United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1976
Consumer Communications Reform Act - States that Congress finds that the revenues from integrated interstate and foreign common carrier telecommunications services helped maintain a level of charges for telephone exchange service which is lower than otherwise would be required. Expresses the sense of Congress that the authorization of lines, facilities, or services of specialized carriers which duplicate the lines, facilities, or services of other telecommunications common carriers is contrary to the public interest. Reaffirms the intent of Congress that the complete authority to regulate terminal and station equipment used for telephone exchange service shall rest with the States even though such terminal and station equipment also may be used in connection with interstate services. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to provide that no compensatory charges for or in connection with such communication service may be found to be unjust or unreasonable on the ground that it is too low. Prohibits the Federal Communications Commission from holding the charge of a carrier up to a particular level to protect the traffic or revenues from a communication service offered or provided by another carrier if such charge proposed by the carrier is compensatory. Provides that the Commission shall not grant or authorize any construction permit, station, license, or certificate for the construction, acquisition, or operation of any communication or transmission line or facility, or extension thereof, or any modification or renewal thereof, unless the Commission shall find, after full opportunity for evidentiary hearing on the record, that such permit, license, or certificate, will not result in increased charges or unnecessary duplication of communication lines.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 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 · 4 May 1976
Repeals the prohibition of the use of Congressionally appropriated funds for lobbying purposes. Requires all employees or officers of Federal agencies to register as lobbyists under the Federal Regulation of Lobbying Act if such persons attempt to influence legislation. Prohibits lobbying in any room corridor adjacent to the Hall of the House of Representatives by any person not registered as a lobbyist.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1976
Establishes an Art Bank in Congress for the purpose of selecting American works of art for display in the House and Senate Office Buildings. Establishes a five-member board of directors to administer such Art Bank, such directors being Members of Congress. Establishes the full-time salaried position of Executive Director to assist the board in the administration of the Art Bank. Authorizes the Art Bank to receive for display works of art of any United States citizen who transmits such work of art to the Art Bank at his or her own expense within two years after the creation of such work. Provides for the return to such artist of any such work after it has been displayed or designated as unsuitable for display. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act during fiscal year 1976 through 1979.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1976
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Federal Communications Commission and other agencies shall be encouraged to exercise their full legal authority to insure that the quality and quantity of over-the-air broadcasting service which is now available to the public shall not be reduced or impaired by the operations of pay television. Calls for regulation of pay television in a manner consistent with the establishment and maintenance of over-the-air television broadcast services.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1976
Authorizes the President to issue annually a proclamation designating the seven-day period commencing on April 30 of each year as "National Beta Sigma Phi Week," to recognize the National Beta Sigma Phi Sorority and its social, cultural, and service programs.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1976
Allows a tax credit, under the Internal Revenue Code, in an amount equal to the lesser of 20 percent of the qualified investment or $5,000,000, but the credit shall not exceed 50 percent of the liability for tax for the taxable year. Defines the term "qualified investment" to mean investment in tangible property located in a development area certified by the Secretary of Commerce as development property which is outside any standard metropolitan statistical area, the population of which exceeds 300,000. Recaptures such tax credit if property which was certified development property placed in service during either of the two preceding taxable years is disposed of or ceases to be certified development property with respect to the taxpayer. Allows any portion of the credit which exceeds the limitations to be carried back to the three preceding taxable years and carried forward to the seven taxable years following the unused credit year. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to report annually to the Congress with respect to the amount of and the economic effects of such tax credit.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1976
