United States · United States Congress · 20 September 1976
Government Economy and Spending Reform Act - Title I: Authorizations of New Budget Authority - Terminates all budget authority for Federal programs on specified dates according to the functional or subfunctional category of each program as set forth in the fiscal year 1977 budget. Requires the Comptroller General to report to Congress by April 1, 1977, on specified programs with respect to the laws under which such program is carried on, the amount of new budget authority received by such program during the four fiscal years ending before April 1, 1977, and to identify programs for which no outlays have been made during the last two fiscal years ending before April 1, 1977. Prohibits providing new budget authority after the applicable review date set forth in this Act unless the provision of such budget authority is specifically authorized by law or the standing rules of either House of Congress. Title II: Zero-Base Program Review - Sets forth a timetable for Congressional zero-base review of new budget authority. Defines "zero-base review" as an evaluation of a given program to determine the merits of its continuation at a level less than, equal to, or more than its existing level. Requires each congressional committee conducting a zero-based program review to adopt tentative and final review plans, receive reports from the Comptroller General and Federal agencies on the program being reviewed, and report to their respective House the results of such zero-base review of the program. Sets forth minimum objectives of inquiry for such reviews. Requires that any committee reporting pursuant to this Act recommend the extent to which any program reviewed should be continued or eliminated. Title III: Continuing Review - Amends the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1970 to require, whenever the Comptroller General issues a report which discloses any substantial deficiency in the achievement of the objectives of any Federal program, the agency conducting such program to report to specified congressional committees 60 days after such report and every six months thereafter to deliniate the actions taken with respect to such deficiency. Requires that such agency continue to issue such reports until such time as the Comptroller General determines that no purpose is served by their submission. Amends the Budget and Accounting Act, 1921, to require the inclusion in the Budget of a statement of the specific objectives of each Government program, and a comparison, in each subsequent Budget, of the achievement of such objectives for the last completed fiscal year with the planned objectives of such year. Title IV: Citizens Bicentennial Commission on the Organization and Operation of Government - Establishes the Citizens' Bicentennial Commission on the Organization and Operation of Government, an independent agency of 18 members to study Federal agencies. Directs the Commission to make recommendations to the President and Congress for the restructuring of such agencies to improve their efficiency. Requires the Commission to submit its final report by September 30, 1979, and terminate it 90 days thereafter. Authorizes to be appropriated without fiscal year limitation $12,000,000 to carry out the provisions of this title. Title V: Miscellaneous - Requires the Director of Management and Budget to study the feasibility of zero-base budgeting for Federal agencies. Requires the Director of the Congressional Budget Office to study the feasibility of personnel ceilings on employees of the United States and their relationships to alternative methods of carrying out the activities of such employees. Requires that such reports be submitted to Congress. Requires Federal agency heads to report requests for new budget authority to Congress. Requires specified committees to study the effectiveness of the zero-base review procedures required by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1976
Expresses the Senate's gratitude to Mike Mansfield of Montana for his participation in the Government and his service on behalf of the Nation's people.
United States · United States Congress · 27 August 1976
Designates the extension of the Senate Office Building presently under construction pursuant to the Supplemental Appropriations Act, 1973, as the "Philip A. Hart Office Building."
United States · United States Congress · 26 August 1976
Urges the President to direct United States Ambassadors abroad to seek the consideration by foreign governments of suspension of their air service to any foreign nation aiding or abetting terrorism. States that the President should undertake international discussions and negotiations which would strengthen the current minimum safety standards established pursuant to the Convention on International Civil Aviation. Urges the President to end air transportation between the United States and any foreign nation which violates such act; services violating nations; or does not maintain transportation security sufficient to meet the minimum security standards established pursuant to the Convention.
