United States · United States Congress · 20 September 1976
Government Economy and Spending Reform Act - Title I: Authorizations of New Budget Authority - Terminates all budget authority for Federal programs on specified dates according to the functional or subfunctional category of each program as set forth in the fiscal year 1977 budget. Requires the Comptroller General to report to Congress by April 1, 1977, on specified programs with respect to the laws under which such program is carried on, the amount of new budget authority received by such program during the four fiscal years ending before April 1, 1977, and to identify programs for which no outlays have been made during the last two fiscal years ending before April 1, 1977. Prohibits providing new budget authority after the applicable review date set forth in this Act unless the provision of such budget authority is specifically authorized by law or the standing rules of either House of Congress. Title II: Zero-Base Program Review - Sets forth a timetable for Congressional zero-base review of new budget authority. Defines "zero-base review" as an evaluation of a given program to determine the merits of its continuation at a level less than, equal to, or more than its existing level. Requires each congressional committee conducting a zero-based program review to adopt tentative and final review plans, receive reports from the Comptroller General and Federal agencies on the program being reviewed, and report to their respective House the results of such zero-base review of the program. Sets forth minimum objectives of inquiry for such reviews. Requires that any committee reporting pursuant to this Act recommend the extent to which any program reviewed should be continued or eliminated. Title III: Continuing Review - Amends the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1970 to require, whenever the Comptroller General issues a report which discloses any substantial deficiency in the achievement of the objectives of any Federal program, the agency conducting such program to report to specified congressional committees 60 days after such report and every six months thereafter to deliniate the actions taken with respect to such deficiency. Requires that such agency continue to issue such reports until such time as the Comptroller General determines that no purpose is served by their submission. Amends the Budget and Accounting Act, 1921, to require the inclusion in the Budget of a statement of the specific objectives of each Government program, and a comparison, in each subsequent Budget, of the achievement of such objectives for the last completed fiscal year with the planned objectives of such year. Title IV: Citizens Bicentennial Commission on the Organization and Operation of Government - Establishes the Citizens' Bicentennial Commission on the Organization and Operation of Government, an independent agency of 18 members to study Federal agencies. Directs the Commission to make recommendations to the President and Congress for the restructuring of such agencies to improve their efficiency. Requires the Commission to submit its final report by September 30, 1979, and terminate it 90 days thereafter. Authorizes to be appropriated without fiscal year limitation $12,000,000 to carry out the provisions of this title. Title V: Miscellaneous - Requires the Director of Management and Budget to study the feasibility of zero-base budgeting for Federal agencies. Requires the Director of the Congressional Budget Office to study the feasibility of personnel ceilings on employees of the United States and their relationships to alternative methods of carrying out the activities of such employees. Requires that such reports be submitted to Congress. Requires Federal agency heads to report requests for new budget authority to Congress. Requires specified committees to study the effectiveness of the zero-base review procedures required by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1976
Expresses the Senate's gratitude to Mike Mansfield of Montana for his participation in the Government and his service on behalf of the Nation's people.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 1976
Medicare-Medicaid Anti-Fraud Act - Establishes within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, an Office of Central Fraud and Abuse Control. Provides that such Office shall have the overall responsibility for directing and establishing policies with respect to the undertaking of activities which are designed to deal with fraud and abuse in the Maternal and Child Health and Crippled Children's Services, Medicare and Medicaid. Specifies that the Office shall also have responsibility for investigating alleged fraud or abuse in any such program, and assisting State agencies, at their request, in the establishment and operation of State antifraud and abuse activities. Directs that no payment for Medicare service may be made to a person claiming such payment under an assignment, including a power of attorney, but may be made to an agent of the person furnishing such service. Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare or the Comptroller General to require providers or suppliers of items or services, with respect to which payment is claimed under one of the programs within the jurisdiction of the Office, to furnish specified information including the following: (1) the identity of persons having ownership interest in such entity; and (2) a consolidated certified costs report with respect to its costs and charges, including costs and charges of related organizations. Specifies sanctions which shall be imposed upon entities which fail to comply with requests for information. Increases the penalties for defrauding the Medicare or Medicaid programs. Provides that it shall be a felony (presently misdemeanor) punishable by imprisonment of up to five years for such an offense. States that where a Professional Standards Review Organization is found competent by the Secretary to assume review responsibility with respect to specified types of health care services or specified providers or practitioners of such services and is performing such reviews, such reviews shall constitute the conclusive determination on those issues for purposes of payment under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 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 · 25 August 1976
