United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1976
Removes all limits on the number of home health visits for which payments may be made under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act. Authorizes appropriate health professionals, as well as physicians, to establish home health services plans under the Medicare program. States that when such services are planned by a health professional other than a physician, such services shall include nutritional counseling, and "periodic chore services," and "hospital outreach services" as are defined in this Act. Includes within the term "medical and other health services" as defined in title XVIII: (1) annual, comprehensive physical examinations; (2) examinations for eyeglasses; (3) examinations for hearing aids; (4) dental services; (5) foot care services; and (6) the provision of eyeglasses, hearing aids, and dentures. Includes "outpatient rehabilitation services" within the medical and other health services for which payment will be made under the Medicare program. Defines the term "outpatient rehabilitation services. Includes, within the class of medical and other health services for which payment will be made under the Medicare program, health and supportive services furnished by, or under the direction of, health professionals in elderly day care centers. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to publish regulations governing the provision of such services. Extends the scope of the review functions of professional standards review organizations under title XI (General Provisions) of the Social Security Act to include the review of health care services at skilled nursing homes, intermediate care facilities, and other long-term care providers, and the performance of nurses, social workers, guidance counselors, and other health care professional, as well as physicians. Declares it to be the policy of the United States that all Federal and federally supported health programs include comprehensive home health care to the same extent as it is provided for under the Medicare program.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1976
Prohibits any nursing home or skilled nursing facility which is participating in the hospital insurance program of title XVIII (Medicare) or in the medical assistance program of title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act from requiring any patient to turn over to it any social security benefit check to which the patient is entitled after such patient has given 30 days written advance notice of his intention to leave such home or facility.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1976
Older Americans Health Services Act - Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to increase the amounts authorized to be appropriated in fiscal year 1976 through 1978 for purposes of informational exchange on the subject of restraining programs for older Americans. Allows the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants under such Act to cover the cost of administering and operating multipurpose senior centers. Declares it the sense of Congress that any Federal legislation establishing a national health insurance program should include specified provisions relating to the availability of home health services for older persons.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1976
Amends the National Housing Act to direct the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to give special emphasis to insuring mortgages covering medical practice facilities which are primarily for the purpose of providing preventive, diagnostic, and treatment services to elderly outpatients. Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to entitle a grant recipient to an additional grant if such recipient plans to use such additional grant for the construction or maintenance of a senior center providing recreational, health, and nutritional services. Directs the Secretary to insure mortgages made in connection with senior centers offering health, nutritional, recreational, and social facilities to elderly persons, regardless of whether such centers offer housing facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1976
Amends the Legal Services Corporation Act to direct the Corporation to provide financial assistance to qualified programs designed to furnish legal assistance to eligible older persons in connection with any determination relating to eligibility or payment for home health services or specified health-related hearings under the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1976
Establishes within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare a Home Health Clearinghouse. Directs such Clearinghouse to establish and maintain a computer system to gather information on services and benefits available to the elderly through public and private agencies. Directs the Clearinghouse to publish and keep current a publication describing services and benefits available to the elderly under Federal law. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as are necessary to establish and maintain the Clearinghouse. Creates in the Department an Assistant Secretary for Elderly Health, to perform specified duties, including the coordination of Department policy relating to the health of the elderly and coordination of the interagency task force on long-term home and institutional care of the elderly.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1976
Establishes the House Committee on Health which shall have the responsibility for investigating health measures generally, health facilities, health care programs, national health insurance, public health and quarantine, and biomedical research and development.
