United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1977
Limousine Limitation Act - Prohibits the purchase, hiring, or operation by the Government of a motor vehicle of a type not generally available on the date of the enactment of this Act in motorpools of the Federal Government. Prohibits the employment of chauffeurs and the use of Government motor vehicles for transporting any Government official between his dwelling and his place of employment. Exempts from the provisions of this Act: (1) medical officers on outpatient medical service; (2) an employee engaged in fieldwork; (3) the Chief Justice of the United States; (4) the President and Vice President; and (5) specified officers of Congress. Prohibits the issuance of a Government motor vehicle for the exclusive use of any elected or appointed official of the United States not mentioned in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1977
Pilot Young Adult Conservation Corps Act - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to jointly extend the Youth Conservation Corps to provide year-round employment for 40,000 young adults.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1977
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to expand the coverage of the supplementary medical insurance program to include physician extender services.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1977
Extends up to three years the delimiting period of educational benefits paid by the Veterans' Administration to any veteran who was enrolled as a full-time student pursuing an approved course of education when his eligibility expired, or was enrolled as a part-time student receiving educational benefits, a loan or compensation under a program provided for in the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1977
National Academy of Peace and Conflict Resolution Commission Act - Establishes a Commission on Proposals for the National Academy of Peace and Conflict Resolution to study the establishment of such academy and alternative proposals which would assist the Federal Government in promoting peace. Directs the Commission to review the theory and techniques of conflict resolution and the institutions for conflict resolution in international relations, race relations, community relations, and family relations. Directs the Commission to report its findings to the President and the Congress within one year from the availability of appropriations. Authorizes the appropriation of $500,000 to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1977
Emergency Natural Gas Act - Authorizes the President to declare natural gas emergencies where severe natural gas shortages threaten the supply of natural gas for high-priority uses in areas of the United States. Authorizes the President to order transfers of supplies of interstate natural gas from one pipeline to another, or order the construction and operation of additional facilities to alleviate natural gas shortages. Stipulates that no such delivery or transportation may continue after April 30, 1977. Stipulates that such transfers as ordered by the President shall not subject the pipeline to regulation under the Natural Gas Act or other provisions of State or Federal law. Establishes procedures for enforcement orders and subpenas issued under this Act. Establishes criteria for compensation of pipelines for compliance with such orders. Exempts activities pursuant to this Act from the antitrust laws. Authorizes the President to require contracts for purchases of emergency supplies of natural gas before August 1, 1977. Stipulates that such transactions shall be exempt from Federal Power Commission regulation under the Natural Gas Act. Imposes civil and criminal penalties for violations of orders issued under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1977
Title I: Public Works Employment - Public Works Employment Act - Authorizes to be appropriated a sum not to exceed $2,000,000,000 for the purpose of making grants to States and local governments for local public works projects with respect to which unsuccessful applications for grants were made prior to December 23, 1976, under the Public Works Employment Act of 1976. Authorizes an additional sum not to exceed $2,000,000,000 for the purpose of making grants for local public works projects which are eligible for grants under title I of the Public Works Employment Act of 1976, including projects for which grant applications are pending, and for projects for the construction or improvement of health care or rehabilitation facilities owned and operated by private nonprofit entities. Limits the Federal share for any such project to 80 percent of its cost. Sets forth guidelines for making grants under this title, including the consideration of unemployment rates in grant allocation. Stipulates that up to two and one-half percent of funds appropriated under this title shall be available for projects requested by Indian Tribes of Alaska Native organizations. Title II: Youth Community Improvement Program- Youth Community Improvement Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce, under the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 to make grants and to enter into contracts with, any State, local government, Indian tribe, or Alaska Native organization to pay the cost of community improvement projects to be carried out by youths. Sets forth requirements for applications for assistance and for agreements evidencing grants or contracts under this title, including requirements relative to wages to be paid to participating youths, projects supervisory personnel, and job opportunities and skills development. Directs eligible applicants to establish or designate a local nonprofit organization to carry out activities funded under this title. Directs the Secretary to work with appropriate State education agencies to provide that academic credit be awarded for work experience gained through the youth community improvement program.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1977
Synthetic Fuels Act - Amends the Federal Nonnuclear Energy Research and Development Act of 1974 to authorize the Administrator of the Energy Research and Development Administration to guarantee loan obligations issued for the purposes of financing the construction and operation costs of commercial demonstration facilities for: (1) the conversion of coal and other resources into synthetic fuels; (2) the generation of energy from renewable sources; (3) the development of energy-efficient industrial equipment; and (4) geothermal resource development. Requires the concurrence of the Secretary of the Treasury with respect to the conditions of any such guarantee. Prescribes limits for the total amount of outstanding indebtedness subject to Federal guarantees. Details conditions under which the Administrator may guarantee an obligation. Establishes procedures for consultation with affected States, localities and Indian tribes. Prohibits the making of Federal commitments where the Governor of the affected State is opposed unless there is an overriding national interest favoring such Federal action. Specifies procedures in the event of a default of any guarantee under this Act. Authorizes the Administrator to make financial payments to affected States, localities, and Indian tribes for the financing of essential community development and planning resulting from the construction of any facilities assisted by this Act. Requires full reports to Congressional committees on proposed Federal actions under this Act. Directs the Administrator to submit a comprehensive plan for energy productions and conservation demonstration programs to the Congress. Establishes a separate fund in the Treasury to finance the programs authorized by this Act. Makes funds from the Geothermal Resources Development Fund available for loan guarantees for geothermal resource development and demonstration projects. Requires employees and officials in policy making positions within the Energy Research and Development Administration to file annual reports with the Administrator with respect to any financial interest in any property or business receiving financial assistance under this Act to which they may have knowledge. Imposes a fine of $2,500 and/or imprisonment of up to one year for violation of this Act by any employee or official of the Administration.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1977
Amends the Federal Nonnuclear Energy Research and Development Act of 1974 to authorize the Administrator of the Energy Research and Development Administration to utilize Federal loan guarantees as a method of furthering nonnuclear energy research, development, and demonstration.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1977
Natural Gas Emergency Act - Amends the Natural Gas Act to direct the Federal Power Commission to exempt from regulation sales and related activities involving transfers of natural gas to high-priority consumers where supplies are insufficient. Stipulates that such exemptions shall be granted for no more than 120 consecutive days and that such exempted transactions shall be pursuant to curtailment plans on file with the Commission. Stipulates that first sales of natural gas under the provisions of this Act shall not exceed the highest wellhead price during the period from November 1, 1975 through December 31, 1976 in the State in which such sale is made. Declares that sales of natural gas to high- priority consumers shall be a matter of State and local regulation. Authorizes the Commission to issue certificates of public convenience and necessity for the transportation of natural gas produced by independent producers directly to high-priority regions. Stipulates that this Act shall expire on April 4, 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1977
Bridge Replacement and Rehabilitation Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to make financial assistance available to States to rehabilitate unsafe highway bridges. Establishes the Federal share of a bridge replacement or rehabilitation project. Amends the Highway Safety Act of 1976 to authorize appropriations from the Highway Trust Fund for bridge replacement and rehabilitation projects.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1977