National Diabetes Advisory Board Act - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish a National Diabetes Advisory Board to insure the implementation of the long-range plan formulated by the National Commission on Diabetes to combat diabetes. Specifies seven Federal health officers as members of the Board, in addition to seven health professionals and five members of the general public to be appointed by the Secretary. Makes provision for staffing and compensation. Authorizes the Board to enter into contracts or other arrangements, or to take such other action as may be necessary to carry out its functions. Authorizes the Board to engage in and sponsor activities, collect data, and provide technical assistance as it deems necessary and advisable in the performance of its functions. Requires the Board to submit simultaneously to the President and Congress an Annual Diabetes Report describing Board activities in the prior year and progress made in diabetes research, treatment, and education with specific reference to the long-range plan to combat diabetes mellitus and suggesting recommended future expenditures and legislation. Authorizes the appropriation of $500,000 for fiscal year 1976 and such sums as are necessary for each of the four fiscal years thereafter. Authorizes the Secretary to make distinguished scientist awards to individual scientists who have shown continuous and outstanding productivity in diabetes research for the purpose of continuing such research. Limits the amount of each grant to no more than $35,000 per year. Authorizes the appropriation of specified amounts for the purpose of making such grants in fiscal years 1976-1980. Authorizes, under the Public Health Service Act, the appropriation of specified sums in fiscal years 1977-1981 for the purpose of making grants to centers for research and training in diabetes mellitus and related endocrine and metabolic disorders.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1976
Consumer Communications Reform Act - States that Congress finds that the revenues from integrated interstate and foreign common carrier telecommunications services helped maintain a level of charges for telephone exchange service which is lower than otherwise would be required. Expresses the sense of Congress that the authorization of lines, facilities, or services of specialized carriers which duplicate the lines, facilities, or services of other telecommunications common carriers is contrary to the public interest. Reaffirms the intent of Congress that the complete authority to regulate terminal and station equipment used for telephone exchange service shall rest with the States even though such terminal and station equipment also may be used in connection with interstate services. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to provide that no compensatory charges for or in connection with such communication service may be found to be unjust or unreasonable on the ground that it is to low. Prohibits the Federal Communications Commission from holding the charge of a carrier up to a particular level to protect the traffic or revenues from a communication service offered or provided by another carrier if such charge proposed by the carrier is compensatory. Grants the Commission jurisdiction to approve the acquisition of control by a domestic common carrier of any other domestic common carrier or to approve the acquisition by a person which is not a common carrier of control of any domestic common carrier or the acquisition of the whole or any part of the property of a domestic common carrier after determining that the acquisition is in the public interest. Provides that the Commission shall not grant or authorize any construction permit, station license, or certificate, for the construction, acquisition, or operation of any communication or transmission line or facility, or extension thereof, or any modification or renewal thereof, unless the Commission shall find, after full opportunity for evidentiary hearing on the record, that such permit, license, or certificate will not result in increased charges or unnecessary duplication of communication lines.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 1976
Amends the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 to deny Members of Congress any increase in their rate of pay under any law passed, or plan or recommendation received, during a Congress unless such increase is to take effect not earlier than the first day of the next Congress. Makes such prohibition retroactive to those laws passed after June 30, 1975, and to plans and recommendations regarding pay transmitted by the President after such date.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1976
Federal Regulatory Review Act - Establishes a Federal Regulatory Agency Review Commission to study the structures, policies and regulations of the regulatory agencies and make recommendations to the Congress to promote the elimination of practices which result in greater consumer costs, and to promote competition throughout American industry. Authorizes the Commission to hold hearings and to have access to any information which is relevant to its function. Directs the Commission to transmit an interim report to the Congress not later than six months after the Commission's first meeting and a final report six months later. Provides that the Commission shall expire 30 days after the submission of the final report.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1976
Prohibits the reduction of an individual's old-age insurance benefits under title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act based on outside earnings of an individual from either wages or self-employment.