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 1976
National Home Health Care Act - Broadens the coverage of home health services under Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act and removes the 100-visit limitation presently applicable to the home health service program. Extends the coverage of posthospital home health services to include payment for items and services which the individual could otherwise obtain in a skilled nursing facility. Requires the inclusion of home health services under Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act, and permits the payment of rent under such program for elderly and handicapped persons who would otherwise require nursing home care. Provides expanded Federal funding for congregate housing for the displaced and the elderly by increasing the amount available for such housing under the low-income housing program. Establishes, in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, a Home Health Patient Ombudsman, who shall be appointed and provided with adequate staff and facilities by the Secretary. Makes it the duty and responsibility of the ombudsman to monitor specified programs under the Social Security Act and the various medical assistance programs under the State plan approved pursuant to such Act, and to maintain such oversight of those programs and their operation and administration as may be necessary to: (1) assure that home health patients under such programs are receiving the care to which they are entitled; (2) provide safeguards against over-charging for home health services; (3) identify abuses against home health patients; (4) receive, handle, and expedite complaints by home health patients; (5) recommend to the Secretary any changes in the regulations affecting home health services which may appear necessary or desirable; and (6) take appropriate action (including the transmission of findings to the Attorney General) with respect to abuses and violations of law affecting the provision or receipt of home health services under such programs. Requires the disclosure to the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare of the identity of all persons with an ownership interest in a skilled nursing facility. Requires the Secretary to conduct a study and report to the Congress on the feasibility of extending to the Medicare program the prospective cost-related method of computing payments to nursing homes and home health agencies which is currently provided for under the Medicaid programs.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1976
Youth Counseling and Employment Act - Establishes within the Department of Labor a Youth Employment Office, to be headed by a Director appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Authorizes the Director to provide financial assistance through grants and contracts in urban and rural areas for comprehensive work and training programs, and necessary supportive and follow-up services; including: (1) programs to provide useful work experience for high school students from low-income families; (2) programs to provide unemployed, underemployed, or low-income persons aged 16 and over with useful work and training; and (3) jobs for economically disadvantaged youths during the summer months. Requires that to the maximum extent feasible programs conducted under this Act be linked to work and training programs conducted pursuant to the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act of 1973. States that assistance shall be provided, to the maximum extent feasible, for a minimum period of three years. Requires the Director of the Office to conduct necessary studies to assess the effectiveness of the programs and to keep appropriate Congressional committees fully informed. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor, under the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act, to provide financial assistance in urban and rural areas with large concentrations of unemployed and low-income persons for comprehensive work and training programs and necessary supportive and followup services. Authorizes appropriations of sums necessary to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1976
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) and Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to include as "medical and other health services" for which coverage will be provided under Medicare, and as "medical assistance" for which coverage will be provided under Medicaid, that medical or other remedial care furnished by licensed (registered) nurses within the scope of their practices as defined by State law.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1976
Joint Committee on Intelligence Operations Act - Establishes a Congressional Joint Committee on Intelligence Operations to conduct continuing oversight of, and to exercise exclusive legislative jurisdiction over, the foreign intelligence activities of: (1) the Central Intelligence Agency; (2) the Defense Intelligence Agency; (3) the National Security Agency; (4) the Bureau of Intelligence and Research; (5) Army, Navy, and Air Force Intelligence; and (6) other agencies to the extent that such agencies engage in foreign intelligence activities. Requires that the Director of Central Intelligence must keep the joint committee fully informed with respect to all foreign intelligence activities of the United States. Sets forth the administrative powers of the joint committee. Charges the joint committee with the establishment of guidelines for the classification of information originating with the joint committee. Prescribes penalties for the public release of classified materials by any congressional officer, employee of the joint committee, or former congressional officer or employee of the joint committee. Requires that no nonintelligence gathering operation, under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, may be conducted until 30 days after the President reports such operation to the joint committee, unless it is essential to national security that such operation begin immediately. Ceases all such operations which at any time are disapproved by the joint committee.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1976
Amends the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to include in the Renewable Resource Program, national program recommendations which take into account specified policy objectives. Requires the Secretary to provide for public participation in the formulation and review of proposed land management plans for units of the National Forest System. Directs the Secretary to promulgate regulations that set out the process for the development and revision of such land management plans. Requires that such regulations specify procedures to insure that plans are prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act and guidelines set out in this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to appraise and sell so much of the trees and other forest products found upon National Park System lands as may further the policies set forth in the Multiple Use and Sustained Yield Act, and the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974. Repeals the requirement that such forest products be sold for use only in the United States or territory in which the timber reservation from which such products were taken is located. Increases to $10,000 in appraised value the maximum value of timber and cord wood which the Secretary may sell without advertisement.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1976
