. Permits extensions of orders upon application for an extension made in the same manner as required for an original application. Authorizes the Attorney General, upon a reasonable determination that an emergency situation exists, to authorize the emergency employment of electronic surveillance if the appropriate judge is informed by the Attorney General of such authorization at the time it is made and if an application is made as soon as practicable but not more than 24 hours after authorization. Requires, in the absence of a judicial order, that surveillance terminate when the information sought is obtained, when the application for an order is denied, or 24 hours after authorization, whichever is earliest. Allows information acquired from electronic surveillance conducted pursuant to this Act to be used and disclosed only for designated purposes or for the enforcement of the criminal law. Requires, when an order to approve the emergency employment of electronic surveillance is not obtained, that the judge serve notice on the individual subject to surveillance of the fact of the application, the period of surveillance, and the fact that information was or was not obtained. Permits the judge to delay or forego this action on a showing of good cause. Requires the Attorney General to submit an annual report to the Administrative Office of the United States Courts and to Congress including: (1) the number of applications made for orders and extensions of orders approving electronic surveillance and the number of such orders and extensions granted, modified, and denied; (2) the periods of time for which orders authorized surveillances and their actual duration; (3) the number of surveillances in place at any time during the preceding year; and (4) the number of surveillances terminated during the preceding year. Declares that nothing contained in this Act shall limit the Constitutional power of the President to order electronic surveillances for specified national security reasons if the facts and circumstances giving rise to such order are beyond the scope of this Act. (Amends 18 U.S.C. 2521-2528)
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1976
Extends the authorization for contracts for annual contribution under the United States Housing Act of 1937. Authorizes an additional $850,000,000 to be appropriated in public housing contract authority for fiscal year 1977 and an additional $1,350,000,000 in such authority for fiscal year 1978 and beyond. Requires that at least $250,000,000 of the new public housing contract authority will be made available to finance the construction of new public housing units. Authorizes $60,000,000 to be appropriated for modernization of existing public housing units. Authorizes $600,000,000 per year to be appropriated for operating subsidies for conventional public housing.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1976
Housing for the Elderly Act - Increases by $2,500,000,000 the amount authorized to be appropriated under the Housing Act of 1959 for the loans for housing for the elderly program.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1976
Authorizes the use of an expedited procedure in determining the income level of a family for the purpose of establishing eligibility for payment under Title XX (Grants to States for Services) of the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1976
Ocean and Coastal Resources Act - Title I: Marine Sciences and Technology Policy - Establishes, within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration the Office of Marine Resources, Science, and Technology to develop and implement a program for marine resources and to develop and promote cooperative research and development projects. Requires the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration with the assistance of the Office to prepare a six year national plan for research and development in marine science and technology and for the demonstration and practical implementation of marine science and technology developments. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to submit such plan to the Congress and the President. Provides that the Office shall operate and maintain a service to be known as the National Ocean and Coastal Advisory Service. States that the service shall impart useful information, knowledge, and technique to organizations and individuals employed or otherwise interested in the assessment, development, and/or conservation of ocean and coastal resources. Provides that the service shall be headed by a Director. Sets forth the responsibility of the Director which includes coordination of all advisory service programs relating to ocean and coastal resources, and formulation of a comprehensive plan for the production and delivery of advisory services regarding ocean and coastal resources. Authorizes the appropriation of $3,750,000 for the fiscal transition period ending September 30, 1976; and $15,000,000 for fiscal years 1977, 1978 and 1979. Requires the Secretary to submit an annual report to the Congress and the President. Specifies that such report shall provide an evaluation of the status and prospects for marine science and technology. Gives the National Advisory Committee on Oceans and Atmosphere the opportunity to review each such report. Establishes a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration distinguished research award for outstanding achievements and contributions in problem-oriented research related to ocean and coastal resources which meets international, national, and/or regional needs. Title II: National Sea Grant Program Amendments - National Sea Grant Act - Provides that there shall be maintained within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration a program of research, education, training, and advisory services to be known as the national sea grant program. Directs that the program shall be administered by the Office of Marine Resources, Science, and Technology. States that the program shall be designed and administered to further research, education, training, and advisory services in ocean and coastal resource development, assessment, and conservation, including relevant