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 1976
Provides that small farm extension and research and development programs under the Rural Development Act of 1972 shall consist of: (1) a comprehensive study and survey with procedures for updating such survey to identify small farmers and determine their resources, abilities, education, experience and willingness to upgrade their farm operations through improved agricultural production techniques, farm machinery, products and cooperative agricultural marketing practices; (2) the development and implementation of a program for improving the operations of such farmers; (3) procedures to evaluate the social and economic consequences of such program; (4) research and development for updating small farm operations; and (5) an annual report by the Secretary of Agriculture to specified Congressional committees regarding the extent and effectiveness of the objectives of such program. Defines "small farmer" as anyone who depends on farming as their primary source of income, and whose gross annual sales from farming operations is less than $20,000 and whose nonfarm income is less than $5,000.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1976
Arts, Humanities, and Cultural Affairs Act - Title I: Arts and Humanities - Amends the National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities Act to authorize the Chairman of the of the National Endowment for the Humanities to establish grants-in-aid programs in each State to develop and promote the humanities. Sets forth standards relating to program administration for plans submitted by persons and entities seeking assistance. Prohibits the Chairman from making grants to more than one person or entity in any State. Specifies a formula for alloting funds appropriated for grants-in-aid. Authorizes appropriation to the National Endowment for the Arts and to the National Endowment for the Humanities of specified sums for fiscal years 1977 and 1978 and such funds as may be necessary for fiscal years 1979 and 1980. Revises the maximum amount which may be appropriated to such Endowments as grants matching amounts received through donation, bequest, and devise. Requires the President to appoint members of the National Council on the Arts and members of the National Council on the Humanities with the advice and consent of the Senate. Title II: Museum Services - Museum Services Act - Establishes within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare an Institute of Museum Services, consisting of a National Museum Services Board and a Director of the Institute. Authorizes the Director, subject to the advice of the Board, to make grants to museums to increase and improve museum services. Confers authority to the Institute to accept grants, gifts, or bequests of money for immediate disbursement in furtherance of the functions of the Institute. Directs the Federal Council on the Arts and Humanities to advise and consult with the Board and the Director on major problems incurred by the Institute and to coordinate the Institute's policies and activities with those of the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities. Authorizes the appropriation of funds for grants by the Institute for fiscal years 1977 through 1980. Title III: Challenge Grant Program - Authorizes the Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts to establish a program of contracts with, or grants-in-aid to, public agencies and private nonprofit organizations for the purpose of assisting cultural organizations and institutions and promoting citizen involvement with such bodies. Authorizes the appropriation of funds through fiscal year 1980 to carry out such program.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1976
Vocational Education Amendments - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1977 to carry out specified provisions of the Vocational Education Act of 1963. Directs the Commissioner of Education to reserve a portion of specified appropriations for transfer to the National Occupational Information Coordinating Committee and for vocational education programs for Indians. Requires States desiring to participate in programs authorized by such Act to designate or establish a State board, which shall be the sole agency responsible for the administration or supervision of the administration of such programs. States that the responsibilities of such board shall include: (1) the development of policy with respect to vocational education programs; and (2) the development and submission to the Commissioner of the three-year State plan and the annual accountability required under such Act. Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to establish a Bureau of Occupational and Adult Education within the Office of Education to be responsible for: (1) the administration of any Acts of Congress vesting authority in the Commissioner for vocational, occupational, adult and continuing education programs; (2) the administration of those portions of Acts relating to career education which are relevant to the purposes of other Acts administered by the Bureau; and (3) the functions of the Office of Education relating to manpower training and vocational, technical and occupational training in community and junior colleges. Directs such Bureau to conduct a comprehensive review analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of the programs assisted with funds under such Act. Directs the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare to conduct a fiscal audit of such programs, within each State. Includes, in the membership of the National Advisory Council on Vocational Education and the State advisory councils established under the Vocational Education Act of 1963, representatives of nonprofit private schools, women knowledgeable with the problems of sex discrimination in job training, and persons knowledgeable in the field of guidance and counseling. States that such councils shall have a majority membership of persons who are not educators or administrators in the field of education. Directs such National Council, in conjunction with the National Commission for Manpower Policy, and State advisory councils in conjunction with the State Manpower Services Councils, to identify the vocational and manpower needs of the Nation and assess the extent to which vocational programs represent an integrated and coordinated approach to meeting such needs. Includes in the membership of the National Commission for Manpower