Authorizes representatives of the Polish Legion of American Veterans to act as claims agents for claims arising under laws administered by the Veterans' Administration. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 3402)
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1976
Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to reimburse State and local governments for expenditures made at the request of the United States Secret Service for the protection of any person the Service is authorized to protect.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1976
Replaces Federal criminal statutory provisions penalizing "rape" and "carnal knowledge of females under 16" with provisions penalizing "sexual assault." Designates guilty of sexual assault any person who knowingly engages in sexual contact or penetration of another person without such person's consent. Imposes penalties for sexual contact or penetration of any person who has not attained the age of 18, notwithstanding such person's consent. Sets forth penalties for such assault according to specified criteria, including the consideration of aggravating factors. Specifies procedures for medical examination of alleged victims of offenses under this Act. Prohibits the introduction of evidence of the victim's prior sexual activity unless the court determines after an in camera hearing that the evidence is relevant and material and does not constitute an unnecessary invasion of privacy. (Amends 18 U.S.C. 2031-35)
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 1976
Local Public Works Capital Development and Investment Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the Economic Development Administration, to make grants to any State or local government for local public works projects, including but not limited to: (1) those public works projects of State and local governments for which Federal financial assistance is authorized under provisions of law other than this Act; and (2) the architectural design, engineering, and related planning of local public works projects. Stipulates that the Federal share of any project for which a grant is made under this Act shall be 100 percent of the cost of such project. Authorizes the Secretary to make an additional grant for the purpose of increasing to 100 percent the Federal contribution to a public works project for which Federal financial assistance is authorized under provisions of law other than this Act. Stipulates that no such grants shall be made for any project which has as its principal purpose the channelization, damming, dredging, or diversion of a natural watercourse, or the enlargement of any canal other than a canal designated as a historic site. Directs the Secretary to prescribe rules, regulations, and procedures necessary to carry out this Act. Lists factors that the Secretary shall consider in accordance with the relative needs of the various sections of the country, with priority consideration to those areas where unemployment exceeds the national average. Stipulates that not less than one-half of one percent nor more than ten percent of all amounts authorized under this title shall be allocated for local public works projects within any one State. Authorizes the appropriation of $2,500,000,000 through fiscal year 1977 in order to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1976
Expresses the objection of Congress to the proposed sale to Egypt of six C-130 aircraft as described in the statement submitted by the President to the Speaker of the House and the chairman of the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate on March 25, 1976 (transmittal number 76-47).
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1976
Defines terms for purposes of this Act. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to make loans available through the Agricultural Credit Insurance Fund to agricultural producers who suffer losses as a result of having their agricultural commodities or livestock quarantined or condemned because such commodities or livestock have been found to contain toxic chemicals dangerous to the public health.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1976
Creates a nine member House Select Committee on the Fiscal Problems of Cities. Directs the committee to conduct a study to identify the nature and causes of problems afflicting large cities which face severe fiscal imbalance. Provides that consideration shall be given problems which contribute to the financial plight of cities, including: (1) net outmigration of population; (2) decline in employment opportunities; (3) adverse city/suburban relationships; (4) cost of public services; (5) rising crime rates; (6) lack of new investment in housing; and (7) racial, ethnic, and economic segregation. Calls upon the committee to develop a policy regarding the appropriate role of various levels of government in the solution of such problems. Requires the committee to evaluate the consequences of, and coordination among, existing Federal policies and programs which relate to the major problems identified by the committee. Directs the committee to formulate specific recommendations regarding Federal legislation and executive administrative action for modifications of or alternatives to present Federal programs.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1976
Establishes in the House of Representatives the Select Committee on Nuclear Proliferation and Nuclear Export Policy. Directs the Committee to conduct a full and complete study of: (1) the threat of nuclear proliferation; (2) the present policies of the United States concerning nuclear proliferation; (3) the decisionmaking process within the executive branch on nuclear export policies; and (4) any related areas which the committee deems necessary to investigate and study to discharge its responsibilities. Directs the committee to report to the House as soon as practicable the results of its investigation and study, together with such recommendations as it deems advisable.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1976
