United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1976
Committee System Reorganization Amendments - Title I: Standing Committees Jurisdiction; Size - Amends Rule XXV of the Standing Rules of the Senate to abolish all the standing committees set forth therein. Creates the following new standing committees: (1) Agriculture and Small Business, (2) Appropriations, (3) Armed Services, (4) Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, (5) Budget, (6) Commerce, Science and Transportation, (7) Energy and Natural Resources, (8) Environment and Public Works, (9) Finance, (10) Foreign Relations, (11) Governmental Affairs, (12) Human Resources, (13) Judiciary, and (14) Rules, Administration and Standards. Specifies the matters which shall be referred to each standing committee. Allows each standing committee to review tax expenditures relating to the subject matters within its jurisdiction. Sets forth the number of Senators which shall comprise each standing committee. Title II: Committee Assignments; Chairmanships - Amends Rule XXV of the Standing Rules to limit the number of committees and subcommittees on which a senator may simultaneously serve. Allows temporary exceptions to these rules under specified circumstances. Excepts for a specified time, membership on the Budget Committee from such limitation. Prohibits a Senator from serving as chairman of more than one committee or more than one subcommittee. Directs the Committee on Governmental Affairs to report to the Senate by July 1, 1978, a resolution concerning the disposition of the jurisdiction and functions of the Select Committee on Intelligence. Directs the appropriate standing committees to report, by July 1, 1977, legislation shifting the functions of the following joint committees to the appropriate standing committees of the Senate and the House of Representatives: (1) Joint Committee on Atomic Energy, (2) Joint Committee on Congressional Operations, (3) Joint Committee on Defense Production, (4) Joint Economic Committee, (5) Joint Committee on the Library, (6) Joint Committee on Printing, and (7) Joint Committee on Internal Revenue Taxation. Directs that not later than July 1, 1977, the appropriate standing committees shall report legislation establishing a Congressional Revenue Office to be primarily responsible to the House Ways and Means Committee and the Senate Committee on Finance. Amends Rule XVI of the Standing Rules to repeal the requirement that members of specified committees of the Senate serve as ex officio members of the Committee on Appropriations when the annual appropriation bills dealing with certain subjects are considered in the Appropriations Committee. Abolishes the Select Committee on Small Business. Abolishes the Select Committee on Standards and Conduct. Expresses the sense of the Senate regarding the appointment of Senators and chairmen to the standing committees establish pursuant to this resolution. Title III: Multiple Referral of Proposed Legislation; Establishment of Ad Hoc Committees - Amends Rule XXVI of the Standing Rules to authorize the presiding officer of the Senate to decide without debate questions of jurisdiction of any committee of the Senate with respect to any proposed legislation. Repeals the section of the Legislative Reorganization Act which governs such questions. Sets forth a procedure for appealing such decision to the Senate as a whole. Requires proposed legislation which is referred to two or more committees jointly to be reported jointly with only one report. Allows a motion for joint referral to stipulate those sections of the proposed legislation which each committee shall consider. Amends Rule XXVI of the Standing Rules to establish a procedure whereby the Majority Leader and the Minority Leader may introduce a resolution to establish an ad hoc committee. Establishes procedures for the functioning of such committees. Title IV: Scheduling of Committee Meetings - Directs the Secretary of the Senate to establish and maintain a computerized schedule of all meetings of Senate committees and subcommittees. Requires such schedule to be available to all members through on line terminals in their offices, and to be updated hourly. Amends Rule XXV of the Standing Rules to prohibit any Senate committee or subcommittee from meeting, without special leave, after the first two hours after a meeting of the Senate has begun, and in no case after 2:00 p.m., unless consent therefor has been obtained from the Majority and Minority Leaders. Directs the majority leader to plan and announce meetings of the Senate as far in advance as possible. States that in order to provide the maximum amount of time for the meeting of committees the Senate should meet only on those days and at those times necessary for the proper conduct of its business. Stipulates that no roll call vote ordered during the first two hours of a daily meeting shall be held before 2:00 p.m. unless ordered otherwise by the Senate on the previous calendar day. Title V: Continuing Review of the Committee System - Directs the Majority Leader and the Minority Leader to review on a continuing basis the committee system of the Senate. Requires them to submit a report on such review to the Senate during the second session of each Congress. Title VI: Amendments not within a Committee's Jurisdiction - Amends the Standing Rules to add a new Rule XLV - "Committee Amendments not within its Jurisdiction" which prohibits the reporting of any bill or resolution from a committee with any proposed committee amendment which contains any matter not within the jurisdiction of that committee. Title VII: Miscellaneous - Provides that this resolution and the amendments to the Standing Rules of the Senate made by this resolution shall take effect on the 30th day after this resolution is agreed to.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1976
Authorizes appointment of a committee of two Senators by the Presiding Officer to join a similar committee of the House of Representatives to notify the President of the United States that the two Houses of Congress have completed their business of the session and are ready to adjourn unless the President has some further communication to make to them.