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 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, express its sense 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 · 30 June 1976
Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act and the Emergency Livestock Credit Act of 1974 to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to postpone the principal and interest payments on emergency loans made or insured under such Acts for up to three years. Authorizes the Secretary to extend the repayment period of operating loans under the Consolidated Rural Development Act up to a 20-year period in the event of any disaster occurring between January 1, 1975, and July 1, 1976.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 1976
Emergency Livestock Assistance Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to designate a State or subdivision thereof as an emergency area if the combined hay, forage, or pasture losses are 40 percent below normal production for such area. Authorizes the Secretary to pay three-fourths of the cost of transporting a 90 day supply of hay and forages to livestock producers in such areas. Allows the Secretary to extend such time period if such action is neccessary and appropriate. States that such assistance shall be made available to producers whose assets exceed liabilities by no more than $100,000 or where not providing such assistance would result in financial hardship. Terminates the Secretary's authority to provide such assistance on October 1, 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1976
National Meals-on-Wheels Act - Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to allow States to distribute Federal funds for the establishment of: (1) projects to provide home-delivered meals to qualified homebound elderly persons; (2) an information and referral system for homebound individuals receiving such meals; and (3) an operation to seek volunteer personnel for the delivery of such meals and to compensate such personnel for related transportation expenses. Authorizes the appropriation of specified sums in fiscal years 1977 and 1978 for the purpose of providing home-delivered meals under this Act. Directs the Commissioner of the Administration on Aging to conduct a demonstration project involving at least three States to determine the feasibility of using the meals system designed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration for the elderly as a component of, or substitute for, regular nutrition projects assisted under the Older Americans Act of 1965. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary in fiscal year 1977 to carry out this project.
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 1976
Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to reimburse livestock producers or to otherwise pay for the transportation costs they incur for the shipment of hay into counties severly affected by drought, flood, or other natural disaster for their livestock herds. Authorizes the Secretary to designate emergency areas if he determines that as a result of such disaster the hay crop for that county is not more than 50 percent of the estimated crop.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1976
Alaska Natural Gas Transportation Act - Expresses the intent of Congress that the selection of a natural gas transportation system for delivery of Alaskan natural gas to other States be made through the establishment of new administrative and judicial procedures. Directs the Federal Power Commission to establish special procedures for expedited review of applications and reasonable alternatives relating to the transportation of Alaskan natural gas. Directs the Commission to complete its review and transmit its findings to the President by March 1, 1977. Requires that reports from other agencies which the President shall deem appropriate be submitted by April 1, 1977. Establishes criteria for information to be considered in such reports. Directs the President to make a final decision as to proposed systems for the transportation of Alaskan natural gas not later than July 1, 1977. Establishes procedures for Congressional review of such Presidential decision. Directs the Secretary of the Interior and other appropriate Federal officials to issue all necessary permits and take other necessary action to enforce all rights-of-way, permits, and leases related to the construction and operation of such natural gas transportation system. Requires compliance with requirements of the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920 relating to rights- of-way for pipelines through Federal lands. Exempts authorizations issued pursuant to this Act from requirements concerning: (1) compliance with National Environmental Policy Act provisions; (2) technical and financial capacity of applicants; (3) public hearings; and (4) furnishing of specified information and reports. Stipulates that an environmental impact statement on the proposed project shall be prepared at the earliest practicable time after the issuance of all necessary permits. Declares that the legal or factual sufficiency of such environmental statement shall not be subject to judicial review. Authorizes the Secretary and the Commission to develop procedural requirements of Federal law where desirable to accomplish the purposes of this Act. Declares that the actions of Federal officers and agencies under this Act shall not be subject to judicial review by the courts. Allows for claims that: (1) this Act is unconstitutional; (2) actions under this Act will deny Constitutional rights; and (3) actions taken are beyond the scope of authority conferred by this Act, provided that such claims are filed within 60 days following the date of the challenged action. Declares that exclusive jurisdiction shall be vested in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, with review of any final order limited to direct appeal to the United States Supreme Court. Declares that the court shall not have the power to issue injunctive relief against the issuance of any certificate, except in cases where a final judgment is entered.
United States · United States Congress · 28 May 1976
Authorizes the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to construct a replacement lock and dam project on the Mississippi River near Alton, Illinois. Authorizes the Secretary to undertake steps to provide for wildlife protection and recreational activities in conjunction with such project. Withdraws all authority for the Secretary of the Army to construct or study the feasibility of construction or modification of channels in the Mississippi River north of its juncture with the Illinois River. Directs the Upper Mississippi River Basin Commission to prepare a master plan by 1981 for the management of the Upper Mississippi River. Requires public hearings on a preliminary plan prior to preparation of a final plan. Establishes criteria to be considered in preparing such master plan. Authorizes the appropriation of $20,000,000 to the Commission for such study.