National Climate Program Act - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to coordinate the establishment and operation of a Federal climate program for the collection, analysis, and dissemination of data concerning climatic States and the influence of man's activities on climatic dynamics. Empowers the Secretary to establish advisory committees to be composed of experts in climatology and related fields and of representatives of interested Federal departments to more effectively carry out the purposes of this Act. Directs the Secretary to coordinate the activities of the climate program with related Federal programs and with climate research programs of international organizations. Authorizes the Secretary to transfer funds and make grants to governmental bodies and educational and nonprofit institutions to carry out the purposes of this Act. Requires the Secretary to prepare and submit each year to the Office of Management and Budget an annual plan and request for appropriations for the climate program. Directs the Bureau of the Budget to provide Congress, in connection with its annual budget presentation, a horizontal budget showing; (1) the totality of the activities under the climate program, (2) the specific aspects of such program and funding assigned to each agency, and (3) the estimated goals and financial requirement of the program. Directs the Secretary to annually prepare and submit to the President for transmittal to the Congress a report on the administration of this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of funds to carry out this Act for the transitional quarter and fiscal years 1977-79.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1976
Government Economy and Spending Reform Act - Title I: Authorizations of New Budget Authority - Terminates on specified dates budget authority for all Government programs except health care services, general retirement and disability insurance, and Federal employee retirement and disability programs which are funded by trust funds. Declares out of order in either the Senate or the House of Representatives any legislation which authorizes new budget authority not in compliance with this Act. Requires the Committees on Appropriations and the Committees on the Budget of both Houses of Congress to identify each program's functional and subfunctional category (as so characterized in the Budget of the United States, Fiscal Year 1977, transmitted to Congress by the President on January 21, 1976), the committees having legislative jurisdiction over such program, and whether such program operates under permanent authorizations and budget authority. Makes the budget termination provisions of this Act effective on the first day of the Ninety-fifth Congress. Title II: Early Elimination of Inactive and Duplicate Programs - Requires the Comptroller General of the United States to identify for Congress any programs which have duplicate objectives or for which no outlays have been made for the last two fiscal years. Directs the standing committees of both Houses to consider such programs and report recommendations on such programs before March 15, 1978, if possible. Title III: Quadrennial Program Review and Evaluation - Sets forth a timetable for reviewing the budget of a Government program. Requires review by standing committees of the Congress every four years of each program's cost, effectiveness, and the extent to which such program duplicates or is similar to any other program. States that such review shall include a comprehensive evaluation of the merits of such program to determine if it warrants continuation. Requires justification of any recommendation to fund any program which has objectives similar to or the same as another program's objectives. Directs the Comptroller General and the Congressional Budget Office to provide Congress with information and analysis of programs being reviewed under this Act. Requires the President to similarly review the merits of continuing programs contained in the annual Budget and to report the finding of such review prior to transmitting the Budget to Congress. Title IV: Continuing Review and Evaluation - Directs the Comptroller General to report to Congress the result of any audit which shows a substantial deficiency in achievement of the objectives of any Government program. Requires subsequent audits, a report of which must be submitted to Congress, to determine if such deficiency has been eliminated. Title V: Miscellaneous - States that those provisions of this Act which direct the operation of either House are enacted as an exercise of the rulemaking power of such House and recognizes the right of either House to change such rules.
United States · United States Congress · 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
Replaces Federal criminal statutory provisions penalizing "rape" and "carnal knowledge of females under 16" with provisions penalizing "sexual assault." Designates guilty of sexual assault any person who knowingly engages in sexual contact or penetration of another person without such person's consent. Imposes penalties for sexual contact or penetration of any person who has not attained the age of 18, notwithstanding such person's consent. Sets forth penalties for such assault according to specified criteria, including the consideration of aggravating factors. Specifies procedures for medical examination of alleged victims of offenses under this Act. Prohibits the introduction of evidence of the victim's prior sexual activity unless the court determines after an in camera hearing that the evidence is relevant and material and does not constitute an unnecessary invasion of privacy. (Amends 18 U.S.C. 2031-35)
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1976
Amends the Federal Power Act to require that rate increases for the interstate sale of electricity may not be granted until public hearings on such increases have been completed by the Federal Power Commission. Requires 30 days' notice of all rate changes by a public utility to the Federal Power Commission and to the public.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 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 · 23 February 1976
Reduces the rate of tax imposed under the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 on employees, employers, and the self-employed for the payment of the cost of the old-age, survivors, and disability insurance and the hospital insurance programs of the Social Security Act. Increases by 50 percent the annual Federal contribution to the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund in order to provide that one-third of the costs of the old-age, survivors, and disability insurance program shall be borne by the Federal Government. Increases the amount of an employee's wages or of the income of a self-employed person which will be subject to the social security withholding tax.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1976
Internal Revenue Administration Act - Establishes the Internal Revenue Administration in the executive branch of the Federal Government for the purpose of administering and enforcing the Internal Revenue Code. Prescribes the terms and conditions of office for the Administrator of the Internal Revenue Administration. Transfers all present functions, instructions, rules, or regulations which were promulgated or administered by the Secretary of the Treasury of his delegate with respect to the enforcement of the Internal Revenue Code, to the Internal Revenue Administration.