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 · 14 September 1976
Provides for reinstatement, and validation of United States oil and gas leases numbered U-12871, U-12872, U-12874, U-12875, U-12876, U-12877, U-12878, and U-12881.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 1976
Medicare-Medicaid Anti-Fraud Act - Establishes within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, an Office of Central Fraud and Abuse Control. Provides that such Office shall have the overall responsibility for directing and establishing policies with respect to the undertaking of activities which are designed to deal with fraud and abuse in the Maternal and Child Health and Crippled Children's Services, Medicare and Medicaid. Specifies that the Office shall also have responsibility for investigating alleged fraud or abuse in any such program, and assisting State agencies, at their request, in the establishment and operation of State antifraud and abuse activities. Directs that no payment for Medicare service may be made to a person claiming such payment under an assignment, including a power of attorney, but may be made to an agent of the person furnishing such service. Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare or the Comptroller General to require providers or suppliers of items or services, with respect to which payment is claimed under one of the programs within the jurisdiction of the Office, to furnish specified information including the following: (1) the identity of persons having ownership interest in such entity; and (2) a consolidated certified costs report with respect to its costs and charges, including costs and charges of related organizations. Specifies sanctions which shall be imposed upon entities which fail to comply with requests for information. Increases the penalties for defrauding the Medicare or Medicaid programs. Provides that it shall be a felony (presently misdemeanor) punishable by imprisonment of up to five years for such an offense. States that where a Professional Standards Review Organization is found competent by the Secretary to assume review responsibility with respect to specified types of health care services or specified providers or practitioners of such services and is performing such reviews, such reviews shall constitute the conclusive determination on those issues for purposes of payment under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 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 · 24 August 1976
Earth Resources Information Satellite System Act - Title I: Earth Resources Information System Policies and Management - Declares it the policy of the United States to establish an Earth Resources Information System to aid in the effective management and utilization of the Earth's resources through the use of earth satellites and other observation sources. Title II: Establishment of the Earth Resources Information System - Establishes the Earth Resources Information System, to be implemented immediately by the President in a manner consistent with the purposes of this Act. Title III: Federal Coordination, Planning and Regulation - Establishes an Office of Earth Resources Policy in the Executive Office of the President to aid in the planning, coordination, and review of all phases of the development of the Earth Resources Information System. Directs the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to continue research and development activities and to consult with and assist the Earth Resources Satellite Corporation in order to fulfill the purposes of this Act. Title IV: Creation of an Earth Resources Satellite Corporation - Authorizes the establishment of the Earth Resources Satellite Corporation if the President determines that a corporation is required to operate the domestic ground segment in order to achieve the purposes of this Act. Directs the Corporation to manage the commercial domestic data handling segment of the Earth Resources Information System. Authorizes the Corporation to contract for research and development and services necessary for its operation. Title V: Miscellaneous Provisions - Requires that notification of negotiations between private entities and any foreign businesses, with respect to facilities; operations; or services authorized by this Act, be given to the State Department. Authorizes judicial relief in the United States district court for actions taken which violate any of the provisions of this Act. Directs the President to transmit an annual report to Congress on Federal activities taken to achieve the objectives of this Act. Directs the Corporation to submit annual reports of its activities to the President and Congress. Authorizes the appropriation of $1,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 to implement the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 August 1976
National Environmental Policy Act Amendments - Amends the National Environmental Policy Act to detail procedures for Federal agency decisions with respect to preparation of environmental impact statements. Requires that the initial decision on whether or not an impact statement be prepared be made within 30 days of the receipt of any lease, permit, or license application. Requires that a lead agency be designated and that notice of such application be published in the Federal Register. Requires that the designated lead agency publish a draft environmental impact statement within 12 months of designation. Requires public hearings and issuance of a final decision approving or disapproving the pending application be made within an additional 30 days. Authorizes applicants to recover damages for delays in Federal agency decisions on such applications where the delay has exceeded a 540-day period, by petitioning any district court of the United States. Authorizes judicial review of agency decisions with respect to environmental impact statements in the United States courts of appeals.