Declares it to be the sense of Congress that wasteful energy consumption in the United States must be eliminated. Requests the President to call for a National Energy Crusade and to designate an Energy Conservation Month. Requests the President to report to the Congress and to the nation on the status of energy conservation initiatives.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1977
Youth Community Improvement Act - Amends the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 to authorize the Secretary of Commerce to make grants to, and enter into contracts with, State and local governments, Indian tribes, and Alaska Native organizations to pay the costs of community improvement projects carried out by youths.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1977
Clean Air Amendments - Amends the Clean Air Act to stipulate that no State shall receive less than one-half of one percent of the total annual appropriation under the Act allocated to qualified State agencies. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, after consultation with other government officials, to publish guidelines for transportation planning programs. Requires States to submit plans for prevention of significant deterioration of air quality in clean air regions, subject to approval by the Administrator. Establishes guidelines for classification of such regions. Imposes limitations on projected increases in ambient concentrations of particulate matter and sulfur dioxide for each class of such regions. Requires that new sources constructed in such regions utilize the best available control technology and certify that emissions from such facility will not contribute to a cumulative change in ambient air quality greater than the appropriate limits. Directs the Administrator to recommend to the Congress strategies to prevent significant deterioration by controlling pollutants other than particulates and sulfur dioxide. Authorizes the Administrator to grant extensions of up to five years for the attainment of national primary ambient standards where transportation measures are required. Details requirements for the submission of any such extension application by the Governor of the affected State. Directs the Administrator to make grants to local officials in order to assist in the development of transportation control plans for the area. Authorizes decreases in levels of such assistance if localities fail to implement conditions imposed as a result of an extension granted the region by the Administrator. Requires that States develop a satisfactory process of consultation with local governments with respect to preparation of State clean air implementation plans. Authorizes the Administrator to promulgate design or equipment standards where necessary to control emissions of hazardous air pollutants. Authorizes State enforcement action against stationary sources found in violation of compliance schedules established pursuant to this Act. Authorizes extensions of compliance dates for major emitting facilities which submit plans for compliance through application of innovative techniques or technologies. Establishes procedures to allow major emitting facilities to convert to coal in order to conserve fuel and to allow additional time to comply with clean air requirements. Authorizes the Federal Energy Administrator to establish priorities among such facilities in order to insure that facilities in regions which do not meet primary standards are provided available emission control systems. Stipulates that compliance schedules established for such facilities shall be enforceable to the same extent as other compliance schedules established under the Act. Imposes a delayed compliance penalty on any major facility which for any reason not entirely beyond the control of the owner is not in compliance with an applicable emission limitation by January 1, 1979. Stipulates that such penalty shall be incorporated into the sources's compliance schedule and that it shall amount to a monthly payment in an amount no less than the monthly equivalent of the capital costs of compliance over a normal amortization period. Prohibits the construction or modification of major emitting facilities where such facility will prevent the attainment or maintenance of a national ambient air quality standard. Establishes an exception for construction or modification at existing sites, provided the proposed facility will utilize the best available control technology and will not, in combination with existing facilities at the site, prevent reasonable progress towards the achievement of ambient air quality standards. Establishes procedures for revision of State implementation plans where it is alleged that pollutants emitted in the United States endanger the health or welfare of persons in a foreign country. Abolishes the Air Quality Advisory Board originally established by the Act. Repeals energy-related authority previously vested in the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency as it relates to stationary sources. Directs the Administrator to contract for a National Academy of Sciences study of the nature and likelihood of potential effects on the public health and welfare from the release of halocarbons into the atmosphere. Requires further studies of the effects of halocarbons on the ozone in the stratosphere. Directs the Secretary of Labor, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the National Science Foundation, the Secretary of Agriculture, and the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to submit reports on studies of related matters. Directs the Administrator to consider such information and promulgate final regulations for the control of halocarbon discharges no later than April 1, 1978, subject to Congressional review. Imposes civil penalties of up to $10,000 per day for violation of such regulations. Revises motor vehicle emission standards under such Act to require heavy duty vehicles manufactured in model years 1979 and afterwards to utilize the best available control technology to reduce carbon monoxide, hydrocarbon, particulate, and nitrogen oxide emissions. Revises emission standards for light duty vehicles to extend for two years from model year 1977 to 1979 the compliance date for light-duty vehicles to achieve a 90 percent reduction of carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon emissions from 1970 levels. Revises the applicable nitrogen oxides standard to require model year 1980 light duty vehicles to achieve a standard of 1.0 gram per vehicle mile. Extends the 2.0 gram per mile interim standard through model year 1979. Requires that no less than ten percent of the vehicles produced by major manufacturers during model year 1979 comply with 1980 standards. Directs the Administrator to contract for a National Academy of Sciences study of the feasibility of establishing light-duty motor vehicle emission standards imposed by this Act. Stipulates that the costs of retrofit devices to enable existing light duty vehicles to meet emission standards shall be included in the original purchase price of the vehicle. Requires the manufacturer to furnish written instructions as to the proper maintenance and use of the vehicle in accordance with regulations promulgated by the Administrator. Authorizes regions which do not meet primary ambient standards for mobile source pollutants to adopt and enforce model year 1980 motor vehicle emission standards in model year 1979. Directs the Administrator to study and report on the effects of emissions of sulfur-bearing compounds from motor vehicles and aircraft engines. Directs the Administrator to establish emission standards for air pollutants from railroad locomotives. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to make inspections to insure compliance with such standards. Prohibits States and localities from adopting different standards. Awards costs and attorneys' fees to any private party who prevails against the United States or an officer of the United States in a judicial proceeding under the Act. Prohibits discrimination against employees who participate in any proceeding under the Act. Establishes a National Commission on Air Quality to study various air pollution control objectives and alternatives and report to the Congress. Authorizes the appropriation of $17,000,000 for such study. Authorizes the appropriation of the following amounts to carry out the general provisions of the Clean Air Act: $300,000,000 for fiscal year 1976; $75,000,000 for the transition period ending September 30, 1976, and $200,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1977 and 1978. Authorizes the appropriation of $75,000,000 for grants to assist in the development of regional transportation control plans. Directs the Federal Trade Commission to study the impact on competition of warranties required by the Act. Directs the Administrator to study the feasibility of a system of penalties for emissions of nitrogen oxides.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1977
National Gas and Petroleum Conservation and Coal Utilization Act - Amends the Energy Supply and Environmental Coordination Act of 1974 to extend the authority of the Federal Energy Administrator to issue coal conversion orders under such Act until September 30, 1980. Directs the Federal Energy Administrator to prohibit coal-burning installations from thereafter burning natural gas as a primary energy source. Requires the issuance of a permit for coal-burning installations to switch to oil as a primary energy source. Directs the Administrator to require disclosure of information relating to domestic coal reserves. Requires that new facilities be capable of utilizing coal or a fuel source other than oil or natural gas. Establishes procedures for extensions of compliance dates and exemptions for facilities otherwise subject to the requirements of this Act. Requires consideration of environmental control requirements where appropriate. Establishes procedures to allow for just compensation for disruption of energy supply contracts caused by operation of the provisions of this Act. Imposes civil and criminal penalties for violations of the provisions of this Act. Specifies the amount of civil penalties based on amounts of oil and natural gas used in excess of the maximum allowable amount. Authorizes exemptions from compliance with this Act where necessary to protect public health, safety, or welfare during emergencies. Authorizes exemptions for Federal facilities where the President determines such exemption to be in the paramount interest of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1977