United States · United States Congress · 18 February 1976
International Security Assistance Act - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 with respect to military assistance grant programs to require that any request for security assistance for each fiscal year be accompanied by a statement from the President on the status of human rights in each country included in such program, and mitigating factors in favor of continued assistance. Requires the President to include in the annual foreign assistance report a statement of the impact of military assistance on the United States military capacity, under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. Authorizes appropriations of $366,000,000 for military assistance for fiscal year 1976 and limits appropriations for Korea, Thailand, Jordan, Philippines, Indonesia, Ethiopia, Greece, Turkey, and international organizations. Prohibits use of such funds to supply sophisticated weapons systems unless the furnishing of such systems is important to United States national security. Limits the authority of the President to order defense articles and services for military assistance to emergency situations involving the security interests of the United States. Places specific financial limitations upon such assistance. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to prohibit the transfer of stockpiles of defense articles for any foreign country to another foreign country unless specifically authorized. Limits the value of such stockpiles located in foreign countries (other than for NATO) to the amount authorized for security assistance for that fiscal year. Terminates, under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, the operation of United States military assistance advisory groups and missions, unless specifically authorized by Congress. Limits the number of Armed Forces personnel which the President may assign to the Chief of each United States Diplomatic Mission to perform such function. Authorizes appropriations of $2,500,000 for such purposes for fiscal year 1978. Specifies that authority to furnish grant military assistance shall terminate on September 30, 1977. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize the President to furnish education and training to military and related civilian personnel on a reimbursable basis. Authorizes the appropriation of $28,150,000 for fiscal year 1976 for such purposes. Repeals restrictions on military assistance for training foreign military students. Makes the Secretary of State responsible for the general supervision of such programs. Makes the Secretary of Defense primarily responsible for such programs. Specifies administrative procedures for furnishing such assistance. Declares it the sense of Congress that the United States shall maintain a flexible policy toward the Middle East. Declares that the "joint resolution to implement the United States proposal for the early-warning system in the Sinai" does not constitute Congressional approval of any commitment or agreement upon which any other nation or organization may rely. Authorizes appropriations of $1,883,300,000 for fiscal year 1976 for security supporting assistance. Sets forth limitations upon the amount of such assistance available to countries in the Middle East and minimum amounts solely for Israel and Egypt. Authorizes the appropriation of $50,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 for the special requirements fund of the President for Middle East assistance to carry out agreements between the Sinai early warning system, and to assist the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palenstine Refugees in the Middle East. Amends the Foreign Military Sales Act to repeal policy statements requiring the reduction of foreign military sales by the United States. Amends such Act to limit the authority of the President to transfer defense articles sold under the Act by permitting Congressional disapproval except in emergency situations. Extends the payment period for credit sales from ten to 12 years. Authorizes the appropriation of $1,065,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 for foreign military sales credits, with specified limitations and requirements. Repeals the regional ceilings for foreign military sales. Requires that the name and fee of any military sales agent be disclosed to Congress by the President, under the Foreign Military Sales Act and, for purposes of export licenses, under the Mutual Security Act of 1954. Amends the Foreign Military Sales Act to require that the President submit to Congress an arms sales impact statement containing specified information in a quarterly report on defense sales. Requires the President to submit annual arms sales estimates to Congress with an analysis of such sales on the balance of power and the arms race, international negotiations, the defense production capacity of the United States, and military stocks and preparedness. Places an annual ceiling of $9,000,000,000 on arms sales in any fiscal year, except for emergency conditions. Requires approval by the Secretary of Defense of specified foreign military sales contracts. Imposes a penalty of not more than $25,000, or not more than two years imprisonment, or both, for failure to secure such approval. Declares it the policy of the United States to encourage control and reduction of arms traffic. Requires the President to review the arms sales policies and practices of the United States. Authorizes the appropriation of $5,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 for the contingency fund of the President for supporting assistance, under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. Authorizes the appropriation of $42,500,000 for fiscal year 1976 for International Narcotics Control. Repeals Indochina assistance under such Act and terminates regulations, contracts, and agreements thereof. Authorizes interim quarter appropriations for continuing authorized foreign assistance programs. Sets forth Congressional findings that involvement of external forces in Angola constitutes a threat to peace. Calls upon the President to seek an agreement to end the hostilities and maintain the United States policy of nonintervention. Prohibits any assistance to military or paramilitary operations in Angola, except under specified conditions. Requires the President to submit to Congress