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 · 27 May 1976
Aircraft Noise Reduction and Airport Protection Act - Directs the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration to promulgate regulations prescribing noise standards for the operation of civil subsonic turbojet powered aircraft above a specified weight at any airport within the United States. States that such regulations shall provide for requirements of partial compliance at intervals prior to the end of a five-year period after the enactment of this Act. Prohibits the operation of aircraft which do not meet such requirements at the end of such five-year period. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to publish a list of the operators of noncomplying aircraft. Authorizes grants to such individuals to retrofit or replace such noncomplying aircraft. Authorizes appropriations out of the Airport and Airway Trust Fund of $300,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 1977, 1978, 1979, and 1980 to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 1976
Amends the Internal Revneue Code to allow as a credit against the income tax specified higher education expenses, including tuition and fees, paid or incurred by an individual during the taxable year for himself and for any dependent. States that if the expenses are for only one individual the amount of the credit shall be the sum of: (1) 50 percent of such expenses as does not exceed $200; (2) 25 percent of such expenses as exceeds $200 but not $500; and (3) five percent of such expenses as exceeds $500 but does not exceed $1,000. Increases the amount of the credit if more than one person's expenses are eligible. Disallows the deduction of any education expenses taken into account in determining the amount of such credit.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1976
Small Business and Family Farm Estate and Gift Tax Relief Amendments - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide a credit of $25,000 against the estate tax. Requires such credit to be reduced by the amount of the gift tax credit used by the decedent during his lifetime. Allows the executor of a qualified estate to elect a credit of $40,000 against the estate tax. Defines a "qualified estate" as one in which 35 percent or more of the value of the gross estate, or 50 percent of the taxable estate of the decedent, is attributable to property held by a closely held business which has been actively managed by the decedent or his immediate family for at least five years prior to the death of the decedent. Provides that if the immediate family of the decedent does not own and actively manage such qualifying small business for at least five years after the death of the decedent, the benefit of such additional credit shall be recaptured. Provides that the $40,000 credit shall be reduced by an amount equal to five percent of the amount by which the adjusted gross estate exceeds $300,000. Provides that either credit shall be reduced by an amount equal to 0.83 percent of the amount by which the adjusted gross estate exceeds $2,000,000. Repeals the estate tax exemption. Provides a credit against the gift tax of $25,000, or in the case of a qualified closely held business, $40,000. Provides that the aggregate amount of the estate tax marital deduction may not exceed: (1) $100,000, plus; (2) an amount equal to 50 percent of the amount by which the adjusted gross estate $100,000 and does not exceed $300,000, plus; and (3) an amount equal to 25 percent of the amount by which the adjusted gross estate exceeds $300,000. Provides that if the value of an interest in a closely held business which is included in determining the gross estate of a decedent exceeds either 35 percent of the value of the gross estate, or 50 percent of the value of the taxable estate, the executor may elect to pay the estate tax in up to 15 (presently ten) equal installments. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to conduct a study of the present application of the hardship exception for payment of the estate tax when the estate consists largely of an interest in a closely held business.
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 · 4 May 1976
Authorizes the printing of 25,000 additional copies of the committee print entitled "Background Materials Concerning Child and Family Services Act, 1975 (S. 626)." Directs that such copies shall be for the use of the Senate Committee on Labor and Public Welfare.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1976
Expands the boundaries of the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. Makes the suspension of the authority of the Secretary of the Interior to acquire improved property within the park by condemnation where approved zoning ordinances are in effect contingent upon the Secretary being given the first opportunity to purchase such property. Revises provisions regarding retention of the right of use and occupancy by owners of improved property after such property has been acquired by the Secretary. Increases the membership of the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore Advisory Commission. Authorizes the appropriation of sums for acquisition of lands and interests in land and for development. Requires the Secretary to complete by the end of 1978 a final master plan detailing the development of the lakeshore. Details guidelines regarding rights-of-way and easements in lands added by this Act to the lakeshore and regarding the acquisition, improvement, and use of specified lands and easements not within the expanded boundaries.
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 · 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 · 31 March 1976
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President shall seek the elimination of surety deposit requirements on vegetable protein products imposed by the European Economic Community. Provides that if the President shall fail to eliminate such requirement, he shall obtain full compensation for such actions under article XXIII of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade.
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 · 29 March 1976
Removes the time limits within which educational assistance furnished by the Veterans' Administration must be used. Makes eligible for educational assistance any veteran of World War II, the Korean conflict, the Cold War period, or the Vietnam era who: (1) was entitled to educational assistance under any law administered by the Veterans' Administration as a result of active service during such war, conflict or era; and (2) whose entitlement thereto terminated before the date of the enactment of this Act without the veteran concerned availing himself, or only in part using, any such assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1976
Terminates the duty of the Secretary of Commerce to take agricultural censuses every five years and censuses of irrigation and drainage every ten years. Directs the Secretary to continue the statistical classification of farms which was in effect on January 1, 1975, until June 30, 1976. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to collect information on agriculture, irrigation, and drainage on a sample basis, which is comparable to the information previously collected evey five years in the agricultural census. Allows the Secretary, when sampling methods would be inappropriate, to use other statistical methods to collect information relating to the classification of farms. (Amends 13 U.S.C. 142)
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1976
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the United States is willing to participate in efforts to provide financial assistance to Italy through the proposed OECD Special Financing Facility with the assistance of other friends and allies of Italy.