Nuclear Explosive Proliferation Control Act - Requires that United States national policy include initiatives for international nuclear cooperation and nonproliferation. Requires that nuclear fuel service agreements be in conformance with nuclear material and contract restrictions of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954. Specifies initiatives which shall include development of procedures for nuclear material transfer and safetuards through the International Atomic Energy Agency. Directs the Energy Research and Development Administration, in consultation with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, to establish a safeguard and physical security training program for countries acquiring nuclear facilities. Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to revise procedural requirements for the implementation of international nuclear cooperation programs. Requires (1) that agreements for such programs include prohibitions against the use of atomic material for any nuclear explosive device, and (2) that such programs not be undertaken until certain guaranties are made relating to consultation with the United States on safeguards, control mechanisms, and assurances for peaceful use. Requires the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, upon submission of such proposed agreement to the Joint Congressional Committee on Atomic Energy, to furnish the Committee with its views regarding the adequacy of the safeguards contained in such agreement. Sets forth procedures for entering into "subsequent arrangements" under such agreements for cooperation. Directs the Energy Research and Development Administration to obtain the concurrence of the Secretary of State and to give full consideration to the recommendations of other concerned agencies to assure that such "subsequent arrangements" are consistent with the agreement for cooperation and nonproliferation policy. Requires the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the Arms Control and Disarmament Agency to furnish a Nuclear Proliferation Assessment Statement to the Energy Research and Development Administration regarding such "subsequent arrangements. Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to limit the authority of the Energy Research and Development Administration to distribute special nuclear material to not more than 500 grams per year to any recipient, except under an export license issued by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Revises the procedures for authorization of the production of special nuclear material outside the United States. Sets forth export licensing procedures under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954. Prohibits the issuance of any license by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission for the export of any production or utilization facility, any source material or special nuclear material, or any component which could be of significance for nuclear explosive purposes, or the granting of any exemption from any requirement for such an export license, until the Commission has furnished a copy of such application or proposed exemption to the Secretary of State, and has been notified by the Secretary that the issuance of the license or grant of the exemption will not be inimical to the common defense and security. Requires the Secretary of State, in making such judgment, to obtain the views of other concerned departments and agencies, including a Nuclear Proliferation Assessment Statement from the Arms Control and Disarmament Agency, in accordance with procedures established by the President. Stipulates that no court shall have any jurisdiction under any law to compel the performance of, or to review the adequacy of the performance of, any Nuclear Proliferation Assessment Statement required under this Act. Directs the President (1) to review the activities of Government departments and agencies relating to the nonproliferation of nuclear explosive devices, and (2) to make an annual report to Congress on such activities. Specifies the information to be included in such report and in the annual reports to Congress by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the Energy Research and Development Administration. Directs the Department of State, the Arms Control and Disarmament Agency, and the Department of Commerce to keep the Joint Committee informed of their activities to effectuate this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of $2,000,000 for contributions to the International Atomic Energy Agency for safeguard activities. Authorizes the additional appropriation of $2,500,000 to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission for fiscal year 1977 for export licensing functions.
United States · United States Congress · 10 August 1976
Expresses the sense of the Senate regarding United States participation in the Declaration on International Investment and Multinational Enterprises. States that the voluntary guidelines for multinational enterprises are reasonable standards of business practice. Expresses the opinion that the Committee on International Investment and Multinational Enterprises are an appropriate means for achieving the purposes of the declaration. Welcomes the joining of the United States Government with other Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development countries in the Declaration on International Investment and Multinational Enterprises.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 1976
Investment Policy Act - Title I: Findings and Definitions - States the conclusion of Congress that the lack of a national policy of investment is a serious deficiency which can adversely affect the economic health and well-being of the United States. Title II: Declaration of National Policy - Declares it the policy of the Federal Government, in cooperation with State and local governments, to use all practical means to provide sufficient incentives to assure maximum investment in private enterprise. Title III: Federal Agency Coordination and Cooperation - Requires the President to focus on this national policy in an Investment Policy Report to be included in the annual Economic Report to Congress. Calls for the cooperation and coordination of Federal agencies in carrying out this policy.