research, education, and training in marine science. Requires the program to include the making of grants and contracts in accordance with specifically identified national needs and problems. Authorizes the appropriation of $3,750,000 for the fiscal transition period ending September 30, 1976; $15,000,000 for fiscal years 1977, 1978, and 1979, for the purpose of making such grants and contracts. Provides for the appointment of a Director of the national sea grant program who shall establish long-range planning guidelines for the administration of the program, advise the Associate Administrator of existing expertise and capabilities within the program, and provide support for sea grant fellowships through institutions of higher education for educational and training assistance to persons in fields related to marine and coastal resource understanding. Authorizes the Secretary to designate, through the national sea grant program, sea grant colleges, and sea grant regional consortia. Provides that such institutions shall initiate, conduct, and support programs of research, education, training, and advisory services in disciplines and fields that are relevant to the development, utilization, and conservation of ocean and coastal resources. Establishes a sea grant review panel which shall supercede the sea grant advisory panel. Provides that the panel shall function as an advisory body to the Director of the national sea grant program. Authorizes the appropriation of $8,750,000 for the fiscal transition period ending September 30, 1976; and $35,000,000 for fiscal years 1977, 1978 and 1979 to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1976
Expresses the sense of the Senate concerning relations with the Soviet Union. Expresses the Senate's support of efforts to conclude agreements for the stabilization and reduction of the strategic military competition between the United States and the Soviet Union; to extend opportunities for diplomatic, economic and social initiatives between the United States and the Soviet Union; and to launch initiatives for an effort on the part of both nations to pursue a peaceful solution in areas of conflict.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1976
Requires Federal agencies, upon receiving from an interested person a petition for the issuance, amendment, or appeal of a rule, to either deny such petition or initiate the requested rulemaking within 60 days.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1976
Expresses the appreciation of Congress to specified scientific and engineering societies for their Congressional Science and Engineering Fellowship Programs. Encourages the scientific and engineering communities to continue and expand such activities.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1976
Increases to 80 percent the Federal share of financial assistance to community action agencies under the Community Services Act of 1974.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1976
Expresses the sense of Congress that the negotiations between Southern Railway and Chessie System on one hand and railway labor organizations on the other should be resumed, with the assistance of the Secretaries of Labor and Transportation.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1976
Expresses the advice and consent of the Senate to the ratification of the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation between the United States of America and Spain, signed at Madrid on January 24, 1976, subject to the declaration that: (1) the United States intends this treaty to support Spanish progress towards democracy; and (2) the United States looks forward to Spain's full cooperation with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1976
Guatemala Relief and Rehabilitation Act - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize the President to make available assistance for the relief of victims of the recent earthquakes in Guatemala. Authorizes the appropriation of $30,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 for such relief. Requires that such assistance be distributed to the maximum extent practicable through United States voluntary relief agencies and international relief and development organizations. Requires the President to transmit reports to the Committees on Foreign Relations and Appropriations of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives regarding programming of funds under this Act. Expresses Congressional recognition that such assistance is an expression of humanitarian concern of the people of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1976
Establishes a National Commission on Food Production, Processing, Marketing, and Pricing, to be composed of nine members. Directs the Commission to study and appraise the economic and industrial structure of all segments of the food industry, including: (1) economic forecasts; (2) desirable structural changes in the various segments of the food industry; and (3) the effect of food imports on producers, processors, and consumers in the United States. Requires the Commission to make such interim reports as it deems advisable, and to make a final report of its findings, recommendations, and conclusions to the President and the Congress by July 1, 1978. Sets forth the powers of the Commission. Requires that, within six months following the filing of the final report, the Federal Trade Commission, the Department of Justice, and the Department of Agriculture shall each publish separate reports on the policy planning, budget allotments, investigations, complaints, indictments, litigation, and other actions of each agency with respect to the enforcement of the antitrust laws on the various sectors of the food industry. Directs the FTC and the Department of Justice to submit to the Congress and to publish in the Federal Register annual indices of the structure and the state of competition in the food industry. Authorizes appropriations to the Commission of up to $3,750,000 to carry out the purposes of this Act. Authorizes appropriations of up to $1,000,000 to the Federal Trade Commission to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1976