United States · United States Congress · 10 August 1976
Provides civil penalties for violations of the Federal Hazardous Substances Act, the Refrigerator Safety Act, the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, and the Poison Prevention Act by amending such Acts. Authorizes the Consumer Product Safety Commission to require any person to submit such reports and answers to questions as the Commission may reasonably prescribe under the Flammable Fabrics Act. Gives the same authorization to the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare under the Federal Hazardous Substances Act. Makes the appointment of the Director of the Bureau of Compliance by the Chairman of the Consumer Product Safety Commission, under the Consumer Product Safety Act, subject to the approval of the other Commissioners. Provides that whatever level of lead is determined safe under a Lead-Based Paint Poisoning Prevention Act proceeding will be considered the highest permissible level of lead in paint and other articles bearing such paint regulated under the Federal Hazardous Substances Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 1976
Amends the Solar Energy Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1974 to stipulate that all research and development functions with respect to solar power satellites shall be vested solely in the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 1976
Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to furnish, upon written request, authenticated copies of census surveys or reports filed by, or on behalf of, an individual or organization to such individual or organization or to the heir or agent of such individual or organization. Allows the Secretary to furnish copies of tabulations and other statistical materials which do not disclose the information reported by any individual or organization to any private person or agency requesting such information upon payment of the cost of such work. Directs that in no case shall information furnished pursuant to a census be used to the detriment of any respondent. Directs the Secretary in the year 1985, and every ten years thereafter, to conduct a mid-decade census of population. Requires that the determination of the elibility of States, local governments, and other recipients for Federal benefits be based on the most recent data obtained in either the mid-decade or decennial census. Stipulates that information obtained in such mid-decade census shall not be used for apportionment of Representatives in Congress, nor for prescribing congressional districts. Requires the Secretary to submit to Congress the questions proposed to be included in the decennial and mid-decade censuses. Directs the Secretary to annually produce and publish current total population data on each State, county, and local unit of general purpose government which has a population of 50,000 or more and to biennially produce and publish such information for other units of general purpose government. Expands the geographic scope of censuses undertaken by the Secretary to include the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct special censuses for the government of any State or political subdivision thereof upon the payment to the Secretary of the cost of such special census. Increases the penalty for wrongful disclosure of census information by census employees or staff members from a $1,000 fine and/or two years imprisonment to a $5,000 fine and/or five years imprisonment. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to initiate the development of uniform methods and procedures to be used by the executive departments and agencies in effecting the delivery of Federal benefits to State and local governments based on the most recent data provided by the Secretary of Commerce.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 1976
National Materials Policy Research, and Organization Act - Title I: National Materials Policy - Establishes policy objectives for basic and applied research programs in materials science. Establishes objectives for research programs designed to implement a national materials policy which provides for the maximum effective use of limited resources. Title II: Organization and Operation - Establishes a National Materials Policy Board in the Executive Office of the President to advise the President on alternative methods of implementing national materials policy, and to review Federal programs which affect national materials policy. Directs the President to appoint a Special Assistant for Materials Policy to serve as chairman of the Board. Establishes a Commission on Materials Research and Operations to review programs recommended by the Board. Directs the Commission to establish a Patent Policy Committee to consider special problems relating to dispositions of patents resulting from Government-funded research. Establishes Select Committees in both the House of Representatives and the Senate on the subject of materials policy.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 1976
Directs the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to construct the project for flood control in the Lower Jordan River in Utah, at an estimated Federal cost of $14,150,000.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1976
Disapproves the proposed deferral of budget authority in the amount of $688,430 for the Secretary of the Interior to design a metallurgy research center to be established on the Fort Douglas Military Reservation, Utah (deferral number D76-110).