Policy a representative of the National Advisory Council on Vocational Education. Authorizes appropriations under the Vocational Education Act of 1963 for the purpose of making grants to State advisory councils to carry out the functions of such councils. Stipulates how such sums are to be apportioned. Requires States desiring to receive funds under such Act to submit a three-year plan for vocational education to the Commissioner. Authorizes appropriations for: (1) the preparation and updating of such plans; (2) the preparation of the annual accountability report required under such Act; and (3) program evaluation. Lists the State agencies which the State board shall involve in the participation and formulation of such plan. Requires that such plans: (1) assess the present and future needs for job skills within the State; (2) set forth the objectives sought and the means employed in meeting the need for such job skills; and (3) set forth how the funds made available under such Act shall be used. Authorizes the Commissioner, whenever a plan or the administration of such plan no longer complies with such requirement, to withhold payments to such State until he or she is satisfied that there will no longer be such failure to comply. Requires each State participating in programs under such Act to submit to the Commissioner an annual accountability report which shall: (1) include any necessary updating of the State plan; (2) show the extent to which the objectives of the plan have been achieved; (3) how State, local, and Federal funds were used and distributed to achieve such objectives; and (4) a summary of the evaluations of vocational programs. Requires States to evaluate the effectiveness of such vocational education programs. Sets forth specified criteria to be used in making such evaluation. Directs the Commissioner to further prescribe nationally uniform criteria and procedures to be used in such evaluations. Directs the Commissioner and Administrator of the National Center for Education Statistics to jointly develop information and uniform definitions for a national vocational education data reporting and accounting system including information on vocational students, programs, program completers, staff, facilities and expenditures. Directs the Commissioner in conjunction with the Administrator to prepare an annual report on the status of vocational education. Establishes a National Occupational Information Coordinating Committee to: (1) improve coordination between administrators and planners of vocational education programs; (2) to develop and implement an occupational information system to meet the needs of vocational education programs, and employment and training programs; and (3) assist the State occupational information committees which are required to be established pursuant to this Act for the planning and operation of similar programs at the State level. Revises the authorized uses of funds for State vocational education programs. Authorizes appropriations which States may use for: (1) special programs for disadvantaged persons as defined in this Act; (2) supportive services for basic vocational education programs; (3) support of State research coordinating units and for contracts made by such units pursuant to comprehensive plans of program improvement; (4) construction, equipment, and operation of residential schools to provide vocational education; (5) cooperative vocational education programs; and (6) work-study programs. Directs the Commissioner to pay to each State participating in vocational education programs, an amount equal to 50 percent of the State and local expenditures in carrying out its State plan. Sets forth formulas to determine the amount of Federal payments to States for various programs under this Act. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1981 for consumer and homemaking education programs under the Vocational Education Act of 1963. Sets forth the requirements for State plans to be eligible for funds for such programs. Directs the Commissioner, from funds reserved under this Act, to use such funds for contracts for program improvement projects and for the support of a national center for research in vocational education. States that such Center shall, either directly or through contracts: (1) conduct applied research and development on problems of national significance in vocational education and disseminate the results of such projects; (2) provide leadership development through an advanced study center and inservice education activities for State and local leaders in vocational education; (3) develop and provide information to facilitate national planning and policy development in vocational education; (4) act as a clearinghouse for information on contracts made for program inprovement projects; and (5) develop methods of evaluating programs. Establishes within the Education Division of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare a Coordinating Committee on Research in Vocational Education to: (1) develop a plan establishing national priorities for the use of funds for vocational education programs, projects, and research and to coordinate the efforts of various agencies in seeking to achieve such priorities; and (2) develop a management information system on the projects funded pursuant to such plan. Directs the Commissioner of Education, with the Secretary of Labor, to develop and disseminate information on the status of bilingual education in the United States and to evaluate the impact of such education on the shortages of well-trained personnel and the unemployment of persons with limited English-speaking ability. Authorizes the Commissioner to enter into contracts for bilingual vocational education programs. Sets forth the purposes for which such contracts or grants may be used. Directs qualified vocational educators to provide such individuals an opportunity to spend full time in advanced study of vocational education for a maximum three year period. Directs the Commissioner to pay to the institutions of higher education in which such individual is pursuing his or her course of study such amounts as are consistent with the prevailing practices under comparable federally supported programs. Sets forth the requirements an institution must meet to have its vocational education leadership development program approved by the Commissioner. Directs the National Institute of Education to undertake an evaluation and study of vocational education programs. States that such Institution shall make an interim report on the results of such study to the President and Congress by September 30, 1979, and a final reprot by September 30, 1980. Directs the National Center for Education Statistics to coordinate data collection and the formation and issuance of applications for vocational education programs and to disseminate summaries of such data collected to States, local educational agencies, and colleges and universities. Repeals provisions of the Higher Education Act of 1965 relating to occupational education programs. Extends the authorization for appropriations until 1978 for grants to States under the National Defense Education Act. Sets forth the effective dates for the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1976