Natural Gas Emergency and Conservation Act - Amends the Natural Gas Act to direct the Federal Power Commission to temporarily exempt from regulation sales and deliveries of natural gas where necessary to meet the requirements of high-priority consumers subject to a curtailment plan on file with the commission. Stipulates that such exemptions shall be for periods of no more than 180 consecutive days. Amends the Energy Supply and Environmental Coordination Act of 1974 to authorize the Federal Energy Administrator to prohibit powerplants or major fuel-burning installations from using natural gas where adequate alternatives exist. Stipulates that such orders shall not become effective until the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency has certified that such plants will comply with the Clean Air Act. Stipulates that authority to issue such orders shall terminate on September 30, 1980. Directs the Federal Energy Administrator in conjunction with the Federal Power Commission, to submit to Congress a national plan to prohibit or discourage use of natural gas to the maximum extent possible. Establishes the objective of eliminating all nonessential uses of natural gas by January 1, 1985. Requires that such plan include a study of the effects of a prohibition of boiler fuel use of natural gas. Stipulates that the authority of the President to allocate propane and butane under the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act of 1973 shall remain in effect until April 4, 1978. Stipulates that emergency purchases of natural gas supplies by curtailed high priority consumers of natural gas shall be exempt from regulation under the Natural Gas Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1977
Natural Gas Act Amendments - Amends the Natural Gas Act to terminate Federal Power Commission authority to regulate sales of new natural gas in interstate commerce. Stipulates that emergency sales of natural gas to curtailed customers who qualify as essential users shall not affect such exempt status. Stipulates that contractual provisions prohibiting sales to such customers shall be suspended and unenforceable for the duration of such emergency sale. Stipulates that prices for offshore sales of new natural gas shall not exceed the ceiling price for sales of new natural gas produced from offshore Federal lands. Stipulates that prices paid for natural gas in transactions between a natural gas company and its affiliates shall not exceed prices paid in comparable sales by persons not affiliated with any natural gas company. Directs the Federal Power Commission to conduct studies and make reports regarding the nature and availability of natural gas reserves. Requires that the Commission keep current information available relating to the estimated natural gas reserves for individual fields. Establishes procedures for the establishment of ceiling prices for new natural gas produced from offshore Federal lands through December 31, 1982. Authorizes the Commission to grant exemptions to price ceilings within high-cost production areas. Establishes procedures for adjustments to price ceilings established pursuant to this Act. Directs the Commission to prohibit the curtailment of adequate supplies of natural gas for essential agricultural purposes. Directs the Commission to prohibit the use of natural gas as boiler fuel where adequate alternatives are available. Authorizes exemptions from such prohibition where necessary to comply with pollution control or environmental protection and safety standards. Stipulates that the provisions of the Natural Gas Act shall extend to synthetic natural gas.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1977
Elderly and Handicapped Persons Transportation Act - Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to authorize reduced air fares on a space-available basis for persons 60 years of age or older and for handicapped individuals and their attendants. Directs the Civil Aeronautics Board to conduct a study and to report to the Congress on the feasibility and economic impact on air carriers of providing such reduced rate transportation for persons 21 years of age or younger.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1977
Coal Substitution Incentive Act - Amends the Energy Supply and Environmental Coordination Act of 1974 to authorize the Administrator of the Federal Energy Administration to make and guarantee loans to assist industries in the purchase and installation of air pollution control devices for coal-fired boilers and heating devices. Limits the aggregate amount of outstanding loan guarantees to $5,000,000,000. Limits the aggregate amount of outstanding loans to $1,000,000,000. Establishes additional criteria and limitations on the making of such loans and guarantees. Stipulates that no such commitments shall be made after January 1, 1985. Authorizes the appropriation of $200,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1978 through 1982 for the purposes of this Act. Stipulates that priority consideration shall be given to requests for assistance by facilities in receipt of coal conversion orders issued by the Administrator under the Energy Supply and Environmental Coordination Act of 1974.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1977
Clean Air Act Amendments - Amends the Clean Air Act to authorize the appropriation of $200,000,000 per year for fiscal year 1977, 1978, and 1979 to carry out the general provisions of the Act. Authorizes the appropriation of $129,223,500 for fiscal year 1977 for research, development, and demonstration. Authorizes the appropriation of $75,000,000 for fiscal years 1977 through 1979 for development of State transportation control plans. Title I: Amendments Primarily Relating to Title I of the Clean Air Act - Amends the Clean Air Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to provide training assistance to qualified personnel in State air pollution control agencies. Revises criteria for allocation of Federal assistance for State air pollution planning and control programs. Directs the States to classify air quality control regions, subject to modifications by the Administrator, for the purpose of transportation control planning and prevention of significant air quality deterioration. Directs the Administrator to issue information on costs, benefits, and energy requirements with respect to the establishment of air quality criteria under the Act. Directs the Administrator to publish information and guidelines on procedures and methods of transportation controls designed to reduce air pollution from mobile sources. Requires a thorough review of air quality criteria and standards by an independent scientific review committee at five-year intervals. Revises criteria for establishment of new source performance standards to require consideration of non-air quality environmental factors and energy requirements in establishing such standards. Authorizes use of alternative technological systems to achieve new source standards. Directs the Administrator to consider development of new source standards for additional categories of major stationary sources. Directs the Administrator to include additional new source standards upon application by State Governors. Authorizes the Administrator to waive new source performance standards to encourage use of technological innovations. Authorizes the Administrator to promulgate design or equipment standards, where appropriate, to control emissions of hazardous air pollutants. Authorizes States to extend compliance dates, in accordance with specified criteria, for stationary sources to January 1, 1979. Requires that major emitting sources be subject to a delayed compliance penalty in connection with the granting of such extensions. Revises provisions for assessment of civil and criminal penalties in connection with violations of implementation plan requirements and orders issued pursuant thereto. Establishes procedures for abatement of air pollution in foreign countries caused by pollutants emitted in the United States. Abolishes the Air Quality Advisory Board originally established by the Act. Repeals energy-related authority previously vested in the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency as it relates to stationary sources. Establishes procedures to allow major emitting facilities to convert to coal in order to conserve fuel and to allow additional time to comply with clean air requirements. Stipulates that Federal facilities shall not be immune or exempt from legal processes to enforce air pollution control requirements. Establishes procedures to authorize the use of supplemental controls for primary nonferrous smelters, upon application by owners or operators of such smelters, where it is demonstrated that control technology for such smelters is not adequately demonstrated to be reasonably available, considering costs, non-air quality environmental impacts, and energy requirements and where continued emissions will not violate national primary or secondary air quality standards. Stipulates that compliance schedules issued under such procedures shall not result in a postponement of applicable emission requirements beyond January 1, 1988. Directs the Administrator to review all relevant information concerning