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 · 20 May 1976
Directs the Secretary of the Interior to make payment on fiscal year basis to each unit of local government in which are located: (1) lands within the National Park System, the National Wilderness Preservation System, or the National Forest System; or (2) lands administered by the Secretary through the Bureau of Land Management. Reduces the amount payable to any local government by the amount received by such government under specified Federal programs. Directs the Secretary to make additional payments to local governments for five fiscal years with respect to lands acquired by the United States for addition to the National Park System or National Wilderness Preservation System, after the enactment of this Act, which were subject to local property taxes within one year preceding such acquisition. Excludes specified units of local government in California and Oregon from the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1976
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to require the Secretary of the Treasury to prepare and publish in each year's income tax forms a table listing: (1) the functional categories for Federal outlays, as set forth in the Federal Budget, the total amount of outlays for each such functional category for such fiscal year, and the percentage of the total amount of outlays for such fiscal year which the total amount of outlays for each such functional category comprises; and (2) each subfunctional category of Federal outlays, for which the total amount of outlays for such fiscal year exceeded one percent of the total amount of outlays for that year, and the total amount of outlays for each such subfunctional category.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1976
Authorizes the Architect of the Capitol to perform such work as may be necessary to prevent further deterioration of historically significant sections of the Congressional Cemetery. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study for the purpose of formulating proposals for the renovation and maintenance of such areas by the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1976
Expresses the appreciation and gratitude of the people of the United States to Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II for the bequest of James Smithson which provided for the establishment of the Smithsonian Institution.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1976
Directs that there be printed for the use of the Senate Committee on Aeronautical and Space Sciences 1,500 additional copies each of volumes one and two of its committee print entitled "Soviet Space Programs, 1971-1975."
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 1976
Electric Utility Coordination Act - Title I: General Provisions - Declares it the purpose of this Act to encourage conservation and efficient use of electric energy as well as fostering increased competition as a complement to existing regulatory authority. Defines terms used in this Act. Title II: Economic Regulation of Bulk Power Supply - Amends the Federal Power Act to require that public utilities make new, increased, or retired capacity in bulk power facilities available to others engaged in the sale or transmission of electric energy in the same geographical area. Establishes additional requirements and procedures to insure continuity of service in cases of anticipated deficiencies in the available supplies of electric power. Requires that the Federal Power Commission hold evidentiary hearings on proposed rate increases. Limits the amount of actual increases pursuant to an automatic adjustment clause which may become effective without such a hearing. Requires the establishment of an Office of Public Counsel in the Federal Power Commission for the purpose of adequate representation of consumer interests before the Commission. Authorizes the appropriation of $500,000 for fiscal year 1978 and $2,000,000 for fiscal year 1979 to such Office. Authorizes the Office, pursuant to rules established by the Commission, to pay reasonable fees to eligible participants in evidentiary hearings. Authorizes an annual appropriation of $500,000 for such payments. Directs the Commission to prescribe minimum standards to assure a reliable supply of electric energy. Requires electric utilities to develop a qualtiy control program to assure compliance with such reliability standards. Directs the Commission, upon consultation with the Federal Trade Commission, to study the desirability and means of increasing competition within the electric utility industry. Directs the Administrator of the Energy Research and Development Administration to conduct a study on the feasibility of generating electricity near the place of consumption. Title III: Coordination of Planning and Siting of Bulk Power Facilities - Requires that electric utilities which control bulk power facilities prepare an annual long-range plan for the use of each such facility. Establishes areawide planning councils to review such plans and submit area plans for bulk power facilities to the Commission. Directs the Chairman of the Federal Power Commission to supervise the overall approval process for the siting of bulk power facilities. Establishes procedures to assist in coordinating the Federal approval process.