a report on security and self-sufficiency efforts in Korea. Declares it the sense of Congress that the President seek an agreement with the Soviet Union with respect to limiting military forces in the Indian Ocean. Prohibits assistance to countries which grant sanctuary to international terrorists, except upon a Presidential determination that extraordinary circumstances exist. Prohibits military assistance and sales credit to Chile until the President determines that substantial progress toward the enforcement of human rights has been made in that country. Amends the Mutual Security Act of 1954 to require the President to submit to Congress reports of licenses issued for the export of munitions. Prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, religion, national origin, or sex in the furnishing of defense articles, under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 and the Foreign Military Sales Act. Calls upon the President to express concern for United States citizens arrested in Mexico and to submit periodic reports to Congress regarding the status of such citizens and their treatment. Authorizes the appropriation of $50,000,000 to aid Cypriot refugees, under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. Amends such Act to permit the President to waive restrictions on assistance or aid to Turkey to enable Turkey to fulfill defense responsibilities to NATO. Permits trade with North and South Vietnam under specified restrictions. Permits such trade to continue only if: (1) within 90 days the President certifies that progress in being made to obtain information regarding American prisoners and missing in action in Vietnam; or (2) at the end of 180 days the President certifies that a substantial number of such persons and American war dead have been accounted for. States that Congress views Soviet intervention in Angola and support of Cuban armed forces in Angola as inconsistent with detente and other international agreements. Declares that such intervention should be taken into account in United States foreign policy planning and negotiations.
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 1976
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a limited tax credit in an amount of $250 for each individual who is at least 61 years of age before the beginning of the taxable year, whose principal place of abode during the taxable year is the principal residence of the taxpayer, and who is not a lodger with the taxpayer.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1976
Regulatory Reform Act - States Congress' finding that Government economic regulation has become a burden to American business, consumers, and the economy. Requires the President to submit at least once a year for five years a plan to eliminate regulation which has led to inflationary consumer prices or a reduction of competition. Directs that each plan establish more efficient organizational and administrative forms for the regulation of commerce and include provisions necessary to modify or abolish existing agencies and functions so as to eliminate overlapping regulatory jurisdictions and anti-competitive regulations. Requires that such reformation plan be directed toward regulation in the areas of: (1) banking and finance; (2) energy and environment; (3) commerce, and transportation; (4) food, health, safety, and trade practices; and (5) labor, housing, and small business. Defines terms used in this Act. Provides for Congressional review of such plan. Provides that if Congress fails to pass any regulatory reform legislation by a specified date after the President submits his plan to the Congress, such plan shall become effective as of a specified date and all rules of any agency described in such plan shall be of no force or effect.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1976
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a limited tax credit in an amount of $250 for each individual who is at least 61 years of age before the beginning of the taxable year, whose principal place of abode during the taxable year is the principal residence of the taxpayer, and who is not a lodger with the taxpayer.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1976
Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to require that comprehensive State plans under such Act include provisions for the prevention of crimes against the elderly.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1976
Prohibits collective bargining agreements between the United States Postal Service and labor organizations recognized as exclusive bargaining representatives for their respective postal employee units from containing procedures which would preclude employees from being represented in grievance and adverse actions arising under such agreements by representatives of their own choosing.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1976
Lifeline Rate Act - Stipulates that no rate schedule of an electric utility shall result in a greater per kilowatt-hour charge to residential electric consumers for a subsistence quantity of electric energy than the lowest charge to any other electric consumer. Sets forth procedures for civil suits and judicial review where violations by utilities as regulatory authorities are alleged under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1976
Expands the boundaries of the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. Repeals provisions suspending the Secretary of the Interior's authority to acquire property within the National Lakeshore by condemnation when appropriate zoning agencies have in effect approved valid zoning ordinances applicable to such property. Revises provisions regarding retention of the right of use and occupancy by owners of improved property after such property has been acquired by the Secretary. Increases the membership of the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore Advisory Commission. Authorizes the appropriation of sums for acquisition of lands and interests in land and for development. Requires the Secretary to complete by the end of 1977 a final master plan detailing the development of the lakeshore. Details guidelines regarding rights-of-way and easements added by this Act to the lakeshore and regarding the acquisition, improvement, and use of specified lands and easements not within the expanded boundaries.