emissions of vinyl chloride, cadmium, arsenic, and polycyclic organic matter with a view to possible designation of such substances as criteria pollutants or as hazardous air pollutants. Directs the Administrator to issue criteria with a view to establishing a national ambient air quality standard for emissions of nitrogen dioxide over a period of not more than one hour. Directs the Administrator to study the effects of these substances, along with sulfates and other derivatives of nitrogen oxides. Prohibits the construction or modification of major emitting facilities which would result in violations of air quality standards unless specified requirements are met. Requires that such new or modified facilities utilize the best available control technology as defined by this Act and that such facilities comply with applicable emission limitations by January 1, 1979. Directs the Administrator to conduct an independent study, through the National Academy of Sciences, to review the necessity of indirect source review programs contained in State implementation plans. Imposes limitations on the use of indirect source controls unless necessary to meet national primary ambient air quality standards for mobile source-related pollutants. Defines the term "indirect source" to include various facilities which may attract mobile pollution sources. Directs the Administrator to establish procedures for abating interstate air pollution. Directs the Administrator to contract for a National Academy of Sciences study of the nature and likelihood of potential effects on the public health and welfare from the release of substances into the stratosphere. Directs the Secretary of Labor, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the National Science Foundation, the Secretary of Agriculture, and the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to submit reports on studies of related matters. Directs the Administrator to consider such information and promulgate final regulations no later than April 1, 1978, subject to Congressional review. Imposes civil penalties of up to $10,000 per day for violation of such regulations. Requires States to submit plans for prevention of significant deterioration of air quality in clean air regions, subject to approval by the Administrator. Establishes guidelines for classification of such regions. Imposes limitations on projected increases in ambient concentrations of particulate matter and sulfur dioxide for each class of such regions. Requires that newly constructed major emitting facilities in such regions utilize the best available control technology and certify that emissions from such facility will not contribute to a cumulative change in ambient air quality greater than the appropriate limits. Directs the Administrator to recommend to the Congress strategies to prevent significant deterioration by controlling pollutants other than particulates and sulfur dioxide. Directs the Administrator to convene a conference on air quality modeling within six months after the enactment of this Act and every three years thereafter. Directs the Administrator to publish guidelines and reports with respect to prevention of significant deterioration and control of photochemical oxidants on a regional or multistate basis. Authorizes the Administrator to grant extensions of up to five years for the attainment of national primary ambient standards where transportation measures are required. Details requirements for the submission of any such extension application by the Governor of the affected State. Directs the Administrator to make grants to local officials in order to assist in the development of transportation control plans for the area. Authorizes decreases in levels of such assistance if localities fail to implement conditions imposed as a result of an extension granted the region by the Administrator. Title II: Amendments Primarily Relating to Title II of the Clean Air Act - Revises emission standards for light duty motor vehicles to extend for two years from model year 1977 to 1979 the compliance date for light-duty vehicles to achieve a 90 percent reduction of carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon emissions from 1970 levels. Revises the applicable nitrogen oxides standard to require model year 1981 light duty vehicles to achieve a standard of 1.0 gram per vehicle mile. Extends the 2.0 gram per mile interim standard through model year 1980. Directs the Administrator to require submission of research and development plans by major automobile manufacturers designed to achieve such goals. Revises motor vehicle emission standards to require heavy duty vehicles manufactured in model years 1979 and afterwards to utilize the best available control technology to reduce carbon monoxide, hydrocarbon, particulate, and nitrogen oxide emissions. Establishes model year 1983 emission standards for heavy-duty vehicles which require a 75 percent reduction in nitrogen oxides emissions and a 90 percent reduction in carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon emissions from such vehicles. Authorizes the Administrator to issue revised emission standards following public hearings and submission of a report to Congress. Directs the Administrator to study the possibility of increased use of cost-effectiveness analyses in order to achieve the purposes of this Act. Directs the Administrator to study the health effects of particulate emissions from motor vehicles. Directs the Federal Trade Commission to study the impact on competition of various warranties imposed by the Act with respect to motor vehicle emission control systems. Directs the Administrator to study the health effects of emissions of sulfur compounds from motor vehicles and aircraft. Requires that State implementation plans provide for annual inspection and maintenance of light-duty vehicles in regions where transportation control measures are refined. Directs the Administrator to establish emission standards for air pollutants from railroad locomotives. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to make inspections to insure compliance with such standards. Prohibits States and localities from adopting different standards. Title III: Amendments Primarily Relating to Title III of the Clean Air Act - Stipulates that the degree of emission limitation required under applicable State clean air implementation plans shall not be affected by stack height or any other dispersion technique. Authorizes courts to award costs of litigation, including reasonable attorney and witness fees, in judicial proceedings where review of action of the Administrator is sought. Prohibits discrimination against employees who participate in any proceeding under the Act. Establishes procedures for allocation of cost of emission control for vapor recovery with respect to mobile source fuels. Directs the Federal Trade Commission to study the effects of such requirements on independent small business marketers of gasoline. Authorizes the Administrator to exempt small, independent firms from such requirements. Directs the Administrator, in cooperation with the National Academy of Sciences, to study the hazards presented by emissions of fine particulate matter. Requires disclosure of known financial interests which might conflict with administration of the Act by employees of the Environmental Protection Agency. Directs the Administrator to prepare economic impact assessments for regulations proposed under this Act. Establishes a National Commission on Air Quality to study various air pollution control objectives and alternatives and report to the Congress. Authorizes the appropriation of $18,000,000 for such study. Directs the Administrator to study the problem of carbon monoxide intrusion into buses and sustained-use motor vehicles. Title IV: Miscellaneous Amendments - Redefines the basis of administrative standards under the Act to direct the Administrator to act where emissions cause or contribute to air pollution which may reasonably be anticipated to endanger the public health or welfare. Stipulates that rules or regulations prescribed by the Administrator under the Clean Air Act shall be subject to Congressional review. Directs the Administrator to transmit a comprehensive five-year plan of environmental research, development, and demonstration to the Congress, to be updated on an annual basis.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1977
Natural Gas Conservation ACt - Amends the Energy Supply and Environmental Coordination Act of 1974 to authorize the Federal Energy Administrator to prohibit powerplants or major fuel-burning installations from using natural gas where adequate alternatives exist. Requires that such orders not take effect unless the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency has certified that such plants will comply with the Clean Air Act. Directs the Federal Energy Administrator, in conjunction with the Federal Power Commission, to submit to Congress a National plan to prohibit or discourage use of natural gas to the maximum extent possible. Establishes the objective of eliminating all nonessential uses of natural gas by January 1, 1985. Requires that such plan include a study of the effects of a prohibition of boiler fuel use of natural gas.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1977
Deems service as a member of the Women's Air Force Service Pilots as active duty for the purposes of all laws administered by the Veterans' Administration.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1977
Directs the President to call a National Leadership Conference on Energy Policy during 1977. Declares that the purpose of the Conference shall be to develop specific proposals to increase supplies of energy with minimum impact on the environment while decreasing energy demand without harming America's economic recovery. Stipulates that representatives of various groups shall be included in the Conference. Establishes procedures for preparations for the Conference, including the appointment of a 15-member committee by the President.
