United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1976
Establishes a standing committee of the Senate to be known as the Committee on Intelligence Activities, to oversee and make continuing studies of the intelligence activities and programs of the United States Government, and to submit to the Senate appropriate proposals for legislation concerning such intelligence activities and programs. Provides that the Committee shall make every effort to assure that the appropriate departments and agencies of the United States provide the intelligence necessary for the executive and legislative branches to make sound decisions affecting the security and vital interests of the Nation. Provides that the Committee provide oversight of the intelligence activities of the United States. Stipulates that no member or professional employee of the Committee shall serve for more than six years of continuous service. Specifies that all matters relating to the following shall be referred to the Committee: (1) the Central Intelligence Agency and the Director of Central Intelligence; (2) intelligence activities of all other departments and agencies of the Government, including, but not limited to, the intelligence activities of the Defense Intelligence Agency, the National Security Agency, and other agencies of the Department of Defense; the Department of State; the Department of Justice; and the Department of the Treasury; (3) the organization or reorganization of any department or agency of the Government to the extent that the organization or reorganization relates to a function or activity involving intelligence activities; and (4) all authorizations for appropriations for all such organizations and activities. Requires the Committee to make periodic reports to the Senate on the nature and extent of the intelligence activities of the various departments and agencies of the United States. Directs the Committee to obtain an annual report from the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of State, and the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Specifies that such report shall review the intelligence activities of the agency or department concerned and the intelligence activities of foreign countries directed at the United States or its interests. Provides that such report shall be made available to the public. Authorizes the Committee to disclose publicly any information in its possession after a determination that the public interest would be served by such disclosure. States that in any case in which the Committee on Intelligence Activities of the Senate votes to disclose publicly any information submitted to it by the executive branch which the executive branch requests be kept secret, such committee shall notify the President of such vote. Provides that when the members of the Committee shall vote not to disclose such information the decision may be referred to the Senate for reconsideration upon the request of three Committee members. Provides that the Select Committee on Standards and Conduct may investigate any alleged disclosure of intelligence information by a Member, officer, or employee of the Senate which violates this Act. Directs that the records, files, documents, and other materials in the possession of the Select Committee on Governmental Operations with respect to Intelligence Activities shall, upon the expiration of such committee's authority, be transferred to the Committee on Intelligence Activities. Requires the Committee to study the quality, nature, and conduct of intelligence activities, including recommendations for any changes in the law considered desirable by the Committee. Requires that the Committee report its findings to the Senate no later than July 1, 1977.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1976
Amends the Social Security Act to authorize payment under the medicare program for specified services performed by chiropracters, including X-ray, and physical examination, and related routine laboratory tests.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1976
Allows, under the Internal Revenue Code and the Social Security Act, a refund or credit for taxes paid under the Federal Insurance Contributions Act to individuals who are members of recognized religious sects that reject the Federal insurance programs. Exempts employers engaged in farming, and their employees, from the Federal Insurance Contributions tax where both are members of a religious faith opposed to participation in such a program.