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 · 24 March 1976
Expresses the sense of the Senate that Radio Free Europe should be granted the same privileges granted to other news organizations concerning the Olympic games.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1976
Denies the benefits of the foreign tax credit, under the Internal Revenue Code, to any taxpayer, or a member of a controlled group which includes the taxpayer, who is determined by the Secretary of the Treasury to have participated in or cooperated with the boycott of Israel, with respect to income, war profits, or excess profits taxes paid or accrued to any country which requires such participation or cooperation as a condition of doing business within that country. Denies DISC benefits to any DISC that the Secretary of the Treasury determines has participated in or cooperated with the boycott of Israel. Requires taxpayers with foreign sources within a country which requires participation in or cooperation with the boycott of Israel as a condition of doing business with or within such country to report such fact to the Secretary of the Treasury, who shall make a determination whether the taxpayer participated in or cooperated with the boycott of Israel for the taxable year.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1976
Requests the Secretary of Agriculture to increase the price support level for milk, wheat, corn, feed grains and soybeans to 90 percent of the parity price.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1976
Children's Supplemental Security Income Amendments - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, under Title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) of the Social Security Act, to require the referral of disabled children under the age of 16 who are receiving supplemental security benefits to appropriate State Rehabilitation Services agencies. Directs the Secretary to prescribe criteria for State plans for the offering of comprehensive rehabilitative services to such children. States that such services shall include counseling for disabled children and their families, and the provision to disabled children under the age of six of preparation to take advantage of public educational facilities. States that no individual who refuses, without good faith, to accept rehabilitation services provided pursuant to this Act, shall be eligible for supplemental security income benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1976
Establishes a standing committee of the Senate to be known as the Committee on Intelligence Activities, to oversee and make continuing studies of the intelligence activities and programs of the United States Government, and to submit to the Senate appropriate proposals for legislation concerning such intelligence activities and programs. Provides that the Committee shall make every effort to assure that the appropriate departments and agencies of the United States provide the intelligence necessary for the executive and legislative branches to make sound decisions affecting the security and vital interests of the Nation. Provides that the Committee provide oversight of the intelligence activities of the United States. Stipulates that no member or professional employee of the Committee shall serve for more than six years of continuous service. Specifies that all matters relating to the following shall be referred to the Committee: (1) the Central Intelligence Agency and the Director of Central Intelligence; (2) intelligence activities of all other departments and agencies of the Government, including, but not limited to, the intelligence activities of the Defense Intelligence Agency, the National Security Agency, and other agencies of the Department of Defense; the Department of State; the Department of Justice; and the Department of the Treasury; (3) the organization or reorganization of any department or agency of the Government to the extent that the organization or reorganization relates to a function or activity involving intelligence activities; and (4) all authorizations for appropriations for all such organizations and activities. Requires the Committee to make periodic reports to the Senate on the nature and extent of the intelligence activities of the various departments and agencies of the United States. Directs the Committee to obtain an annual report from the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of State, and the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Specifies that such report shall review the intelligence activities of the agency or department concerned and the intelligence activities of foreign countries directed at the United States or its interests. Provides that such report shall be made available to the public. Authorizes the Committee to disclose publicly any information in its possession after a determination that the public interest would be served by such disclosure. States that in any case in which the Committee on Intelligence Activities of the Senate votes to disclose publicly any information submitted to it by the executive branch which the executive branch requests be kept secret, such committee shall notify the President of such vote. Provides that when the members of the Committee shall vote not to disclose such information the decision may be referred to the Senate for reconsideration upon the request of three Committee members. Provides that the Select Committee on Standards and Conduct may investigate any alleged disclosure of intelligence information by a Member, officer, or employee of the Senate which violates this Act. Directs that the records, files, documents, and other materials in the possession of the Select Committee on Governmental Operations with respect to Intelligence Activities shall, upon the expiration of such committee's authority, be transferred to the Committee on Intelligence Activities. Requires the Committee to study the quality, nature, and conduct of intelligence activities, including recommendations for any changes in the law considered desirable by the Committee. Requires that the Committee report its findings to the Senate no later than July 1, 1977.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1976
Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to authorize the appropriation of $7,000,000,000 for fiscal year 1977 for the construction of waste treatment works.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1976
Amends the Social Security Act to authorize payment under the medicare program for specified services performed by chiropracters, including X-ray, and physical examination, and related routine laboratory tests.