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 1976
Establishes within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare the Office of Inspector General comprised of an Inspector General and a Deputy Inspector General appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Provides that the Inspector General and Deputy shall be removed from office only by impeachment or by the President but only for malfeasance, criminal conduct, incompetence, gross neglect of duty, or disability. States that they shall be subject only to the general supervision of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. Sets forth the duties of the Office which include promoting economy and efficiency and preventing and detecting fraud and abuse of the programs and operations of the Department. Requires the Office to report to the Secretary and Congress with respect to its findings and activities quarterly or whenever the Office becomes aware of particularly serious or flagrant problems or abuse. Transfers to the Office the functions of the HEW Audit Agency and the Department's Office of Investigation.
United States · United States Congress · 2 July 1976
Exempts specified civil service positions in the Drug Enforcement Administration from the competitive service and sets forth regulations with respect to the transfer of incumbents in such positions.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 1976
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that with respect to the grantor of an option to buy or sell securities, commodities, or commodity futures, any gain or loss from a termination of the option other than through its exercise or lapse, and gain through its lapse, shall be treated as a gain or loss from the sale or exchange of a capital asset held not more than six months. Stipulates that this Act shall not apply to any option granted in the ordinary course of the taxpayer's trade or business of granting options.
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 · 11 June 1976
National Neighborhood Policy Act - Establishes a National Commission on Neighborhoods which will will include four members from the House and the Senate and 16 public members appointed by the President. States the duties of the Commission, which include studying the factors necessary to neighborhood survival and revitalization and making recommendations for modification of existing laws and policies. Makes provisions for the administration of this Commission. Authorizes to be appropriated funds necessary to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 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 · 13 May 1976
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Government and people of the United States welcome the election of a new President by the Assembly of Lebanon. Welcomes the President's request for funds to assist in the relief of victims of the armed strife in that nation. Urges the President to declare the willingness of the United States to participate in multilateral assistance programs to help in the reconstruction of Lebanon. Encourages a ceasefire in Lebanon.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1976
Expresses the support of the Senate for the basic principles and positions which Secretary of State Henry Kissinger expounded in his address at Lusaka, Zambia, on April 27, 1976.
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
Authorizes a taxpayer, under the Internal Revenue Code, to elect to treat qualified architectural and transportational barrier removal expenses which are paid or incurred during the taxable year as expenses which are not chargeable to capital account. Deems such expenses so treated as allowable tax deductible expenditures.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 1976
Authorizes the appropriation of $12,075,000 to the Secretary of State to be made available to the Recreational Development Company of Puerto Rico for expenses of the Eighth Pan American Games.
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1976
Provides that, pursuant to the provisions of the Presidential Recordings and Materials Preservation Act, the Senate hereby disapproves specified sections of the regulations proposed by the Administrator of General Services in his report to the Senate submitted on October 15, 1975.
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 · 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
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 · 18 March 1976
Authorizes the Secretary of Labor, under the Occupational Safety and Health Act, to make visits to the work place of any employer, upon the request of the employer, to consult with and advise the employer concerning the obligations of the employer under such Act. Directs the Secretary to give priority to small business and hazardous workplaces. Stipulates that no consultative visit made under this Act may serve as an inspection or investigation as otherwise provided for by the Occupational Safety and Health Act, except: (1) in the case of an employer who fails to eliminate a danger disclosed during such a visit; or (2) if conditions are found during such a visit which indicate the probability that death or serious harm could result to employees therefrom, the Secretary may notify the employer of such conditions and afford him a reasonable time to eliminate such conditions. Prohibits the transmission of information obtained during a consultative visit to representatives of the Secretary engaged in enforcement. Directs the Secretary to establish education programs to inform employers and employees of the hazards in particular industries. Authorizes the appropriation of funds through fiscal year 1978 for the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1976
Expresses the sense of the Senate concerning relations with the Soviet Union. Expresses the Senate's support of efforts to conclude agreements for the stabilization and reduction of the strategic military competition between the United States and the Soviet Union; to extend opportunities for diplomatic, economic and social initiatives between the United States and the Soviet Union; and to launch initiatives for an effort on the part of both nations to pursue a peaceful solution in areas of conflict.
United States · United States Congress · 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
Expresses the sense of Congress that the negotiations between Southern Railway and Chessie System on one hand and railway labor organizations on the other should be resumed, with the assistance of the Secretaries of Labor and Transportation.