Law Enforcement Improvement Act - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to direct the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration to provide constructive leadership and direction in the formulation of federally funded State plans for law enforcement. Allows State and local judiciaries to establish their own planning committees to plan the judicial needs of the State, such committee to work closely with the State law enforcement planning agency in developing a judicial plan consistent with the State's overall comprehensive crime reduction plan. Entitles States to Federal grants for law enforcement purposes only if the comprehensive State plans include provisions for improving the availability and quality of justice and developing programs designed to prevent crime against the elderly. Authorizes cities, urban counties, or local government units to submit their own comprehensive crime reduction plans to the State planning agency for approval by such agency. Charges the Administration with the primary responsibility of evaluating the effectiveness of State plans it approves. Directs the Administration to fund State planning agencies for the purpose of funding the State's judicial planning committee if such committee has filed a multiyear comprehensive plan meeting specified requirements. Authorizes additional funds to areas characterized by high crime rates and serious court congestion. Removes the funding priority previously given programs to control riots and other civil disorders and grants priority to programs designed to reduce court backlogs and improve judicial efficiency. Directs the National Institute of Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice to assist the Administration in its evaluation and assistance functions under this Act. Requires the Administration to establish rules and regulations to assure the proper auditing, monitoring and evaluation of programs funded under such Act. Extends the authorization for carrying out programs under such Act to 1978. Authorizes the Attorney General to establish an Advisory Board to the Administration to review programs for grants under such Act. Specifies subjects to be included in the Administration's annual report to the President and Congress, including its policies and priorities for reducing crime, its evaluation procedures, the number of State plans approved and disapproved, and the number of programs discontinued. Allows the Committees on the Judiciary in both Houses of Congress to conduct public hearings to review and examine the activities of the Administration. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as are necessary, with specified limitations, for fiscal years 1976-1978 to carry out the provisions of such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1976
Calls upon the President to continue negotiations with the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics for the purpose of resolving remaining issues within the framework of the Vladivostok agreement and to seek an agreement to reduce the number of strategic delivery vehicles permitted each country under the Vladivostok aide-memoire. Expresses the sense of the Senate that the President should seek agreement with the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics to ban flight testing and deployment by each country of specified air- launched cruise missiles, to ban the construction of such missiles other than for deployment on heavy bombers, and to ban the flight testing or deployment by either country of specified land-launched and sea-launched cruise missiles. Urges the President to offer the Soviet Union an immediate, mutual moratorium on flight testing of all strategic-range cruise missiles. Calls upon the President, following Senate advice and consent, to ratify the agreements outlined above and to begin negotiations with the Soviet Union for the purpose of securing a comprehensive nuclear test ban. Urges the President to secure: (1) further reductions in the numerical limits contained in the Vladivostok agreement; and (2) restraints on testing and deployment of major improvements in the strategic nuclear forces on both sides.
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 1976
Extends the deepest sympathy of the Senate to the President and to the people of Guatemala in this dark hour of their suffering and distress. Calls upon the Executive branch of the United States Government to develop programs to assist the people of Guatemala in their efforts to relieve the suffering caused by the disaster and to rehabilitate their nation from the damage inflicted.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1976
Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize the President to furnish assistance for relief and rehabilitation of refugees and other needy people of Lebanon. Requires that such assistance be distributed, to the maximum extent practicable, under the auspices of the United Nations.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1976
Opportunities Industrialization Centers Job Creation and Training Act - States that the purpose of this Act is to provide special authority for the Opportunities Industrialization Centers in order to create and provide job opportunities for specific unemployed persons who were particularly hard hit by the recent economic recession, and to provide opportunities for industry to create additional jobs for the unemployed in rural and urban communities. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to enter into a contract with Opportunities Industrialization Centers, Incorporated (OIC) in order to provide comprehensive employment services and jobs for unemployed persons. Requires each such contract to contain provisions assuring that specific requirements are complied with, including requirements that (1) special consideration in providing jobs will be given to unemployed persons who are most severely disadvantaged in terms of the length of time they have been unemployed; (2) due consideration will be given to persons who have participated in manpower training programs for whom unemployment opportunities would be otherwise unavailable, and (3) the program will to the maximum extent feasible contribute to the elimination of artificial barriers to employment and occupational advancement. Sets forth special conditions to be met prior to providing financial assistance pursuant to a contract entered into under this Act. Requires the programs to contribute, to the maximum extent feasible, to the occupational development or upward mobility of individual participants. Prohibits the Secretary from providing financial assistance unless he determines that: (1) periodic reports will be submitted to him to measure the effectiveness of the programs; (2) there will be no discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, political affiliation, or beliefs within the program, and (3) the participants in the program will not be employed in the construction, operation, or maintenance of sectarian religious facilities. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the provisions of this Act of $150,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, $200,0000,000 for fiscal year 1978, $300,000,000 for fiscal year 1979, and $350,000,000 for fiscal year 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1976
Energy Conservation Act - Directs the Administrator of the Federal Energy Administration to prescribe guidelines for the development and preparation of proposed State energy conservation programs. Stipulates that such guidelines be designed to allow States maximum flexibility and discretion in preparing such programs. Requires that States be given an opportunity to participate in the drafting of such guidelines. Authorizes the Administrator to provide Federal financial assistance to States whose proposed energy conservation programs meet specified Federal criteria. Stipulates that such assistance may be in the form of loan guarantees, interest subsidies, or grants. Lists factors to be considered in determining the amount of such assistance. Stipulates that no State shall receive more than 12.5 percent of the national total in each category of financial assistance. Establishes the following limits on financial assistance under this Act: (1) loan guarantees- shall not exceed an aggregate of $10,000,000,000 at any one time; (2) interest subsidies to residential and small business consumers-authorizes an appropriation of not more than $90,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, $180,000,000 for fiscal year 1978, and $360,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 1979 and 1980; and (3) grants to States-$50,000,000 annually for fiscal years 1977 through 1980. Specifies the following criteria for State programs as a pre-condition of receiving Federal financial assistance under this Act: (1) limits the maximum term of loan guarantees or subsidies to 15 years or the anticipated useful life of any permanent facilities, whichever is shorter; (2) requires procedures for energy audits and distribution of resultant information to consumers; (3) requires incentives for the implementation of energy conservation measures by individual owners and tenants; (4) demonstration that such program is designed to achieve maximum energy savings in the shortest possible time; and (5) reasonable assurance that the financial interest of the United States will be protected. Authorizes States to encourage the development of energy conservation cooperatives of residential energy consumers as part of their energy conservation programs.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1976
Bicentennial Commission on Presidential Nominations Resolution - Establishes a twenty member Bicentennial Commission on Presidential Nominations. Provides that the Commission shall make a full and complete investigation with respect to the Presidential nominating process. Directs that such investigation shall include consideration of (1) the manner in which States conduct primaries; (2) State laws and the rules of national political parties which govern the participation of voters and candidates in such primaries; (3) the financing of campaigns for the nomination of candidates for election to the office of the President of the United States; (4) the relationship between candidates for election to the office of the President of the United States and the news media; (5) alternative nominating systems; and (6) the manner in which candidates are nominated for election to the office of Vice President of the United States. Requires the Commission to submit to the President and the Congress such interim reports as it deems advisable, and a final report not later than one year after the enactment of this resolution. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1976
Government Economy and Spending Reform Act - Title I: Authorizations of New Budget Authority - Terminates on specified dates budget authority for all Government programs except health care services, general retirement and disability insurance, and Federal employee retirement and disability programs which are funded by trust funds. Declares out of order in either the Senate or the House of Representatives any legislation which authorizes new budget authority not in compliance with this Act. Requires the Committees on Appropriations and the Committees on the Budget of both Houses of Congress to identify each program's functional and subfunctional category (as so characterized in the Budget of the United States, Fiscal Year 1977, transmitted to Congress by the President on January 21, 1976), the committees having legislative jurisdiction over such program, and whether such program operates under permanent authorizations and budget authority. Makes the budget termination provisions of this Act effective on the first day of the Ninety-fifth Congress. Title II: Early Elimination of Inactive and Duplicate Programs - Requires the Comptroller General of the United States to identify for Congress any programs which have duplicate objectives or for which no outlays have been made for the last two fiscal years. Directs the standing committees of both Houses to consider such programs and report recommendations on such programs before March 15, 1978, if possible. Title III: Quadrennial Program Review and Evaluation - Sets forth a timetable for reviewing the budget