Exempts from the Farm Labor Contractor Registration Act of 1963 contractors of workers engaged in custom cutting or combine operations in connection with the harvesting of grains and contractors of workers engaged in the shearing of sheep.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1976
Amends the Social Security Act to authorize payment under the medicare program for specified services performed by chiropractors, including x-rays and physical examinations, and related routine laboratory tests.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1976
Title I: Amends the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 to increase the amount of appropriations authorized under such Act to $300,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, $450,000,000 for fiscal year 1978, $625,000,000 for fiscal year 1979, and $800,000,000 for each fiscal year thereafter through fiscal year 1989. Revises procedures for the apportionment of land and water conservation fund moneys to States by the Secretary of the Interior. Imposes public participation requirements with respect to the preparation of comprehensive statewide outdoor recreation plans. Authorizes Federal financial assistance for the planning and development of sheltered facilities for swimming pools and ice skating rinks, provided specified conditions are met. Title II: Amends the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 to establish a historic preservation fund in the United States Treasury. Stipulates that $24,400,000 for fiscal year 1977, $75,000,000 annually for fiscal years 1978 and 1979 and $100,000,000 annually for each fiscal year thereafter until fiscal year 1989 be covered into the fund from revenues due and payable to the United States under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act and other Federal Mining laws. Stipulates that such moneys shall remain available until appropriated to carry out the purposes of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. Authorizes the appropriation of $175,000 per year for fiscal years 1977,1978, and 1979 for the International Center for the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1976
Amends the Housing Act of 1949 to expand the definitions of "rural" and "rural areas" to include places not part of or associated with an urban area which have a population of between 10,000 and 20,000 people and which have a serious lack of mortgage credit for lower- and moderate-income families.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1976
National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act - Authorizes the appropriation of designated sums to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration for research and development programs, construction of facilities including land acquisition, and research and program management. Permits utilization of research and development appropriations for: (1) items of a capital nature which may be required at locations other than installations of the Administration for the performance of research and development contracts, and (2) grants to nonprofit institutions of higher education, or to nonprofit organizations whose primary purpose is the conduct of scientific research, for purchase or construction of additional research facilities. Sets forth further guidelines regarding the use and availability of funds appropriated pursuant to this Act. Specifies procedures where amounts designated for specific programs may be varied upward and whereby up to one half of one percent of the funds appropriated for research and development may be combined with $10,000,000 of funds appropriated for facility construction to construct or modify laboratories or other installations deemed by the Administration to be immediatley needed. Prohibits utilization of sums appropriated pursuant to this Act for: (1) any research or management program in excess of the amount specifically authorized for that program, (2) any program deleted by Congress from requests originally made, or (3) any program which has not been presented to either the House Committee on Science and Technology or the Senate Committee on Aeronautical and Space Sciences unless each such Committee has been given notice of any such proposed action and transmits written notice to the Administration that it has no objection. Directs the Administration to consider geographical distribution whenever feasible in allocating its research and development funds. Authorizes the Administration, when so provided in appropriation Acts, to enter into and to maintain a contract for tracking and data relay satellite services. Establishes an additional Associate Administrator for Advanced Research and Technology within the Administration. Revises the compensation of members of the Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel. Expresses the sense of Congress regarding the need for, and the construction, modernization, and availability of aeronautical test facilities. Declares that Congress finds that the general welfare of the United States requires application of the Administration's expertise to ground propulsion systems research and development.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1976
Exempts from the Farm Labor Contractor Registration Act of 1963 contractors of workers engaged in custom cutting or combine operations in connection with the harvesting of grains and contractors of workers engaged in the shearing of sheep.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1976
Exempts from the Farm Labor Contractor Registration Act of 1963 contractors of workers engaged in custom cutting or combine operations in connection with the harvesting of grains, or in the shearing of sheep, or baling of hay.