United States · United States Congress · 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
Law Enforcement Improvement Act - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to direct the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration to provide constructive leadership and direction in the formulation of federally funded State plans for law enforcement. Allows State and local judiciaries to establish their own planning committees to plan the judicial needs of the State, such committee to work closely with the State law enforcement planning agency in developing a judicial plan consistent with the State's overall comprehensive crime reduction plan. Entitles States to Federal grants for law enforcement purposes only if the comprehensive State plans include provisions for improving the availability and quality of justice and developing programs designed to prevent crime against the elderly. Authorizes cities, urban counties, or local government units to submit their own comprehensive crime reduction plans to the State planning agency for approval by such agency. Charges the Administration with the primary responsibility of evaluating the effectiveness of State plans it approves. Directs the Administration to fund State planning agencies for the purpose of funding the State's judicial planning committee if such committee has filed a multiyear comprehensive plan meeting specified requirements. Authorizes additional funds to areas characterized by high crime rates and serious court congestion. Removes the funding priority previously given programs to control riots and other civil disorders and grants priority to programs designed to reduce court backlogs and improve judicial efficiency. Directs the National Institute of Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice to assist the Administration in its evaluation and assistance functions under this Act. Requires the Administration to establish rules and regulations to assure the proper auditing, monitoring and evaluation of programs funded under such Act. Extends the authorization for carrying out programs under such Act to 1978. Authorizes the Attorney General to establish an Advisory Board to the Administration to review programs for grants under such Act. Specifies subjects to be included in the Administration's annual report to the President and Congress, including its policies and priorities for reducing crime, its evaluation procedures, the number of State plans approved and disapproved, and the number of programs discontinued. Allows the Committees on the Judiciary in both Houses of Congress to conduct public hearings to review and examine the activities of the Administration. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as are necessary, with specified limitations, for fiscal years 1976-1978 to carry out the provisions of such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1976
Amends the Federal Advisory Committee Act to require the head of each agency to record the receipt, disbursement, and source of any nonappropriated funds or anything of value received by any advisory body under such agency's jurisdiction. Requires the President and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to report annually to Congress concerning such funds or things of value received by such advisory bodies. Requires the Director's report to be published in the Federal Register. Requires such agency heads to keep records of all advisory body recommendations showing the number of such recommendations which have been accepted, rejected, or are pending. Requires the President to include such records in his annual report to Congress pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee Act.
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 · 6 February 1976
Federal Advisory Committee Act Amendments - Includes within the definition of "advisory committee" under the Federal Advisory Committee Act ad hoc advisory groups and bodies advising government entities specified by this Act. Requires that the membership of Governmental advisory bodies be publicly solicited. Requires that one-third of such membership be drawn from private citizens to represent public interests. Requires that the members' names and business affiliations be publicly announced at the time they are appointed. Directs the President to report annually to Congress concerning the status of actions he has taken and recommendations he has accepted from his advisory committees. Requires the President to maintain a current list of the names of all members, past and present, of all advisory committees together with such indices as will contain cross references by the name, business affiliation, occupation, and membership on an advisory committee of such members. Requires a similar list naming persons employed as consultants or experts to the Federal Government giving their affiliations. Requires that the annual report concerning advisory bodies prepared by the Director of the Office of Management and Budget include committees which were created to exist for less than one year and include determinations as to whether an advisory committee has any responsibilities of an administrative, executive, or operational nature, other than providing advice or information, and list all such advisory committees and state whether each such advisory committee has filed a charter as required by such Act. States that such determination shall be made by the Director before any member is appointed to such committees and requires such determination to be published in the Federal Register ten days before such appointment. Provides that the charter of any advisory committee must be submitted to the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives and must contain the number of members appointed and their method of selection and appointment. Requires that an audio or audio and visual recording be made of any advisory committee meeting not open to the public and requires that such recording be deposited with the Library of Congress within 24 hours after the close of such meeting. States that if the President or head of an agency to which an advisory committee reports determines that a committee meeting should be closed to the public for reasons authorized by law, such determination must be published in the Federal Register 30 days prior to such meeting. States that any such determination made by a delegate of the President or a delegate of the agency head shall be reviewed by the President or the agency head, as the case may be, upon application of any person. Requires the President