United States · United States Congress · 12 January 1977
Residential Insulation Credit Act - Allows a refundable credit against the individual income tax for 30 percent of the taxpayer's expenditures as do not exceed $750 for the installation of qualified insulation in his residence. Limits application of this credit to improvements made after this Act's enactment, in dwellings in existence on January 1, 1977. Defines qualified insulation as any device designed primarily to reduce building heat loss or gain which meets various performance criteria prescribed by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, has a useful life of at least three years, and is originally used by the taxpayer. Reduces the $750 limitation on the expenditures which may be taken into account for this credit by subtracting amounts taken into account by the taxpayer in previous tax years. Prorates the allowable credit among joint owners and tenant stockholders according to their proportionate interests in the buildings in which they dwell. Prohibits increasing the basis of any building for expenditures for which this credit is taken.
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 1977
Medicare-Medicaid Anti-Fraud and Abuse Amendments - Amends Titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require that Medicare and Medicaid payments be made directly to the physician or other person providing the service involved. Allows payment in accordance with an assignment from the person or institution providing care or service if such assignment is made to a governmental agency or entity or is established by the order of a court of competent jurisdiction or to an agent of such person or institution if the agency does so pursuant to an agency agreement under which the compensation to be paid to the agency for his services or in connection with the billing or collection of payments due such person or institution under the plan is unrelated to the amount of such payments or the billings thereof, and is not dependent upon the actual collection of any such payment. States that the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare shall by regulation (or by contract provision) provide that any entity (other than a public agency) which is a provider or supplier that furnishes or arranges for the furnishing of items or services with respect to which payment is claimed under Title XVIII, Title V (Maternal and Child Welfare), or under Title XIX of the Social Security Act to a party to an agreement with the Secretary under such titles shall promptly comply with any request, specifically addressed to that entity by the Secretary or the Comptroller General of the United States, for information concerning ownership, control, or costs of such entities. Increases the maximum penalty for defrauding the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Authorizes the Comptroller General of the United States to sign and issue subpoenas for the purpose of any audit, investigation, examination, analysis, review, evaluation, or other function authorized by law with respect to any program authorized under this Act. Requires the Secretary to suspend any physician or practitioner from participation in the Medicare or Medicaid programs whenever such individual is convicted of a criminal offense related to their involvement in such programs. Conditions participation in or certification or recertification under the programs established by titles XVIII, XIX, and XX (Grants to States for Services) upon disclosure of the name of any person who: (1) has a direct or indirect ownership or control interest of five percent or more in such provider, institution, organization, or agency; and (2) has been convicted of a criminal offense related to the involvement of such person in any of such programs. Prohibits expenditure under the Medicaid plan to the extent that any agency, organization, or other person (other than a member of the individual's family) would have been obligated by a State law or contract to provide such care or services but for a provision of the State law or contract which limits or excludes such obligation because the individual is eligible for or receives care or services under the plan.
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 1977
Opportunities Industrialization Centers Skills Training and National Community Based Organizations Job Creation and Employment Act - Directs the Secretary of Labor to: (1) contact Opportunities Industrialization Centers, Incorporated, for the provision of skills training to certain types of unemployed persons through such centers; and (2) contact other national community based organizations, such as the Urban League and union-related organizations, for the provision of comprehensive employment services, including counseling, job creation and development, remedial education, and followup. Directs the head of each agency having administrative authority with respect to specified Federal grant and construction programs to take steps to assure that special consideration be given national community based organizations in providing employment services and job opportunities for unemployed persons pursuant to such authority.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1977
Electric Utility Rate Reform and Regulatory Improvement Act - Title I: General Provisions - Declares it the purpose of this Act to reform inequities in the structure of electric utility rates. Title II: Utility Rate Reform - Limits the applicability of this title to sales of electric energy for purposes other than resale by an electric utility, where sales by such utility for purposes other than resale exceed 200 million kilowatt-hours during the second preceding calendar year. Imposes national minimum standards on utility rate structures, to be enforced by State regulatory authorities. Prohibits rate structures which allow lower rates for increased consumption without a showing that such lower rates actually reflect decreased costs. Authorizes State regulatory agencies to eliminate price differentials for residential users of subsistence quantities of electricity. Requires that information regarding utility rate schedules be provided to electric consumers by utilities. Stipulates that promotional and advertising costs, with exceptions, may not be treated by a utility as an operating expense for purposes of rate determination. Requires evidentiary hearings by regulatory authorities on proposed rate increases. Restricts the use of automatic fuel adjustment clauses by requiring an annual review of the use of such clauses by electric utilities. Authorizes State regulatory authorities to prescribe variances upon application by electric consumers or utilities suffering undue hardship due to the requirements of this title. Authorizes State authorities to prescribe loan management techniques to reduce maximum kilowatt demand on electric utilities. Establishes procedures to be followed by States authorities in prescribing methods for determining costs of services to electric consumers. Requires electric utilities to furnish specified information in accordance with procedures to be established by the Federal Power Commission. Establishes an Electric Utility Ratemaking Assistance Office in the Federal Energy Administration to provide information and assistance with respect to ratemaking policies and procedures established by this Act. Establishes procedures governing participation in regulatory proceedings by State agencies and electric consumers. Establishes procedures for initiation of civil actions and judicial review where provisions of this title are involved. Title III: Financial Assistance to State Regulatory Authorities - Authorizes the Electric Utility Ratemaking Assistance Office (established by Title II of this Act) to make grants to State regulatory authorities for the following purposes: (1) to increase the quantity and quality of State regulatory staff; (2) to establish programs to meet Federal consumer representation requirements; and (3) to demonstrate innovative rate structures. Prescribes criteria for the allotment of funds to the States. Authorizes the appropriation of $30,000,000 in any fiscal year for grants to improve staffing. Authorizes the appropriation of $5,000,000 for grants for consumer representation, and $5,000,000 for grants for rate structure innovation.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1977
Federal Oil Pollution Liability and Compensation Act - Prohibits the discharge of oil in harmful quantities (as determined by the President under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act), and assesses a civil fine of up to $10,000 against the owner, operator, or licensee of the discharging vessel or facility. Prescribes criminal penalties for the failure of persons in charge of a vessel to notify the appropriate agency of the United States Government of such discharge. Directs the President to act to remove discharged oil unless he determines that such removal will be done properly and expeditiously by the owner or operator of the vessel, onshore or offshore facility, or deepwater port, from which the discharge occurs. Stipulates that all costs, including administrative, incurred by the President, Secretary, or any other person, of cleanup and other actions to minimize damages resulting from a discharge shall be borne by the owner and operator or licensee of the operation from which the discharge occurred up to $150 per gross ton of the responsible vessel. Imposes strict liability on owners and operators of vessels at onshore and offshore facilities and deepwater ports, for damages caused by oil spills, unless it can be shown that such discharge was caused by an act of war. Limits the liability of owners or operators of onshore and offshore facilities and licenses of deepwater ports to the following amounts: (1) $50,000,000, in the case of an onshore facility; (2) $50,000,000, in the case of an offshore facility; and (3) $100,000,000, in the case of a deepwater port. Establishes in the Department of Transportation an agency to be known as the Federal Oil Pollution Liability and Compensation Administration to establish and maintain the Federal Oil Pollution Compensation Fund and to act as trustee of the natural resources of the marine environment. Authorizes disbursement of monies from the Fund for payment of damage not actually compensated under this Act, cleanup costs, and research into methods to prevent, contain, and remove discharges. Stipulates monies shall be deposited into the Fund through the levy and collection by the Administration of a 5-cent-per-barrel fee imposed on the owner of oil when the oil is transferred between: (1) a vessel and an onshore or offshore facility; (2) offshore or onshore facilities; or (3) a vessel and a deepwater port. Requires each owner or operator of a vessel or an onshore or offshore facility and each licensee to establish and maintain under rules and regulations prescribed by the Administrator, evidence of financial responsibility based on the tonnage of the vessel, the capacity of the facility or deepwater port, and other relevant factors. Directs the Administrator to prescribe and from time to time to revise regulations for the filing, processing, settlement, and adjudication of claims for cleanup costs and damages resulting from the discharge of oil. Sets forth procedures for public access to information concerning any communication, document, report, or information transmitted between any official of the Federal Government and any person concerning liability and compensation for damage resulting from the discharge of oil. Authorizes the appropriation of the following sums for the administration of this Act: $2,500,000 for fiscal year 1977; $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1978; and $5,000,000 per year for fiscal years 1979 and 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1977