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 · 8 April 1976
Directs that population census records, which the Archivist of the United States determines have sufficient historical or other value to warrant their continued preservation, be transferred to the National Archives within 50 years after a United States census. Stipulates that such records be made available 50 years from the census date to persons conducting geneological research or other proper purposes. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to make census records available to qualified medical researchers ten years after a census or to transfer such records to the National Archives for dissemination by the Archivist to such researchers. (Adds 13 U.S.C. 10)
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1976
Directs the Secretary of Commerce to make grants available, on a matching basis with non-Federal funds, to States or subdivisions thereof, or private or public nonprofit organizations or associations, for the purpose of encouraging and promoting travel within the United States and its territories.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1976
Packaging Conservation Act - States that the purpose of this Act is to conserve natural resources and prevent the deception of consumers engendered by oversized and excessive packaging. Authorizes the making of regulations under the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act to prevent the utilization of packages which are larger or more extensive than necessary to enclose the commodity they contain.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1976
Mass Mailings and Computer Use Standards Resolution - Provides that a Senator, or a Member of the House of Representatives, who is a candidate for nomination or election to the Senate, shall register each mass mailing mailed by him as franked mail with the Select Committee on Standards and Conduct. Provides that each registration shall be available for public inspection. Prohibits any such Member from mailing any mass mailing as franked mail less than 60 days immediately before the date of the primary election or political convention in which he is a candidate for nomination or the election in which he is a candidate for election. Limits the total number of pieces which may be included in mass mailings mailed as franked mail by such a Member to 1,000,000 or a total number equal to twice the number of individuals of voting age in the State which the Senator represents or which the candidate seeks to represent. Requires that when a Member of the House of Representatives becomes a candidate for nomination or election to the Senate, he shall certify to the select committee the number of pieces included in mass mailings mailed as franked mail by him during the period beginning on January 1 of the year in which he becomes a candidate and ending on the date on which such certification is made to the select committee. Provides that if a Senator uses any computer material which is prepared by an employee of the Senate or the cost of which was paid out of appropriated funds, or uses any copy made from or made with the use of any such material, for a purpose which is not in the course of the conduct of his official duties and functions as a Senator, he shall reimburse the Senate for the value of the use of the computer material used. Directs the select committee to prepare a proposed Code of Ethics and Conduct for Members, officers, and employees of the Senate, to be submitted to the Senate on or before January 31, 1977.
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 1976
States that the Senate deplores and condemns the conduct of a specified group toward Governor Wallace of Alabama and Senator Henry Jackson of Washington.
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
Medicare-Medicaid Administrative and Reimbursement Reform Act - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare under the Social Security Act to establish within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare a unit known as the Health Care Financing Administration. States that such Administration shall include the functions and personnel of the existing Bureau of Health Insurance, Medical Services Administration, Bureau of Quality Insurance, and Office of Nursing Home Affairs. Establishes within the Department the office of Assistant Secretary for Health Care Financing. Places the Assistant Secretary in charge of the Health Care Financing Administration. Includes in the area of responsibility of such Assistant Secretary the programs established by Title XVIII (Medicare) and Title XIX (Medicaid), the Professional Standards Review program, and the renal disease program of the Social Security Act. Establishes an Office of Central Fraud and Abuse Control within the Department. Directs the creation of a new position to be known as Inspector General for Health Administration. Places such Inspector General in charge of the Office of Central Fraud and Abuse Control. States that such Inspector General shall have responsibility for dealing with fraud and abuse in the programs established by Title V (Maternal and Child Health Crippled Children's Services), Title XVIII, Title XIX, the Professional Standards Review section of Title XI, and the renal disease treatment provisions of Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act. Declares it to be the duty of the Inspector General to take such actions as are necessary to ascertain the efficiency and economy of the administration of the programs under his cognizance, their consonance with the provisions of law by or pursuant to which such programs were established, and the attainment of the objectives and purposes for which such provisions of law were enacted. Authorizes the appropriation of such funds as may be necessary to carry out the functions of the Inspector General. Establishes mandatory time limits for States to observe in making determinations of eligibility for services under the Medicaid program and in making payments on claims. Specifies those reports which States must submit to the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare in connection with the operation of the State Medicaid program. Includes reports on the State's performance in meeting the time limits established pursuant to this Act. Directs the Secretary to conduct an annual survey of each State's performance in meeting established