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 · 19 February 1976
Federal Food Marketing Appraisal Act - Establishes a bipartisan National Commission on Food Costs, Pricing, and Marketing, consisting of five Members of the Senate, five members of the House of Representatives, and five members to be appointed by the President from outside the Federal Government. Requires the Commission to analyze and appraise the costs, pricing, functioning, and structure of the food marketing industry. Directs the Commission to make interim reports and to submit to the President and to the Congress a final report of its findings and conclusions within 18 months after the date on which funding commences. States that such report shall include treatment of (1) recent changes in the food industry; (2) the responsiveness of food prices to changes in farm-level prices; (3) the kind of food marketing system that would best achieve efficiency of production and distribution; and (4) the effectiveness of the present national policy with respect to the food marketing system. Sets forth the powers and administrative authority of the Commission. Authorizes appropriations of up to $2,500,000 to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 February 1976
Increases from ten to 15 years the period during which veterans and wives and widows of veterans are eligible for educational assistance. Extends from eight to 15 years the eligibility period for wives and widows to pursue a program of education by correspondence. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 1662, 1712).
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 1976
Requires the United States Postal Service to consider specified factors in determining the need for an existing third- or fourth-class post office. Sets guidelines relating to such determinations.
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 1976
Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to establish the support price of milk at not less than 80 percent of the parity price and to provide for quarterly adjustments of the support price by the Secretary of Agriculture to reflect the change in the index of prices paid by farmers for production items, interest, taxes, and wage rates. Directs that such adjustments shall not result in a support price which is less than 80 percent of the parity price. Provides that such adjustment authority shall expire on March 31, 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 1976
Dissapproves the proposed deferral of budget authority (deferral numbered D 76-103) for construction grants to public schools in Indian reservation areas set forth in the special message transmitted by the President to the Congress on February 6, 1976.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1976
Alaskan Natural Gas Pipeline Authorization Act - Expresses the intent of Congress that the Alaskan natural gas pipeline be constructed promptly, without further administrative or judicial delay or impediment. Declares that the most efficient and economical method available for the transportation of Alaskan natural gas is a pipeline system from northern Alaska, across Canada, to the lower forty-eight States. Directs the Federal Power Commission to issue all necessary permits and authorizations in order to expedite the construction and operation of such pipeline within 60 days of the date of enactment of this Act. Grants the holders of such permits the powers of eminent domain under the Natural Gas Act. Directs the Secretary of the Interior and other appropriate Federal officials to issue all necessary permits and to take appropriate action within 60 days to expedite the enforcement of all rights-of-way related to the construction and operation of such pipeline. Requires compliance with requirements of the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920 relating to rights-of-way for pipelines through Federal lands. Exempts such pipeline from requirements concerning (1) environmental protection, (2) technical and financial capacity of applicants, (3) public hearings, (4) licensing requirements for crude oil under the Export Administration Act of 1969, and (5) furnishing of specified information and reports. Authorizes the Secretary and the Commission to waive procedural requirements of Federal law where desirable to accomplish the purposes of this Act. Declares that (1) the actions of Federal officers and agencies under this Act and (2) the legal or factual sufficiency of any environmental statement relative to such pipeline under provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, shall not be subject to judicial review by the Courts. Allows for claims that (1) this Act is unconstitutional; (2) actions under this Act will deny Constitutional rights; and (3) actions taken are beyond the scope of authority conferred by this Act, provided that such claims are filed within sixty days following the date of the challenged action. Declares that exclusive jurisdiction shall be vested in the United States district courts, and that review of any final order shall be had only upon direct appeal to the United States Supreme Court. Declares that the district court shall not have the power to issue injunctive relief against the issuance of any certificate, except in cases where a final judgment is entered. Recognizes that approval by the Government of Canada is necessary in order to construct such pipeline. Declares it to be in the national interest of the United States to cooperate with Canada should such approval be forthcoming. Declares that authorizations issued pursuant to this Act shall grant no immunity from Federal antitrust laws.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1976
Designates April 8, 1976, as "National Food Day". Authorizes and requests the President to issue a proclamation to promote public involvement in order to develop a national food policy guided by the needs of people, both in the United States and abroad.
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.
![Official portrait of Sen. Mondale, Walter F. [D-MN]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/m000851_200.jpg)