United States · United States Congress · 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 · 22 January 1976
Government in the Sunshine Act - States that this Act applies to the Federal Election Commission and to any agency where the collegial body comprising the agency consists of two or more individual members, at least a majority of whom are appointed to such position by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. Provides that all meetings of such collegial body, or of a subdivision thereof authorized to take action on behalf of the agency, shall be open to the public. Requires such agency to make public announcement, at least one week before the meeting, of the date, place, and subject matter of the meeting, whether open or closed to the public, and the name and phone number of the official designated by the agency to respond to requests for information about the meeting. Exempts meetings when publicity would result in disclosure of matters: (1) necessary to keep secret in the interests of national defense or foreign policy; (2) not warranting an invasion of personal privacy; (3) constituting trade secrets; and (4) other matters the disclosure of which would not be in the public interest. States that the district courts of the United States shall have jurisdiction to enforce the requirements of this Act by declaratory judgment, injunctive relief, or other relief as may be appropriate. Prohibits the making of an ex parte communication relevant to the merits of the proceeding by an interested person outside the agency to anyone involved in the decisional process of the proceedings.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1976
Title I: Foreign Boycotts - Foreign Boycotts Act - Makes it the policy of the United States to oppose, under the provisions of the Export Administration Act, restrictive trade practices or boycotts imposed by foreign countries against any domestic concern of the United States. Provides for the promulgation of rules by the Secretary of Commerce to require that any domestic concern which receives a request for the furnishing of information on the signing of agreements which have the effect of furthering or supporting restrictive trade practices or boycotts by foreign countries to transmit to the Secretary a report stating specified information. Authorizes the Secretary to impose a civil penalty of up to $10,000 for violations of the requirements of this Act. Title II: Disclosure - Domestic and Foreign Investment Improved Disclosure Act - Requires notification, under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, by any investor of a proposed acquisition of more than five percent of the equity securities of any United States companys, within ten days after such acquisition, to the issuer of the security, the exchange where it is traded, and the Securities and Exchange Commission. Sets forth requirements for the statement to be filed with the Commission including: (1) the background, identity, residence, and nationality of such owner and any other person on whose behalf the purchases are to be effected; (2) the source and amount of the funds or other consideration used in making the purchase; (3) the purpose of the acquisition; and (4) the number of shares which are beneficially owned. Grants the Commission authority to seek injunctive relief as it deems necessary and appropriate to secure compliance with this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1976
Department of Education Act - Establishes an executive department to be known as the Department of Education, to be headed by a Secretary of Education appointed by the President. States that it shall be the principal function of the Department to improve the quality of education throughout the United States. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) advise the President with respect to the progress of education; (2) develop and recommend to the President appropriate policies and programs to foster the orderly growth and development of the Nation's educational facilities and resources especially in the light of long-range requirements; (3) exercise leadership at the direction of the President in coordinating Federal activities affecting education; (4) conduct continuing comprehensive surveys and collect, analyze, and disseminate relevant information concerning education in the United States; (5) provide information and such other assistance as may be authorized by the Congress to aid in the maintenance of efficient school, college, and university systems; and (6) encourage comprehensive long-range planning by State and local governments, especially with respect to coordinating Federal, State, and community educational activities at the local level. Transfers the education functions of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare to the Department of Education. Transfers various education functions of other executive departments to the Department of Education. Establishes a Federal Interagency Committee on Education to study and recommend such actions as may be necessary to assure effective coordination of Federal programs affecting education. Establishes a National Advisory Commission on Education of specified membership and qualification to review and make recommendations with respect to the administration, regulation, and operation of Federal education programs. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as are necessary to enable the Department to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 January 1976
Senior Citizen Higher Education Opportunity Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require that higher education institutions receiving Federal aid submit to the Commissioner of Education a senior citizen access plan providing for tuition-free registration of qualified senior citizens in scheduled classes and programs on a space available basis. Directs that such plan be implemented to the satisfaction of the Commissioner. Defines "qualified senior citizen" as an individual sixty years of age or older who has completed all course requirements mandated by the institution of higher learning for enrollment in the scheduled class or program. Deems that a class or program has space available if it is not fully subscribed by students other than nonpaying senior citizens. Enjoins the payment of funds or the approval of supplemental or special grants under such Act unless the institution seeking aid has established and fully implemented a senior citizen plan.