time frames and remaining within allowable rates of error in making eligibility determinations. Establishes sanctions for States which fail to correct deficiencies uncovered by such surveys. Directs the Secretary to provide technical assistance to any State which requests such assistance in meeting the time limits and error rates established by this Act. Directs the Secretary to prepare a biannual report on the characteristics of the State programs of medical assistance financed under the Medicaid program, including as a minimum: (1) a description of the amount, duration, and scope of benefits available in each State; (2) a description of eligibility criteria for all groups eligible for medical assistance in each State; (3) a specification of the reimbursement rates paid under the State program for the major types of services in each State; and (4) a listing of all fiscal agents contracted with for administration of the program. Directs the submission of such report to the Senate Committee on Finance and the House Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce. Directs the Secretary to establish procedures consistent with Federal procurement requirements to ensure the economical processing of Medicare claims by organizations engaged in the provision of group health services. Terminates the Health Insurance Benefits Advisory Council. Establishes a new method of reimbursement for routine operating costs for hospitals under the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Requires, as part of the implementation of such new method, the establishment of a uniform accounting and cost allocation system for determining operating and capital costs of hospitals providing services. Requires the establishment of a system by which hospitals will be classified by such criteria as: (1) size; (2) type of hospital (general, teaching, or specialized Care); and (3) such other criteria as the Secretary shall identify. Stipulates that the term "routine operating costs" does not include: (1) capital costs (including interest expense on loans to purchase capital assets, and depreciation); (2) direct personnel and supply costs of hospital education and training programs; (3) costs of interns, residents, and medical (but not nursing) personnel; and (4) energy costs associated with heating or cooling the hospital plant. Directs the Secretary to determine annually for the hospitals classified in each category of the hospital classification system established by this Act, an average per diem routine operating cost amount for use in determining, for purposes of making payment under this title to such hospitals for services furnished by them, the reasonable cost of that portion of the hospital's costs which consist of routine operating costs. Provides for the periodic increase during the year of the routine operating cost as determined pursuant to this Act to reflect increases in the cost of services which are attributable to inflation. Provides for the adjustment of the routine operating cost of a hospital to reflect higher costs to such hospital of a case mix which requires a greater intensity of care than that for other hospitals in the same classification. Directs the Secretary to establish a five-member Hospital Transitional Allowance Board. States that the function of such Board shall be to act on the applications of hospitals for reimbursement of expenses incurred in the retirement or conversion of underutilized facilities. Requires that such conversion promote efficient and economical delivery of services covered by the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Sets forth criteria for determining the reasonable charge which may be made for physicians' services, and medical services, supplies and equipment under the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Establishes a plan for the reimbursement of physicians under which participating doctors of medicine or osteopathy would accept the assignment of patients' claims for reimbursement under the Medicare program. Requires the Secretary to establish procedures for expediting the payment of such assigned claims to physicians. Promulgates an incentive payment to encourage physicians to participate in the program of assignment of claims. Sets forth the conditions under which anesthesiologists, pathologists, and radiologists may be paid under the Medicare and Medicaid programs for patient care services which they personally perform or direct. Authorizes payment, under the Supplementary Medical Insurance Benefits program of Medicare, for antigens prepared by an allergist for a particular patient. Prohibits, under both the Medicare and Medicaid programs, the making of any payment which may be made directly to a physician to a person claiming such payment under an assignment. Permits the Secretary to make agreements with the States under which the services of a State health agency will be utilized for the purpose of determining whether an institution in such State qualifies as a skilled nursing facility for purposes of the Medicaid program. Sets forth procedures for determining the reasonable cost and reasonable charge for services under the Medicare and Medicaid programs and under the program of Maternal and Child Health and Crippled Children's Services. Specifies those items of cost which may not be included in a claim for reimbursement for services. Promulgates standards under which payment will be made to health maintenance organizations under the Medicaid program. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to public or nonprofit private regional pediatric respiratory centers affiliated with institutions of higher learning for training and instruction in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of respiratory diseases in children and young adults and in providing health care services to children and young adults suffering from such diseases. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary for the making of such grants for fiscal year 1977 and the succeeding four fiscal years. Increases the criminal penalties for the crimes of receiving or offering kickbacks or bribes in connection with the furnishing of services under the Medicare or Medicaid programs.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1976
Recognizes the importance of the Twenty-seventh Congress of the International Astronautical Federation to be held in Anaheim, California, from October 10 through October 16, 1976.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1976