United States · United States Congress · 9 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
Exempts from the Farm Labor Contractor Registration Act of 1963 contractors of workers engaged in custom cutting or combine operations in connection with the harvesting of grains and contractors of workers engaged in the shearing of sheep.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1976
Synthetic Fuels Research and Demonstration Act - Title I: Motor Vehicle Synthetic Fuel Research and Demonstration Project - Directs the Administrator of the Energy Research and Development Administration to establish a synthetic fuels project for motor vehicles in accordance with a research and development plan. Prescribes criteria to be followed by the Administrator in: (1) the selection of a synthetic fuel; (2) the selection of a project agency; and (3) the establishment of a research and demonstration plan. Requires that the Administrator submit interim reports to Congress and a final report within three years of the enactment of this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of $10,000,000 through fiscal year 1979 for such project. Title II: Electrical Generation Synthetic Fuel Research and Demonstration Projects - Directs the Administrator of the Energy Research and Development Administration to establish a program of Federal assistance to public utilities for the support of synthetic fuels projects for the generation of electricity. Establishes criteria for applicants to be considered for financial assistance. Establishes guidelines for the Administrator in selecting projects from eligible applicants. Stipulates that the amount of funds for any such project shall be based on the difference between the cost of the synthetic fuel and the cost of conventional fuel which would ordinarily be used. Limits payments under this Act to: (1) 5 cents per gallon of synthetic fuel; and (2) $1,000,000 for any single project. Requires the Administrator to submit interim reports to Congress and a final report within three years of the enactment of this Act. Authorizes appropriations of $3,000,000 through fiscal year 1979 for such program.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1976
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Federal Communications Commission and other agencies shall be encouraged to exercise their full legal authority to insure that the quality and quantity of over-the-air broadcasting service which is now available to the public shall not be reduced or impaired by the operations of pay television. Calls for regulation of pay television in a manner consistent with the establishment and maintenance of over-the-air television broadcast services.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1976
Constitutional Amendment - States that, with respect to the right to life, the word 'person', as used in this article and in the fifth and fourteenth amendments to the Constitution of the United States, applies to all human beings, including their unborn offspring at every stage of their biological development, irrespective of age, health, function, or condition of dependency. Provides that this article shall not apply in an emergency when a resasonable medical certainty exists that continuation of the pregnancy will cause death of the mother.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1976
Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to give the President the power to appoint six members of the eight-member Federal Election Commission by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Appoints the Secretary of the Senate and the Clerk of the House of Representatives as ex officio members of the Commission without the right to vote. Terminates the terms of the present members once the new members are appointed and confirmed pursuant to this Act. Declares the sense of the Congress that appointments authorized by this Act should be made as soon as possible.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1976
Extends from one to three years the period that a member of the uniformed services has following his retirement to select his home for purposes of travel and transportation allowances. (Amends 37 U.S.C. 404(c) and 406(g)).
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1976
Authorizes the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to implement a pilot program to make scholarship grants to individuals attending medical schools on the condition that such individuals will serve in a Veterans' Administration facility for a period of time upon completion of professional training. Limits the amount of any scholarship grant to an individual for an academic year to $5,000. Authorizes appropriations to carry out such program of $2,500,000; $3,000,000; and $3,500,000 in fiscal years 1976-1978, respectively. Authorizes necessary appropriations for fiscal year 1979 and succeeding fiscal years.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1976
Amends the Gun Control Act of 1968 to require that whoever uses or carries a firearm during the commission of a felony subject to prosecution in a Federal court be sentenced to a term of imprisonment for not less than two years in addition to the punishment provided for the commission of such felony. Requires that in the case of a second or subsequent conviction, the felon be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of not less than five years. (Amends 18 U.S.C. 924(c))
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1976
Authorizes and requests the President to issue a proclamation designating the week beginning on November 7, 1976, as "National Respiratory Therapy Week".