Amends Title XI (General Provisions) of the Social Security Act to require that psychologists be included in any Professional Standards Review Organization appointed under such title.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1977
Energy Conservation Incentives Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a limited income tax credit for insulation installation and heating improvements in the taxpayer's principal residence.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1977
Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to authorize the appropriation of $350,000,000 per fiscal year for fiscal years 1976, 1977, and 1978, to carry out the general purposes of the Act. Authorizes the appropriation of $148,800,000 per fiscal year for fiscal years 1977 and 1978 for specified research, development, and demonstration programs. Authorizes the appropriation of $75,000,000 per fiscal year for fiscal years 1976, 1977, and 1978, for grants to State and interstate programs. Authorizes the appropriation of $25,000,000 per fiscal year for fiscal years 1976, 1977, and 1978, for educational and training programs under the Act. Authorizes the appropriation of up to $5,000,000,000 per fiscal year for fiscal years 1977 and 1978 for grants to States and localities for waste treatment facilities. Specifies a formula for allotment of such funds to States. Revises procedures for allocation of grants for areawide waste treatment management programs. Authorizes the appropriation of $150,000,000 per fiscal year for fiscal years 1977 and 1978 for such grants. Authorizes the appropriation of $150,000,000 per fiscal year for fiscal years 1976, 1977, and 1978, for grants to States for clean lakes programs as authorized by the Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1977
Constitutional Amendment - Provides that the people of the several States, and the District of Columbia, shall elect the President and Vice President. Requires each elector to cast a single vote for two persons who shall have consented to the joining of their names as candidates for the offices of President and Vice President. Requires the electors of President and Vice President in each State to have the qualifications requisite for electors of the most numerous branch of the State legislature, except that for electors of President and Vice President, the legislature of any State may prescribe less restrictive residence qualifications and for electors of President and Vice President the Congress may establish uniform residence qualifications. Provides that the pair of persons having the greatest number of votes for President and Vice President shall be elected, if such number be at least 40 percent of the whole number of votes cast for such offices. Provides that if no pair of persons has such number, a runoff election shall be held in which the choice of President and Vice President shall be made from the two pairs of persons who received the highest numbers of votes. Requires the days for such elections to be determined by Congress and to be uniform throughout the United States. Requires Congress to prescribe by law the time, place, and manner in which the results for such elections shall be ascertained and declared. Allows Congress to provide for the case of the death, inability, or withdrawal of any candidate for President or Vice President before a President and Vice President have been elected, and for the case of the death of both the President-elect and Vice President-elect.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1977
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to authorize payment for specified services performed by chiropractors, including x-rays and physical examinations, and related routine laboratory tests.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1977
Octane Disclosure Act - Requires disclosure to prospective purchasers of gasoline sold or shipped in interstate commerce of specified information which relates to the octane rating of such gasoline. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to inspect retail establishments to the extent necessary to enforce such disclosure requirements. Sets civil penalties for the violation of such disclosure requirements. Amends the Federal Trade Commission Act by making it unlawful for automobile manufacturers to fail to provide written information relating to the octane levels of gasoline appropriate for use in the engines of each automobile sold or shipped in interstate commerce. Authorizes the Federal Trade Commission to develop standard methods for calculating octane ratings and for testing and assuring the purity and content of gasoline. Amends the Federal Trade Commission Act by requiring the Commission to publish information correlating octane ratings of gasoline sold to purchasers with octane ratings contained in literature furnished by automobile manufacturers.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1977
Continuing Education in Science and Engineering Act - Authorizes the National Science Foundation to initiate a program of continuing education for individuals with scientific and engineering training who (1) have been engaged in their careers for at least three years; or (2) have had their careers interrupted for at least three years. Requires such program to be designed to provide such persons: (1) with new knowledge and abilities in their special fields; or (2) with knowledge and abilities in other fields enabling them to make a more valuable contribution to the nation. Directs such program to include but not be limited to: (1) the development of special curriculums and education techniques; and (2) the awarding of fellowships to enable persons with scientific and technical training to pursue continued education. Establishes guidelines for the allocation of fellowships. Authorizes the Foundation to contract for the development of courses and curriculums specially designed for its continuing education program.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1977
Health Security Act - Title I: Health Security Benefits - Makes every resident of the U.S. (and every non-resident citizen when in the U.S.) eligible for covered services. Permits reciprocal and "buy-in" agreements for groups or non- resident aliens, and in some cases benefits to U.S. residents when visiting in other countries. Entitles every eligible person to have payments made by the Health Security Board for covered services provided within the United States by a participating provider. Extends coverage to all necessary professional services of physicians, wherever furnished. Extends coverage to: (1) comprehensive dental services (exclusive of most orthodontic services) for children under age 15, with the covered age group increasing by two years each year until all those under age 25 are covered; (2) inpatient and outpatient hospital services and services of a home health agency; and (3) pathology and radiology services as parts of institutional services. Limits payment for skilled nursing home care. Limits the psychiatric hospital benefit to 45 consecutive days of active treatment during a spell of illness. Extends coverage to two categories of drug use: prescribed medicines administered to inpatients or outpatients within participating hospitals or to enrollees of comprehensive health service organizations; and drugs necessary for the treatment of specified chronic illnesses or conditions requiring long or expensive therapy. Requires the Board and the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish two lists of approved drugs, taking into account the safety, efficacy and cost of each drug. Lists approved medicines available for use in institutions and by comprehensive health service organizations and those available for use outside such organized settings. Declares that the appliances benefit is similar in concept and operation to the drug benefit, subject to a limitation on aggregate cost. Extends coverage to professional services of optometrists and podiatrists, subject to regulations, and diagnostic or therapeutic services furnished by independent pathology laboratories and radiology services. Excludes from coverage: (1) health services furnished or paid for under a workmen's compensation law; and (2) services of a professional practitioner if they are furnished in a hospital which is not a participating provider. Requires that participating providers meet standards established in this title or by the Board. Allows eligible professional practitioners to practice in the State where they are licensed and requires that all newly licensed applicants for participation meet national standards established by the Board in addition to existing State standards. Establishes conditions of participation for general hospitals. Makes psychiatric hospitals eligible to participate only if the Board finds