Permits specified personnel security investigators of the Defense Investigative Service who were on November 5, 1971, law enforcement officers employed in the Naval Investigative Service or in the Air Force Office of Special Investigations to elect to have all service with the Defense Investigative Service considered as service as law enforcement officers for civil service retirement and pension purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1976
Black Lung Benefits Reform Act - Amends the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969 to establish a rebuttable presumption that miners with 25 or more years of coal mine employment shall be entitled to receive benefits under provisions of the Act. Stipulates that claims for benefits may be filed with the Secretary of Labor after the enactment of this Act if the date of the last exposed employment of the eligible miner occurred before December 30, 1969. Stipulates that no claim for benefits shall be denied based on location or nature of employment. Stipulates that decisions by administrative law judges in favor of a claimant are not appealable, except upon motion of the claimant. Directs the Secretary of Labor to establish a program designed to locate and assist individuals who are likely to be eligible for benefits under this Act. Stipulates that individuals so informed shall be eligible to file a claim despite previous failure to file within the specified time frame. Redefines the term "total disability" to prohibit use of the fact that a deceased miner was still a mine employee at the time of death as evidence that such miner was not totally disabled. Stipulates that criteria for determination of total disability shall not be more restrictive than disability insurance criteria listed in the Social Security Act. Requires that all claimants be given an opportunity for a complete medical examination by a physician of the claimant's own choice. Establishes a Black Lung Disability Insurance Fund in the Treasury of the United States. Sets forth provisions governing administration of the Fund. States that amounts in the Fund shall be available for making expenditures to meet the obligations acquired by the Fund, including the expenses of providing medical benefits. Requires coal mine operators to pay premiums into the Fund according to rates prescribed by the Secretary of Labor and based on the number of tons of coal mined by each operator. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary for the initial operating expenses of the Fund. Directs the Secretary to establish procedures for prompt action on claims. Increases the amount of the award for delays beyond the 60-day period established by this Act. Stipulates that payments from the Fund to miners shall include the costs of medical care and services. Authorizes the appropriation of $2,500,000 for fiscal year 1976 for the construction and operation of clinical facilities. Transfers the Division of Coal Mine Workers' Compensation to the Department of Labor.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1976
Toxic Substances Control Act - Provides that if the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency finds that testing of a chemical substance in accordance with a test protocol for such substance is necessary to protect against unreasonable risk to health or the environment, he may by rule require that testing be conducted on such substance to develop data with respect to the health and environmental effects for which there is an insufficiency of data. States that a rule requiring the testing of a chemical substance or mixture must include: (1) identification of the substance or mixture for which testing is required; and (2) standards for the development of test data for such substance. Requires persons intending to manufacture or process the substance to perform the necessary tests. Directs the Administrator upon receipt of the test results to promptly publish in the Federal Register the test data, the intended uses of the substances, and the nature of the tests. Establishes a committee to recommend to the Administrator the chemical substances and mixtures to which the Administrator should give priority consideration for testing. States that the committee shall give priority attention to chemical substances known or suspected of causing or contributing to cancer, gene mutations, and birth defects. Sets forth the membership of the committee. Specifies that upon the receipt of any test data which indicates that a chemical substance or mixture has the potential to induce in human beings cancer, gene mutations, or birth defects, the Administrator shall take action within 180 days to limit human exposure. Requires manufacturers to give 90 day notice to the Administrator of their intent to manufacture a new chemical substance, and to submit data developed in accordance with the requirements of this Act. Directs the Administrator to establish within six months criteria defining a significant new distribution in commerce, use, or disposal of a chemical substance. States that in establishing such criteria, the Administrator shall take into account: (1) the projected volume of production; (2) the projected increase in magnitude and duration of human and environmental exposure; and (3) the human health and environmental effects thereof. Prohibits manufacture or distribution of a chemical substance identified by the Administrator in a rule as a significant new distribution or use unless the manufacturer submits notice of his intention to do so and the data required under this Act. Exempts from this requirement persons who satisfactorily demonstrate that the proposed substance or activity will not cause an unreasonable risk of injury to human health or to the environment. Specifies that substances manufactured or intended to be manufactured only in small quantities solely for scientific experimentation or analysis or for chemical research shall be exempted from the requirements of this Act, unless the Administrator, by rule, specifies otherwise. Authorizes the Administrator, upon a finding that a chemical substance is dangerous or potentially dangerous, to prescribe rules to: (1) prohibit the manufacture or distribution of a substance or limit the amount which may be produced or distributed; (2) prohibit particular use or uses of such a substance; and (3) require an adequate warning with regard to the use or disposal of the substance. Provides the Administrator with criteria for formulating such rules. Permits the Administrator to formulate quality control rules if he has good cause to believe processing or manufacturing permits or causes dangerous adulteration of a chemical substance. Provides that the Administrator shall conduct hearings to determine if quality control rules are necessary. Provides that the Administrator may file an action for temporary or permanent relief in a U.S. district court against an imminently hazardous chemical substance for its seizure or against any person who is a manufacturer, processor, or distributor of such chemical substance. Authorizes the Administrator, by rule, to require reports of all manufacturers and processors of chemical substances where appropriate to ascertain the nature, quantity and uses of substances produced. Prohibits the Administrator from taking action under this Act if any risks to health or environment could be prevented by employing existing Federal law. Permits the Administrator to inspect and examine the records and properties of persons to the extent that such records and properties relate to the manufacture, processing, or distribution in commerce of chemical substances subject to this Act. Provides that this Act shall not apply to any chemical substances which are to be used solely for export from the United States. Provides that the Secretary of the Treasury shall refuse entry into the United States of any chemical substance or article containing such substance offered for entry which fails to conform with rules promulgated under this Act. Provides that all information reported to, or otherwise obtained by, the Administrator or his representative which contains or relates to trade secrets shall be considered confidential. Makes it unlawful to refuse to comply with any provision of this Act or any rule promulgated under the authority of this Act. Provides a $25,000 a day civil penalty for each day of violation. Declares that the Administrator shall waive compliance with this Act upon request of the Secretary of Defense and upon a determination by the President that the requested waiver is necessary in the interest of national defense. Authorizes appropriations for carrying out this Act of $11,100,000 for fiscal year 1976, $2,600,000 for the transitional period, and $10,100,000 for fiscal year 1977. Stipulates that no part of the funds so authorized to be appropriated shall be used to construct any research laboratories. Requires the Administrator to prepare and submit annually to the President and the Congress a comprehensive report on the administration of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1976
Authorizes the American Legion to erect on lands of the park system of the District of Columbia, and to present to the Congress on behalf of the children of America, the American Legion's Freedom Bell, in honor of the Bicentennial celebration. Provides that the memorial shall be erected without expense to the United States and shall be maintained by the Secretary of the Interior.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1976
Amends the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to extend the authorization for appropriations to the Department of the Interior under such Act through fiscal years 1977 and 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1976
Amends the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to include in the Renewable Resource Program, national program recommendations which take into account specified policy objectives. Requires the Secretary to provide for public participation in the formulation and review of proposed land management plans for units of the National Forest System. Directs the Secretary to promulgate regulations that set out processes for the development and revision of land management plans. Requires that such regulations specify procedures to insure that plans are prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act and guidelines. Authorizes the Secretary to appraise and sell so much of the trees and other forest products found upon National Park System lands as may further the policies set forth in the Multiple Use and Sustained Yield Act and the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources and Planning Act. Repeals the requirement that such forest products be sold for use only in the State or territory in which the timber reservation from which such products were taken is located. Increases to $10,000 in appraised value the maximum value of timber and cord wood which the Secretary may sell without advertisement.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1976
Makes it unlawful for any individual or entity to solicit or enroll any member of the armed forces in any labor organization, or for any member of the armed forces to join, or encourage other members to join, any labor union. Prescribes a penalty of not more than five years imprisonment for any individual violating this Act, and a fine of not less than $25,000 or more than $50,000 for any labor organization in violation of this Act. (Adds 10 U.S.C. 975)
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1976
Sets forth the basis for determining the fees to be charged for the commercial grazing of domestic livestock: (1) on public lands under the Taylor Grazing Act; (2) on government timberlands; and (3) within the national forest system.
United States · United States Congress · 18 February 1976
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow taxpayers to elect to treat property which constitutes an outdoor advertising display as real property, with respect to the involuntary conversion of real property held for productive use in a trade or business.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1976
Removes the $350,000 limitation on authorized appropriations for maintenance of laboratory facilities and for administrative expenses in connection with scientific research at Barro Colorado Island, Gatun Lake, Canal Zone.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1976
Amends the National Museum Act of 1966 to authorize the appropriation of $1,000,000 per year to the National Museum of the Smithsonian Institution for fiscal years 1978-80.
![Official portrait of Sen. Moss, Frank E. [D-UT]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/m001033_200.jpg)