or the agency head to advise the person applying for review in writing of his determination to require that any such meeting be held in open session or to sustain or modify the determination made by the delegate. Authorizes the President or the agency head to direct that any such meeting be held in open session. Confers jurisdiction upon the United States district courts to enjoin the closing of such meeting. Authorizes the court to award litigation costs to a party who prevails in a suit brought against a committee under this Act. Directs the administrative authority of the agency concerned to take the corrective action that the Commission recommends with respect to officers or employees and to refer the matter to the Department of Justice for appropriate disposition if any member of the advisory committee with respect to whom corrective action appears necessary is not an employee or officer of the Federal Government. Requires the Attorney General to submit an annual report listing the number of cases arising under this Act, their disposition, and the costs, fees, and penalties assessed with respect to such cases. Provides that such report include a description of the efforts undertaken by the Department of Justice to encourage agency compliance with this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1976
Expresses the solidarity of the American people in efforts to enlarge human freedom by the participants in the second Brussels conference, February 17 to 19, 1976.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1976
Government Economy and Spending Reform Act - Title I: Authorizations of New Budget Authority - Terminates on specified dates budget authority for all Government programs except health care services, general retirement and disability insurance, and Federal employee retirement and disability programs which are funded by trust funds. Declares out of order in either the Senate or the House of Representatives any legislation which authorizes new budget authority not in compliance with this Act. Requires the Committees on Appropriations and the Committees on the Budget of both Houses of Congress to identify each program's functional and subfunctional category (as so characterized in the Budget of the United States, Fiscal Year 1977, transmitted to Congress by the President on January 21, 1976), the committees having legislative jurisdiction over such program, and whether such program operates under permanent authorizations and budget authority. Makes the budget termination provisions of this Act effective on the first day of the Ninety-fifth Congress. Title II: Early Elimination of Inactive and Duplicate Programs - Requires the Comptroller General of the United States to identify for Congress any programs which have duplicate objectives or for which no outlays have been made for the last two fiscal years. Directs the standing committees of both Houses to consider such programs and report recommendations on such programs before March 15, 1978, if possible. Title III: Quadrennial Program Review and Evaluation - Sets forth a timetable for reviewing the budget of a Government program. Requires review by standing committees of the Congress every four years of each program's cost, effectiveness, and the extent to which such program duplicates or is similar to any other program. States that such review shall include a comprehensive evaluation of the merits of such program to determine if it warrants continuation. Requires justification of any recommendation to fund any program which has objectives similar to or the same as another program's objectives. Directs the Comptroller General and the Congressional Budget Office to provide Congress with information and analysis of programs being reviewed under this Act. Requires the President to similarly review the merits of continuing programs contained in annual Budget and to report the finding of such review prior to transmitting the Budget to Congress. Title IV: Continuing Review and Evaluation - Directs the Comptroller General to report to Congress the result of any audit which shows a substantial deficiency in achievement of the objectives of any Government program. Requires subsequent audits, a report of which must be submitted to Congress, to determine if such deficiency has been eliminated. Title V: Miscellaneous - States that those provisions of this Act which direct the operation of either House are enacted as an exercise of the rulemaking power of such House and recognizes the right of either House to change such rules.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1976
National Center for Women Act - Establishes a National Center for Women as an independent agency of the Executive branch: (1) to review and coordinate Federal programs to insure equal opportunity for women; (2) to serve as a clearinghouse for information on public programs and legislation of interest to women; and (3) to recommend to the President and Congress proposals to improve the status of women. Directs the establishment of a National Board of Advisors within such Center, which members shall be appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. Directs the Board of Advisors to maintain effective liaison with public agencies and other organizations concerned with the status of women. Transfers to the Administrator of such Center the functions of: (1) the National Commission on the Observance of International Women's Year; (2) the Citizen's Advisory Council on the Status of Women established under Executive Order 11126; (3) the interdepartmental Committee on the Status of Women established under Executive Order 11126; (4) the Women's Bureau of the Department of Labor; (5) the Women's Action Program of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare; and (6) the Women's Rights Program Unit of the Civil Rights Commission. Creates within the Center an Intergovernmental Task Force on the representatives of specified executive departments and independent regulatory agencies. Directs such Task Force to assist in the evaluation and coordination of Federal programs for women and to develop procedures to insure equal rights to women within Federal agencies. Directs each Federal agency to review regulations, policies, and procedures of its programs to assure full participation and equal opportunity for women.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1976
Authorizes and requests the President to issue a proclamation designating the period of February 15, 1976, through February 21, 1976, as "National League of United Latin American Citizens Week".