that the hospital is engaged in furnishing active diagnostic, therapeutic and rehabilitative services to mentally ill patients. Establishes conditions of participation for skilled nursing homes similar to those established for extended care facilities under Medicare. Makes provisions for the participation of home health service agencies. Allows the following to participate as providers of health services under this Act: (1) a health maintenance organization which undertakes to provide an enrolled population either with complete health care or, at least, with complete health security services (other than institutional services, mental health or dental services) for the maintenance of health and the care of ambulatory patients; (2) a foundation sponsored by a county or other local medical society; and (3) community health centers or the like which, though furnishing services as comprehensive as are required by this Act, do not serve an enrolled or otherwise predetermined population and may not meet other requirements of this Act. Permits the Board to contract directly with public or other nonprofit mental health centers and mental health day care services. Specifies the conditions under which independent pathology laboratories, independent radiological services, and providers of drugs, devices, appliances, equipment, or ambulance services may qualify as providers under the Health Security Program. Requires that a participating skilled nursing home have in effect an agreement with at least one participating hospital for the transfer of patients and medical and other information as medically appropriate. Prohibits in malpractice judgments any damages to be awarded to the injured party for the cost of medical services which he is entitled to receive under this Act. Excludes the institutions of the Department of Defense and the Veterans' Administration, and institutions of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare serving merchant seamen or Indians or Alaskan natives, from serving as participating providers, as well as any employee of these institutions when acting as an employee. Allows reimbursement for any services furnished by such institutions or agencies to eligible persons who are not a part of their normal clientele. Permits a physician, dentist, optometrist, or podiatrist, licensed in one State and meeting the national standards, to furnish Health Security benefits in any other State. Grants similar authority to other health professional and nonprofessional personnel. Establishes the Health Security Trust Fund, to receive the net assets of existing (Medicare) funds taken over by the Health Security program, the yield of the Health Security taxes, and the Government's contribution from general revenues amounting to 100 percent of the yield from these taxes. Directs that three separate accounts be established in the Health Security Trust Fund: a Health Service Account, a Health Resources Development Account, and an Administration Account. Allocates the Health Services account among the regions of the country. Stipulates that the allocation to each region shall be based on the aggregate sum expended during the most recent 12-month period for covered services (with appropriate modification for estimated changes in the consumer price index, the expected number of eligible beneficiaries, and estimated changes in the number of participating providers). Directs the Board to divide the allocation to each region into funds available to pay: institutional services; physician services; dental services; furnishing of drugs; furnishing of devices, appliances, equipment; and miscellaneous services. Stipulates that payments for covered services provided to eligible persons by participating providers shall be made from the Health Service Account in the Trust Fund. Authorizes the Board to experiment with other methods of reimbursement so long as the experimental method does not increase the cost of service or lead to overutilization or underutilization of services. Stipulates that skilled nursing homes and home health agencies shall be paid in the same manner as a general hospital (on an approved annual budget basis). Stipulates that a health organization shall be paid for covered services, on the basis of a fixed capitation rate multiplied by the number of eligible enrollees. Authorizes special improvement grants: (1) to any public or other nonprofit health agency or institution to establish improved coordination and linkages with other providers of services; and (2) to organizations providing comprehensive ambulatory care, to improve their utilization review, budget, statistical, or records and information retrieval systems, to acquire equipment needed for those purposes, or to acquire equipment useful for mass screening or for other diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. Sets forth the responsibilities and duties of the Secretary of HEW and the Board with regard to this title. Creates an administrative structure within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare with exclusive responsibility for the administration of the Health Security program. Establishes a five-member, full-time Health Security Board serving under the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. Requires that the members be appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, for five-year overlapping terms. Establishes a National Health Security Advisory Council, with the Chairman of the Board serving as the Council's Chairman and 20 additional members not in the employ of the Federal Government. Authorizes the Advisory Council to appoint professional or technical committees to assist in its functions. Directs the Advisory Council to advise the Board on matters of general policy in the administration of the program, the formulation of regulations and the allocation of funds for services. Charges the Board with responsibility for informing the public and providers about the administration and operation of the Health Security program. Requires the Board to make a continuing study and evaluation of the program, including adequacy, quality and costs of services. Authorizes the Board to make detailed statistical and other studies on a national, regional, or local basis of any aspect of the title; to develop and test incentive systems for improving quality of care, methods of peer review of drug utilization and of other service performances; to develop and test systems of information retrieval, budget programs, instrumentation for multiphasic screening or patient services, and reimbursement systems for drugs; and to make such other studies which it considers would improve the quality of services and the administration of the program. Grants authority to the Board, in accordance with regulations, to make determinations of who are participating providers of services, determinations of eligibility, of whether services are covered, and the amount to be paid to providers. Allows a provider of services who is dissatisfied with a final Board determination to obtain a hearing before a Board panel, and judicial review of a final decision. Authorizes the Board, with the advice and assistance of the Commission on the Quality of Health Care, to issue and review regulations assuring the quality of care furnished under this Act. Requires continuing professional education by physicians, dentists, optometrists, and podiatrists. Authorizes the appointment of a Deputy Secretary of HEW and an Under Secretary for Health and Science. Stipulates that no provision of this Act shall alter any contractual obligation of an employer to provide health services to his employees and their dependents. Title II: Health Security Taxes - Converts the existing Medicare hospital insurance payroll taxes into Health Security taxes, and raises the rates to one percent on employees and 3.5 percent on employers. Excludes from the gross income of employees, for income tax purposes, payment by their employers of part or all of the Health Security taxes on the employees. Converts the existing Medicare self-employment tax into a Health Security self-employment tax, raising the rate to 2.5 percent. Adds a new one percent Health Security tax on earned income (unless such income is less than $400 a year), subject to the same maximum on taxable income as is applicable to the employee and self-employment taxes. Title III: Commission on the Quality of Health Care - Establishes in the Department of HEW a Commission on the Quality of Health Care, with the primary responsibility of: (1) initiating and continuing development of methods of assessing the quality of health care furnished under the Health Security Act; and (2) submitting to the Secretary and the Health Security Board its findings and recommendations. Stipulates that in carrying out its duties the Commission shall emphasize, and give first consideration to, care furnished for those illnesses and conditions which have relatively high incidence in the population and which are relatively amenable to medical or other care. Title IV: Repeal or Amendment of Other Acts - Requires that after the effective date of benefits received under this Act no State shall be required to furnish any service covered under Health Security as a part of its State plan for participation under Medicaid. Title V: Studies Related to Health Security - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare in consultation with the Secretary of State and the Secretary of the Treasury to study the coverage of health services for U.S. residents in other countries. Directs the Secretary of HEW to study the feasibility and desirability of coordinating the Federal health benefit programs for merchant seamen and Indians and Alaskan natives and also veterans and members of the Armed Forces, with the Health Security Benefit Program.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to limit the application of the Tax Reform Act's elimination of the sick pay exclusion for persons who have not retired on total disability, to taxable years beginning after December 31, 1976.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1976
Expresses Senate support of the Public Broadcasting Service's petition to the Federal Communications Commission which requests reservation of vertical line twenty-one for television transmission of captioning information for use by hearing impaired individuals.