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1976
Elementary and Secondary Career Education Act - States that the purpose of this Act is to increase the emphasis elementary and secondary schools, both private and public, place on job awareness, exploration, decision-making, and planning. Authorizes the appropriation of specified sums for fiscal years 1976-1980, subject to restrictions, to carry out the provisions of this Act. Allocates funds to each State in the proportion that each State's population, aged five to seventeen, bears to the total population of all the States, aged five to seventeen. Provides that States must apply to the Commissioner of Education for funds, giving stipulated assurances relating to the use and management of such funds. Lists specific activities to which grants may be allocated. Makes provisions for a greater proportion of funds to go to agencies responsible for low-income, sparsely populated, or non-English speaking areas. Restricts control of funds provided under this Act, and title to materials, equipment, and property acquired therewith, to a public agency. Prohibits such funds from being commingled with State or local funds. Outlines procedures for payment of funds to the States, and the uses, varying with each fiscal year, to which the funds may be put. Directs the Commissioner, consistent with the terms of this Act, to make whatever provisions may be necessary to insure participation on an equitable basis of children enrolled in private elementary and secondary schools. Requires the Office of Career Education to be the administrative agency for the review of State plans, applications, and reports and to provide technical assistance in their improvement whenever necessary. Instructs the National Institution of Education to continue its complementary efforts in career education and stipulates that the Office of Education shall cooperate with the Institute in identifying research and development priorities and in disseminating Institute findings. Directs the National Advisory Council on Career Education to perform its authorized functions in connection with this Act and to submit an annual report evaluating the effectiveness of programs operated in the preceding fiscal year. Mandates that States receiving funds submit annual reports, including an analysis of the extent to which objectives have been fulfilled and an analysis of both successful and unsuccessful programs. Provides that the Commissioner analyze each State's report and furnish within three months of submission an analysis of the report and recommendations for improvement in the operation and administration of programs. Requires the Commissioner to conduct a comprehensive review of programs funded under this Act and to submit a report to the Committee on Education and Labor of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Labor and Public Welfare of the Senate no later than September 30, 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 18 February 1976
Truth in Government Accounting Act - Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to prepare and make public annual consolidated financial statements for all expenditures of the United States utilizing the accrual method of accounting.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1976
Amends the Education Amendments of 1972 to exempt Boys State, Boys Nation, Girls State, and Girls Nation conferences, from the sex discrimination provisions of such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1976
National Agricultural Research Policy Act - Declares that the purposes of this Act are to emphasize agricultural research as a distinct mission of the Department of Agriculture, to be certain such research is effectively coordinated, and to provide a mechanism for identifying the Nation's highest priority problems for agricultural research. Provides for an additional Assistant Secretary of Agriculture to be responsible for the agricultural research activities of the Department of Agriculture and to serve as co-chairman of the National Agricultural Research Policy Committee. Directs the Secretary to appoint a scientist to serve and report to such new Assistant Secretary and to act as Executive Secretary of such Committee. Establishes, within the Department of Agriculture, the National Agricultural Research Policy Committee. Specifies the membership of such Committee. States that the Committee's responsibilities shall include: (1) reviewing programs, policies and goals of agricultural research agencies; (2) providing a forum for research sponsoring agencies to exchange information on agricultural plans and programs; and (3) making recommendations to the Secretary of Agriculture regarding applications for funding of mission-oriented basic agricultural research. Requires such Committee to annually submit a report of its activities to specified committees of the Congress. Defines "mission-oriented basic agricultural research" as research on fundamental science topics with regard to which there is a basic need in existence for new knowledge that would be genrated by such research, has a strong potential for benefitting mankind and deals with more than an unproven concept. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to land grant colleges and universities eligible for assistance under the First and Second Morrill Acts and to State agricultural experiment stations eligible for assistance under the Hatch Act to carry out mission-oriented basic research. Allows the Secretary to make grants on a competitive basis to Federal agencies, research institutions, organizations and individuals for agricultural research, without regard to matching State funds. Authorizes appropriations of $50,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, $100,000,000 for fiscal year 1978 and $250,000,000 for fiscal year 1979. Declares it to be the sense of Congress that Federal funding for existing agricultural research programs be increased by $250,000,000 annually.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1976
Amends the Social Security Act to maintain the inpatient hospital deductible under the medicare program at the level which was applicable during calendar year 1975.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1976
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the people of Angola should be allowed to determine their own political future without foreign interference. Expresses support for efforts by the Organization of African Unity to achieve a settlement of the conflict in Angola. Calls upon all countries to terminate military assistance to any group in Angola. States that the President should do his utmost to seek an agreement among the various parties involved in hostilities or in the support of such hostilities in Angola to terminate such hostilities. Directs the President to refrain from providing assistance of any kind, for military activities in Angola, until specifically approved by Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1976
Amends the Supplemental Appropriations Act of 1974 to make individuals attending or teaching at vocational schools eligible to serve as congressional interns in the House of Representatives. Defines "vocational school" as a business or trade school in any State which admits only individuals who have completed or left elementary or secondary school, and is legally authorized to provide a program of postsecondary vocational or technical education.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1976
Expresses the sense of Congress that vocational education should be treated equally with other forms of education by the Congress, and executive agencies administering educational and Veterans' programs.