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 1976
Requires the United States Postal Service to consider specified factors in determining the need for an existing third- or fourth-class post office. Sets guidelines relating to such determinations.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1976
Opportunities Industrialization Centers Job Creation and Training Act - States that the purpose of this Act is to provide special authority for the Opportunities Industrialization Centers in order to create and provide job opportunities for specific unemployed persons who were particularly hard hit by the recent economic recession, and to provide opportunities for industry to create additional jobs for the unemployed in rural and urban communities. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to enter into a contract with Opportunities Industrialization Centers, Incorporated (OIC) in order to provide comprehensive employment services and jobs for unemployed persons. Requires each such contract to contain provisions assuring that specific requirements are complied with, including requirements that (1) special consideration in providing jobs will be given to unemployed persons who are most severely disadvantaged in terms of the length of time they have been unemployed; (2) due consideration will be given to persons who have participated in manpower training programs for whom unemployment opportunities would be otherwise unavailable, and (3) the program will to the maximum extent feasible contribute to the elimination of artificial barriers to employment and occupational advancement. Sets forth special conditions to be met prior to providing financial assistance pursuant to a contract entered into under this Act. Requires the programs to contribute, to the maximum extent feasible, to the occupational development or upward mobility of individual participants. Prohibits the Secretary from providing financial assistance unless he determines that: (1) periodic reports will be submitted to him to measure the effectiveness of the programs; (2) there will be no discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, political affiliation, or beliefs within the program, and (3) the participants in the program will not be employed in the construction, operation, or maintenance of sectarian religious facilities. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the provisions of this Act of $150,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, $200,0000,000 for fiscal year 1978, $300,000,000 for fiscal year 1979, and $350,000,000 for fiscal year 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1976
Bicentennial Commission on Presidential Nominations Resolution - Establishes a twenty member Bicentennial Commission on Presidential Nominations. Provides that the Commission shall make a full and complete investigation with respect to the Presidential nominating process. Directs that such investigation shall include consideration of (1) the manner in which States conduct primaries; (2) State laws and the rules of national political parties which govern the participation of voters and candidates in such primaries; (3) the financing of campaigns for the nomination of candidates for election to the office of the President of the United States; (4) the relationship between candidates for election to the office of the President of the United States and the news media; (5) alternative nominating systems; and (6) the manner in which candidates are nominated for election to the office of Vice President of the United States. Requires the Commission to submit to the President and the Congress such interim reports as it deems advisable, and a final report not later than one year after the enactment of this resolution. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1976
Expresses the solidarity of the American people in efforts to enlarge human freedom by the participants in the second Brussels conference, February 17 to 19, 1976.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1976
Government Economy and Spending Reform Act - Title I: Authorizations of New Budget Authority - Terminates on specified dates budget authority for all Government programs except health care services, general retirement and disability insurance, and Federal employee retirement and disability programs which are funded by trust funds. Declares out of order in either the Senate or the House of Representatives any legislation which authorizes new budget authority not in compliance with this Act. Requires the Committees on Appropriations and the Committees on the Budget of both Houses of Congress to identify each program's functional and subfunctional category (as so characterized in the Budget of the United States, Fiscal Year 1977, transmitted to Congress by the President on January 21, 1976), the committees having legislative jurisdiction over such program, and whether such program operates under permanent authorizations and budget authority. Makes the budget termination provisions of this Act effective on the first day of the Ninety-fifth Congress. Title II: Early Elimination of Inactive and Duplicate Programs - Requires the Comptroller General of the United States to identify for Congress any programs which have duplicate objectives or for which no outlays have been made for the last two fiscal years. Directs the standing committees of both Houses to consider such programs and report recommendations on such programs before March 15, 1978, if possible. Title III: Quadrennial Program Review and Evaluation - Sets forth a timetable for reviewing the budget of a Government program. Requires review by standing committees of the Congress every four years of each program's cost, effectiveness, and the extent to which such program duplicates or is similar to any other program. States that such review shall include a comprehensive evaluation of the merits of such program to determine if it warrants continuation. Requires justification of any recommendation to fund any program which has objectives similar to or the same as another program's objectives. Directs the Comptroller General and the Congressional Budget Office to provide Congress with information and analysis of programs being reviewed under this Act. Requires the President to similarly review the merits of continuing programs contained in annual Budget and to report the finding of such review prior to transmitting the Budget to Congress. Title IV: Continuing Review and Evaluation - Directs the Comptroller General to report to Congress the result of any audit which shows a substantial deficiency in achievement of the objectives of any Government program. Requires subsequent audits, a report of which must be submitted to Congress, to determine if such deficiency has been eliminated. Title V: Miscellaneous - States that those provisions of this Act which direct the operation of either House are enacted as an exercise of the rulemaking power of such House and recognizes the right of either House to change such rules.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1976