United States · United States Congress · 21 September 1976
Waives application of the Congressional Budget Act requirement that new budget authorizations be reported to Congress before May 15th in order to permit Senate consideration of H.R. 10760 (Black Lung Benefits Reform Act of 1976).
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 · 13 September 1976
Authorizes printing 1,900 additional copies of the Senate Labor and Public Welfare committee print, "Rehabilitation and Developmental Disabilities Legislation."
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 · 8 September 1976
Amends S. Res. 354 by increasing the amount of appropriations allowed for the employment of consultant services by the Senate Committee on Public Works to $8,000.
United States · United States Congress · 27 August 1976
Designates the extension of the Senate Office Building presently under construction pursuant to the Supplemental Appropriations Act, 1973, as the "Philip A. Hart Office Building."
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1976
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to authorize payment under the supplementary medical insurance program for services furnished by physician extenders. Defines the term "physician extenders" to mean an individual certified as a physicians' assistant by the National Board of Medical Examiners, or who is licensed by a State as qualified to provide primary health care services.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1976
Solid Waste Utilization Act - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to provide financial assistance to States for the development and administration of solid waste management and resource recovery programs, and for the implementation and enforcement of State hazardous waste control programs. Establishes criteria for State solid waste management programs to qualify for Federal assistance. Directs the Administrator to establish areawide planning guidelines for identification of areas with common solid waste management problems, regardless of geographic and political boundaries. Directs Governors of affected States to designate management agencies for such areas. Directs the Administrator to develop suggested guidelines for solid waste management in accordance with prescribed criteria. Directs the Administrator to implement a program for dissemination of information about solid waste management. Requires that solid waste management programs provide for the prohibition of open dumping no later than one year after the publication of solid waste management quidelines under this Act. Directs the Administrator to develop criteria for hazardous waste control programs. Requires that solid forms of hazardous air pollutants and toxic water pollutants previously designated as hazardous by the Administrator be designated as hazardous waste subject to control programs. Requires permits for the disposal of hazardous waste. Authorizes States to establish control programs consistent with criteria established by this Act. Authorizes the Administrator to bring suit to have immediate restraints placed upon disposal of wastes which presents an imminent and substantial endangerment to the health of persons or the environment. Establishes procedures for enforcement of open dumping and hazardous waste disposal restrictions. Imposes a criminal penalty of up to $25,000 per day of violation and up to one year imprisonment for knowing violations of such restrictions. Imposes a civil penalty of up to $10,000 per day of such violations. Authorizes citizen suits to enforce the provisions of this Act. Authorizes the Administrator to quarantee loans and other obligations in order to finance construction and development costs of resource recovery systems for municipal solid wastes. Stipulates that the amount of outstanding indebtedness quaranteed under this Act shall at no time exceed $150,000,000. Lists conditions for the approval of such guarantees. Directs the Administrator to make grants to States to provide assistance to municipalities with a population of 5,000 or less, or counties with a population of 10,000 or less, for solid waste management facilities and equipment necessary to meet the requirements of this Act. Requires Federal agencies to give preference to the purchase of goods, material and energy comprised of recovered resources. Prohibits discrimination against employees and their representatives who have been involved in proceedings instituted under this Act. Authorizes Federal land managers to enter into contracts with municipalities under which Federal lands suitable for disposal purposes may be made available to such municipalities, provided that other appropriate non-Federal sites are not available to such municipalities. Requires a two-year study of the economic, social, and environmental consequences of resource conservation, to be conducted by a special committee chaired by the Administrator. Authorizes the appropriation of $5,000,000 for such study. Authorizes appropriations for various programs under the Solid Waste Disposal Act for fiscal years 1977, 1978, and 1979.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 1976
Directs the President to call a National Leadership Conference on Energy Policy to convene in Washington during 1977. Provides that it shall be the purpose of the Conference to consider alternate policy approaches available to the United States with respect to energy. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this joint resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 1976
Veterans' Disability Compensation and Survivor Benefits Act - Title I: Veterans Disability Compensation - Increases generally specified dollar amounts paid to eligible disabled veterans by the Veterans' Administration. Makes an additional payment available to veterans having a wife or child who is helpless or blind, or so nearly helpless or blined as to need or require the regular aid and attendance of another person. Title II: Survivors Dependency and Indemnity Compensation - Increases generally specified dependency and indemnity compensation amounts paid to widows of eligible veterans and to children of deceased veterans not leaving a widow. Directs the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to carry out a detailed study of the dependency and indemnity compensation program. Title III: Other Disabled Veterans' Program Improvements - Increases the clothing allowance for specifified disabled veterans. Increases the maximum amount of mortgage protection life insurance the Administrator may issue for disabled veterans. Allows the Administrator to provide automobile adaptive equipment to disabled veterans from all wars rather than just wars since World War II. Authorizes the Administrator to pay the cost of transportation of deceased veterans who had service-connected disabilities to a national cemetery for burial. Title IV: Miscellaneous and Technical Amendments and Effective Date Provisions - Makes miscellaneous and technical amendments to title 38 (Veterans' Benefits) of the United States Code. Makes the provisions of this Act effective October 1, 1976.
![Official portrait of Sen. Randolph, Jennings [D-WV]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/r000046_200.jpg)