of a Government program. Requires review by standing committees of the Congress every four years of each program's cost, effectiveness, and the extent to which such program duplicates or is similar to any other program. States that such review shall include a comprehensive evaluation of the merits of such program to determine if it warrants continuation. Requires justification of any recommendation to fund any program which has objectives similar to or the same as another program's objectives. Directs the Comptroller General and the Congressional Budget Office to provide Congress with information and analysis of programs being reviewed under this Act. Requires the President to similarly review the merits of continuing programs contained in annual Budget and to report the finding of such review prior to transmitting the Budget to Congress. Title IV: Continuing Review and Evaluation - Directs the Comptroller General to report to Congress the result of any audit which shows a substantial deficiency in achievement of the objectives of any Government program. Requires subsequent audits, a report of which must be submitted to Congress, to determine if such deficiency has been eliminated. Title V: Miscellaneous - States that those provisions of this Act which direct the operation of either House are enacted as an exercise of the rulemaking power of such House and recognizes the right of either House to change such rules.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1976
Requires the Comptroller General to carry out, until April 30, 1976, the functions of the Federal Election Commission with respect to the public financing of Presidential election campaigns and national nominating conventions.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1976
Authorizes the President to issue a proclamation designating the week beginning May 9, 1976, as "National Small Business Week", in recognition of the achievements and contributions which small and independent family-farmers and business men and women have made to American society.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1976
National Diabetes Advisory Board Act - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish a National Diabetes Advisory Board to insure the implementation of the long-range plan formulated by the National Commission on Diabetes to combat diabetes. Specifies seven Federal health officers as members of the Board, in addition to seven health professionals and five members of the general public to be appointed by the Secretary. Makes provision for staffing and compensation. Authorizes the Board to enter into contracts or other arrangements, or to take such other action as may be necessary to carry out its functions. Authorizes the Board to engage in and sponsor activities, collect data, and provide technical assistance as it deems necessary and advisable in the performance of its functions. Requires the Board to submit simultaneously to the President and Congress an Annual Diabetes Report describing Board activities in the prior year and progress made in diabetes research, treatment, and education with specific reference to the long-range plan to combat diabetes mellitus and suggesting recommended future expenditures and legislation. Authorizes the appropriation of $500,000 for fiscal year 1976 and such sums as necessary for each of the four fiscal years thereafter. Authorizes the Secretary to make distinguished scientist awards to individual scientists who have shown continuous and outstanding productivity in diabetes research for the purpose of continuing such research. Limits the amount of each grant to no more than $35,000 per year. Authorizes the appropriation of specified amounts for the purpose of making such grants in fiscal years 1976-1980. Authorizes, under the Public Health Service Act, the appropriation of specified sums in fiscal years 1977-1981 for the purpose of making grants to centers for research and training in diabetes mellitus and related endocrine and metabolic disorders.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1976
National Center for Women Act - Establishes a National Center for Women as an independent agency of the Executive branch: (1) to review and coordinate Federal programs to insure equal opportunity for women; (2) to serve as a clearinghouse for information on public programs and legislation of interest to women; and (3) to recommend to the President and Congress proposals to improve the status of women. Directs the establishment of a National Board of Advisors within such Center, which members shall be appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. Directs the Board of Advisors to maintain effective liaison with public agencies and other organizations concerned with the status of women. Transfers to the Administrator of such Center the functions of: (1) the National Commission on the Observance of International Women's Year; (2) the Citizen's Advisory Council on the Status of Women established under Executive Order 11126; (3) the interdepartmental Committee on the Status of Women established under Executive Order 11126; (4) the Women's Bureau of the Department of Labor; (5) the Women's Action Program of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare; and (6) the Women's Rights Program Unit of the Civil Rights Commission. Creates within the Center an Intergovernmental Task Force on the representatives of specified executive departments and independent regulatory agencies. Directs such Task Force to assist in the evaluation and coordination of Federal programs for women and to develop procedures to insure equal rights to women within Federal agencies. Directs each Federal agency to review regulations, policies, and procedures of its programs to assure full participation and equal opportunity for women.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1976