National 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 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 · 2 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 · 29 January 1976
Intelligence Oversight Act - States that the purpose of this Act is to establish a standing committee of the Senate to oversee and make continuing studies of the intelligence activities and programs of the United States Government. Establishes the Committee on Intelligence Activities, consisting of nine members limited to terms of no more than six years. Requires that all proposed legislation and other matters relating to the Central Intelligence Agency and intelligence activities of all other departments and agencies of the Government shall be referred to the committee, which shall have exclusive jurisdiction over such matters. States that to the extent that the jurisdictions of other standing committees of the Senate include those matters, the jurisdiction of the other committees shall be concurrent with that of the Committee on Intelligence Activities. Prohibits the unauthorized disclosure of intelligence information held by the Committee, but permits disclosure of information when the Committee deems that the public interest requires disclosure. States that if the Committee wishes to disclose information requested to be kept secret by the President, the President shall be notified ten days before such proposed disclosure. Provides that if the President replies that the threat to national security posed by such disclosure outweighs the public interest in such disclosure and that the question of disclosure is so vital as to require a decision by the full Senate and if the Committee agrees concerning the importance of the issue, the question of disclosure shall be submitted to the Senate to be acted on within three legislative days. Requires the head of each department and agency of the United States to fully inform the Committee with respect to current intelligence activities conducted by such entity. Prohibits any significant covert or clandestine activity unless the Committee is informed of such activity before it takes place. Exempts from such prohibition necessary intelligence collection and activities during military operations pursuant to a declaration of war or exercise of powers by the President under the War Powers Resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1976
Authorizes $150,000 in supplemental expenditures by the Senate Select Committee to Study Governmental Operations With Respect to Intelligence Activities for an inquiry and investigation relating to intelligence activities carried out by or on behalf of the Federal Government.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1976
Honors Clarence M. Mitchell, Junior, for his contributions to the establishment of justice and equality in America. Expresses gratitude for his efforts to improve the quality of life for all Americans.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1976
Expresses the sense of Congress that the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency give the highest priority to providing such assistance to the domestic mushroom industry as may be possible in solving the cost problem and other problems involved in the treatment of waste from such industry in accordance with environmental protection laws.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1976
National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act - Authorizes the appropriation of designated sums to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration for research and development programs, construction of facilities including land acquisition, and research and program management. Permits utilization of research and development appropriations for: (1) items of a capital nature which may be required at locations other than installations of the Administration for the performance of research and development contracts; and (2) grants to nonprofit institutions of higher education, or to nonprofit organizations whose primary purpose is the conduct of scientific research, for purchase or construction of additional research facilities. Sets forth guidelines regarding the use and availability of funds appropriated pursuant to this Act. Specifies procedures whereby amounts designated for specific programs may be varied upward and whereby up to one-half of one percent of the funds appropriated for research and development may be combined with $10,000,000 of funds appropriated for facility construction to construct or modify laboratories or other installations deemed by the Administration to be immediately needed. Prohibits utilization of sums appropriated pursuant to this Act for: (1) any research or management program in excess of the amount specifically authorized for that program; (2) any program deleted by Congress from requests originally made; or (3) any program which has not been presented to either the House Committee on Science and Technology or the Senate Committee on Aeronautical and Space Sciences unless each such committee has been given notice of any such proposed action and transmits written notice to the Administrator that it has no objection. Directs the Administration to consider geographical distribution whenever feasible in allocating its research and development funds. Authorizes the Administration, when so provided in appropriation Acts, to enter into and to maintain a contract for tracking and data relay satellite services. Authorizes an additional Associate Administrator for Advanced Research and Technology within the Administration. Revises the compensation of members of the Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel.
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 1975
Makes it unlawful for any United States officer, employee, or citizen to enter into a conspiracy to assassinate, to attempt to assassinate or to assassinate any foreign official outside the United States because of such foreign official's political views, actions, or statements. (Adds 18 U.S.C. 1118)
United States · United States Congress · 17 December 1975
Rehabilitation Act Extension - Extends under the Rehabilitation Act the authorizations of appropriations for: (1) vocational rehabilitation; (2) research and training; (3) grants for construction of rehabilitation facilities; (4) vocational training services for handicapped individuals; (5) special projects and demonstrations; (6) the National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults; (7) program and project evaluations; (8) secretarial responsibilities; and (9) the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board.