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 1975
Franchising Practices Reform Act - Requires a franchisor to notify a franchisee at least ninety days in advance of the franchisor's intention to terminate the franchise, and the franchisor's reasons for terminating. Prohibits a franchisor from cancelling a franchise unless the franchisor has acted in bad faith, or has violated a material requirement of the franchise, or the franchisor is effecting a market area withdrawal. Prohibits a franchisor from failing to renew a franchise except for the reasons stated above, or the franchisor has a legitmate business reason for failing to renew. Makes any franchisor that has violated the requirements of this Act civilly liable to the aggrieved franchisee.
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 1975
Employment Statistics Commission Act - Establishes the Employment Statistics Commission composed of seven members appointed by the President. Requires the Commission to review the present method of collecting and analyzing employment and unemployment information and statistics, to identify weaknesses in such method, and to formulate any necessary or appropriate new methods of collecting and analyzing such information and statistics. Requires the Commission to transmit a report to the President, with copies to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the President pro tempore of the Senate, the Committee on Education and Labor of the House of Representatives, and the Committee on Labor and Public Welfare of the Senate, within one year after the final appointment is made by the President. Terminates the Commission three months after the transmission of such report. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 December 1975
Emergency Tenants' Loan Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to make repayable emergency rent payments on behalf of tenants who are, or will be, subject to eviction proceedings as a result of being unable to make their rental payments by reason of their unemployment or underemployment. States that such payments may not be approved unless: (1) the tenant will be unable to make his rental payments; (2) the tenant has incurred a substantial reduction in income due to adverse economic conditions; (3) there is a reasonable prospect that the tenant will be able to repay the loan made by the Secretary; and (4) the rental property is the tenant's principal place of residence. Allows rental assistance for part or all of the tenant's rent up to $250 per month for a maximum of two years. Provides for interest to be charged according to the tenant's ability to pay but not more than eight percent per annum. Requires that the payments be deferred until the tenant is able to repay the loan. Permits the Secretary to require security for the repayment of the loan, but provides that the Secretary may not refuse a loan for lack of security. Authorizes to be appropriated not more than $500,000,000 to carry out the purposes of this Act. Provides that no payments may be authorized after September 30, 1977. Provides for penalties for any person obtaining any benefits under this Act through the giving of false information. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress every 60 days concerning delinquent repayments and actions taken to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 December 1975
Department of Education Act - Establishes an executive department to be known as the Department of Education to be headed by a Secretary of Education appointed by the President. States that it shall be the principal function of the Department to improve the quality of education throughout the United States. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) advise the President with respect to the progress of education; (2) develop and recommend to the President appropriate policies and programs to foster the orderly growth and development of the Nation's educational facilities and resources especially in the light of long-range requirements; (3) exercise leadership at the direction of the President in coordinating Federal activities affecting education; (4) conduct continuing comprehensive surveys, collect, analyze, and disseminate relevant information concerning education in the United States; (5) provide information and such other assistance as may be authorized by the Congress to aid in the maintenance of efficient school, college, and university systems; and (6) encourage comprehensive long-range planning by State and local governments, especially with respect to coordinating Federal, State, and community educational activities at the local level. Transfers the education functions of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare to the Department of Education. Transfers various specified education functions of other executive departments to the Department of Education. Establishes a Federal Interagency Committee on Education to study and recommend such actions as may be necessary to assure effective coordination of Federal programs affecting education. Establishes a National Advisory Commission on Education of specified membership and qualification to review and make recommendations with respect to the administration, regulation, and operation of Federal education programs. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to enable the Department to carry out the provisions of this Act.
![Official portrait of Sen. Riegle, Donald W., Jr. [D-MI]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/r000249_200.jpg)