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1976
Extends the Senate Select Committee on Nutrition and Human Needs through February 28, 1977. Authorizes the expenditure of $439,000 for expenses involved in studying matters pertaining to the lack of food, medical assistance, and other necessities of life and health. Provides that the expenses of the committee shall be paid from the contingent fund of the Senate.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1976
Amends the Federal Energy Administration Act of 1974 to authorize exemptions from conflict-of-interest requirements for holdings in diversified mutual funds by Government officials where the Federal Energy Administrator determines that such interest is too remote or inconsequential to affect such officials' conduct. Requires that the Federal Energy Administrator be given five days' notice in order to comment on proposed Environmental Protection Agency regulations affecting the exploration, development, or production of energy supplies and resources. Includes foreign affiliates of United States firms; and foreign firms doing business in the United States within the disclosure provisions of such Act. Imposes criminal and civil penalties for failure to provide information to the Administrator as required by the Act. Deletes specified requirements for recordkeeping by the Administrator with respect to exports of domestic coal and petroleum products. Extends the expiration date of such Act to September 30, 1979.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1976
Honors Clarence M. Mitchell, Junior, for his contributions to the establishment of justice and equality in America. Expresses gratitude for his efforts to improve the quality of life for all Americans.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1976
Higher Education Expenses Tax Deferment Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an eligible individual a limited deferment of taxes for any taxable year in an amount not in excess of the amount of net qualified higher education expenses paid by such taxpayer during that year. Limits such deferral to the lesser of: (1) 75 percent of the net qualified higher education expenses paid; (2) $1500 per academic year for an undergraduate student; or (3) the amount of tax liability reduced by twice the amount that such liability exceeds the amount of tax deferrable. Defines terms used in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 1975
Provides for the Federal incorporation of the United Service Organizations, Incorporated. Provides that such corporation shall provide a voluntary civilian agency responsible to the President of the United States and the Secretary of Defense, through which the people of this Nation may, in peace or war, serve the religious, spiritual, social, welfare, educational and entertainment needs of the men and women in the Armed Forces within or without the territorial limits of the United States. Requires that the corporation shall be nonpolitical and, as an organization, shall not furnish financial aid or assistance to, or otherwise promote the candidacy of, any person seeking elective public office. States that no substantial part of the activities of the corporation shall involve carrying on propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation. Provides that the corporation, its regional, State, and local councils, organizations, chapters and affiliates shall have the sole and exclusive right to use the names "United Services Organizations, Incorporated" and "USO" and such distinctive insignia, emblems, and badges as the corporation may lawfully adopt in carrying out its purposes. Authorizes the Department of Defense and any other agency of the United States Government, to provide such assistance as they determine is appropriate to enable the corporation to carry out its purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 1975
Regulatory Reform Act - States Congress' finding that Government economic regulation has become a burden to American business, consumers, and the economy. Requires the President to submit at least once a year a plan designed to eliminate regulation which has led to inflationary consumer prices or a reduction of competition. Directs that each plan establish more efficient organizational and administrative forms for the regulation of commerce, and include provisions necessary to modify or abolish existing agencies and functions so as to eliminate overlapping regulatory jurisdictions, and anticompetitive and duplicative regulations. Defines terms as used in this Act. Provides that the President shall submit each plan required by this Act to the Congress for review by the Committees on Government Operations of the House of Representatives and Senate. Requires such committees to review the plan and report a bill approving or disapproving such plan in whole or in part, with such amendments as are deemed appropriate. Directs that in the event no regulatory reform legislation has been enacted with respect to any area covered by this Act, all rules of any agency described in the President's plan shall be of no force or effect after the last day of June in the calendar year next following the calendar year in which such plan was submitted.
United States · United States Congress · 9 December 1975
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the signing in Helsinki of the Final Act of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe did not change in any way the longstanding policy of the United States on non-recognition of the Soviet Union's illegal seizure and annexation of the three Baltic nations of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.
United States · United States Congress · 4 December 1975
Dedicates the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park to Justice William O. Douglas in grateful recognition of his long and outstanding service to the people of the United States as a teacher, writer, jurist, and naturalist. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to have the words " Dedicated to Justice William O. Douglas" prominently displayed on all signs bearing the name of the park and to take other actions to call to the attention of the public the fact that such park has been so dedicated. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 November 1975
Condemns the resolution adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations which equates Zionism with racism. Opposes participation by the United States Government in the Decade for Action to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination. Calls for reconsideration of the Zionism resolution. Directs the Committee on International Relations and the Committee on Foreign Relations to begin hearings immediately to reassess the United States' further participation in the United Nations General Assembly.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 1975
Employment Tax Credit Act - Allows a tax credit under the Internal Revenue Code for 10 percent of the wages paid by a taxpayer to a previously unemployed individual. Limits the credit to $800 per eligible employee.
![Official portrait of Sen. Percy, Charles H. [R-IL]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/p000222_200.jpg)