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 1975
Directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish an Outer Continental Shelf Research, Development, and Resource Assessment Project to be managed by the Secretary through such office or agency within the Interior Department as he shall designate. Provides for the coordination of Federal agencies in the conduct by them of parts or aspects of the project within their particular competence. Requires the Secretary, acting through his designee, to: (1) assess the oil and gas resources of the Outer Continental Shelf on a continuing basis; (2) conduct research and studies with the assistance and participation of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service into the environmental effects of developing Outer Continental Shelf minerals; and (3) conduct a research, development, and demonstration program concerning better methods, procedures, and technology for predicting the existence of oil and gas resources of the Outer Continental Shelf. Directs specified Federal agencies to conduct related programs for the development and protection of the Outer Continental Shelf.
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 1975
Extends appropriations authorized under the Library Services and Construction Act until September 30, 1981. Authorizes, for the purpose of making grants to States for library services, $100,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, $110,000,000 for fiscal year 1978, $130,000,000 for fiscal year ending 1979 and such sums as may be necessary for the fiscal years 1980, and 1981. Provides that for the purpose of making grants to States for public library construction there shall be authorized an appropriation of such sums as may be necessary for the period beginning July 1, ending September 30, 1976, and for fiscal years 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980 and 1981. 30, 1981. States that for the purpose of making grants to States to enable them to carry out interlibrary cooperation programs there shall be authorized an appropriation of such sums as may be necessary for the period beginning July 1, 1976, and ending September 30, 1976, $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1978, $20,000,000 for fiscal year 1979, and such sums as may be necessary for fiscal years 1980, and 1981. Authorizes, for the same time periods such appropriations as may be necessary to enable the States to carry out public library service programs for older persons. Provides that administrative costs in connection with any program or activity carried out by any State under this Act shall be matched by such State from funds other than Federal funds.
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 1975
Shelterbelt Act - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to carry out a continuous program to establish and preserve shelterbelts. Defines "shelterbelt" as a vegetative barrier with a linear configuration composed of perennial vegetation. Gives the Secretary authority to enter into agreements with landowners and operators having established shelterbelts whereby the Secretary shall make an annual payment to the landowner for the period of the agreement and shall bear a portion of the cost of establishing the shelterbelts. Provides that the landowners shall agree to place in the shelterbelt program all land subject to wind erosion and to maintain the shelterbelts.
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 1975
Requires the Secretary of Commerce to use sampling methods in taking agricultural censuses, except that he may substitute another method where he determines that sampling methods would be inappropriate. (Amends 13 U.S.C. 142(a))
United States · United States Congress · 15 December 1975
Encourages teachers, students, parents, and associates of our Nation's schools to participate and declare a day in the spring of 1976 as a Community Cleanup Day as a Bicentennial gift to our Nation. Calls upon the Govenors of these United States to designate a day in the spring of 1976 as Community Cleanup Day.
United States · United States Congress · 11 December 1975
Declares that the Congress has not delegated to the Federal Trade Commission any authority to preempt the laws of the States or their political subdivisions.
![Official portrait of Sen. Pressler, Larry [R-SD]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/p000513_200.jpg)