Federal Election Campaign Reform Act - Title I: Reestablishment of the Federal Election Commission - Abolishes the Federal Election Commission established by the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 effective February 29, 1976. Provides that the President shall appoint by and with the advice and consent of the Senate six members of the newly established Federal Election Commission for six year terms. States that the Secretary of the Senate and Clerk of the House of Representatives shall serve as ex officio members of the Commission without the right to vote. Requires the members of the present Commission to serve on the new Commission until all of the new members are appointed and qualified and to carry out such of the Commission's functions as are consistent with specified decisions of the Supreme Court of the United States. Transfers all personnel, property, records, contracts, and liabilities consistent with such decision to the Commission established by this Act from the Commission abolished by this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated to carry out the functions of the Commission $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1976, $2,500,000 for the period July 1, 1976, through September 30, 1976, and $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1977. Title II: Public Financing of Primary Elections and General Elections for the Senate - Defines the terms used in this title. Declares that to be eligible for payments to match campaign funds in a Senatorial primary election a candidate must raise the lesser of 20 percent of the maximum amount he may spend in connection with his primary election campaign as allowed by law or $125,000. Requires no minimum amount in Senatorial primary runoff elections. Sets no minimum contribution collection limit for Senatorial candidates of major parties in a general election but any other Senatorial candidate must meet the same minimums set by this Act for major party primary elections to be eligible for matching payments in a general election. States that no individual's contribution to a single candidate shall be considered for matching funds to the extent that such contribution exceeds $100. Allows matching payments to Senatorial candidates of major parties in a general election equal to the maximum he may expend in such election as allowed by law. Allows payments to all other qualified candidates in a Senatorial general election according to a specified formula. Prohibits payments to any candidate under this Act which when added to the other sums received by him exceeds the maximum expenditure limitation now imposed by law. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to maintain within the Presidential Election Campaign Fund the Senate Election Account. Requires all funds deposited in the Fund and not used for Presidential elections and conventions to be credited to the Account to finance the provisions of this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to supplement such credited funds to carry out the provisions of this Act. Requires the Commission to audit the records of each candidate receiving payments under this Act. Requires such candidates to refund such payments the Commission determines were made in excess of those allowed by this Act or which were not used for campaign expenses. Directs each candidate to send to the Commission from time to time a statement of expenditures which he and his authorized committees have incurred or plan to incur. Requires the Commission to publicize such statements. Requires the Commission, after the close of each calendar year, to report to the Senate all expenditures each candidate has made, amounts certified for payment to such candidate, and amounts required from each candidate and the reasons for each payment required. Sets forth penalties for violating this Act. Makes this Act effective upon enactment except that provisions applicable to primary elections for the Senate shall take effect on January 1, 1977.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1976
Authorizes and requests the President to issue a proclamation designating the period of February 15, 1976, through February 21, 1976, as "National League of United Latin American Citizens Week".
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1976
National Health Research and Development Act - States the congressional finding that cigarette smoking is a principal health threat and that the harmful factors in cigarette smoke are tars and nicotine. Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish a fifteen-member National Health Research and Development Advisory Commission for the purpose of advising the President and Congress on the overall status of the national health research effort and making recommendations on the course and priorities of future health research and development. Outlines the procedures for members' appointment to the Commission. Requires the Commission, in addition to its other functions, to conduct studies relating to health research and development or the application and dissemination of health technology as the President or Congress may request or as the Commission deems necessary. Requires the Commission to report its conclusions and make recommendations at least once every two years to the President and Congress. Directs the Commission to make recommendations to the President and Congress on the distribution of moneys in the National Health Research and Development Fund established by this Act. Authorizes the appropriation, for fiscal years 1977-1981, of those amounts determined by the Secretary of the Treasury to be equivalent to the revenue from the cigarette tax created by this Act, such amounts to be used for research and projects in the areas to be studied by the Commission. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose a health research and development tax on cigarettes, such tax to be initially imposed in calendar year 1977, at the rate of $0.0002 for each milligram of tar and $0.002 for each milligram of nicotine. Steps up the rate of tax in each succeeding year, the final rate to be instituted in 1980, imposing a tax of $0.0005 for each milligram of tar and $0.005 for each milligram of nicotine. Directs the Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission, at least once each calendar year, to certify to the Secretary of the Treasury or his delegate, the tar and nicotine content of each brand of cigarettes manufactured in or imported into the United States.