United States · United States Congress · 17 December 1975
Extends from two years to three years the period during which the President is authorized to call a White House Conference on Handicapped Individuals. Provides that funds appropriated for such purpose shall remain available for expenditure until September 30, 1978 (presently available only until June 30, 1977).
United States · United States Congress · 9 December 1975
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the signing in Helsinki of the Final Act of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe did not change in any way the longstanding policy of the United States on non-recognition of the Soviet Union's illegal seizure and annexation of the three Baltic nations of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.
United States · United States Congress · 5 December 1975
Health Professions Education Amendments - Revises title VII of the Public Health Service Act. Extends through fiscal year 1979 the present authority to guarantee loans for the construction of teaching facilities for the training of physicians, dentists, veternarians, optometrists, podiatrists, and professional public health personnel. Repeals the title VII authority to make grants for the construction of such facilities. Authorizes States, under title XVI of such Act, to use Federal formula allotments, loans, loan guarantees, and interest subsidies for modernization necessary to increase the primary care health manpower training capacity of hospitals and outpatient facilities affiliated with a medical, osteopathic, or dental school. Eliminates capitation for schools of pharmacy. Phases out capitation for schools of medicine, osteopathy, and dentistry. Provides that the latter class of schools may agree to undertake efforts designed to address geographic and specialty maldistribution, thus making them eligible to receive National Priority Incentive grants in the amount of $1,500 per student in place of capitation phase-out grants. Stipulates that all schools receiving either National Priority Incentive grants or capitation phase-out grants must maintain enrollment at the academic year 1975-76 level and maintain the level of non-Federal funds spent. Allows the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to waive this requirement in unusual circumstances. Authorizes appropriations of $126,500,000 for fiscal year 1976; $123,400,000 for fiscal year 1977; $120,000,000 for fiscal year 1978; and $118,200,000 for fiscal year 1979 for the National Priority Incentive Grants and capitation phase-out grants. Revises and consolidates the existing authorities for dispensing grants for special projects into special projects sections. Authorizes grants to support the following projects: (1) establishment and expansion of family medicine training programs; (2) establishment and expansion of training programs in general internal medicine, general pediatrics, general medicine, general dentistry, and pedodontics; (3) establishment of relationships between schools of optometry, podiatry, and pharmacy, and for other health training and service entities; improvement of aspects of curricula and training in those schools; and placement of graduates of those schools and veterinary schools in underserved areas; (4) provision of graduate training in important public health related fields; (5) improvement of allied health professions training; (6) provision for training of primary care physician extenders and expanded function dental auxiliaries; (7) undertaking of training activities designed to address geographic maldistribution of health professionals; (8) provision of financial and other assistance to individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds to enable them to enter health professions careers; (9) provision for financial and other assistance to United States graduates of foreign medical schools to assist them to complete their medical or osteopathic education in the United States, and provision of intensive instruction to foreign medical graduates working in the United States; (10) provision of financial aid to those schools of medicine, osteopathy, dentistry, veterinary medicine, optometry, pharmacy, podiatry, or public health which are having serious accreditation problems, with amounts limited to 75 percent of any financial distress grant provided in the preceding fiscal year; (11) the utilization of innovative training methods in medicine, osteopathy, and dentistry likely to reduce the costs of medical, osteopathic, and dental training, and for assisting new schools of medicine, osteopathy, and dentisty to primarily utilize such methods; (12) evaluating changes in admissions criteria, providing certain specialized kinds of training, providing interdisciplinary training, and demonstrating curriculum innovations. Phases out the present start-up authority. Permits the Secretary to utilize contracts as well as grants, except in cases of financial distress. Authorizes specified amounts to be appropriated for fiscal years 1976 - 1979. Replaces the present Public Health and National Health Service Corps with the Health Service Scholarship Program (HSSP), which is charged with providing scholarships to medical, osteopathic, and dental students in exchange for service in the Public Health Service, other Federal health service, or in a health manpower shortage area. Makes eligible students who agree to accept scholarships, if offered, when they apply for admission to a health professions school. Permits students to satisfy their committment by accepting a Defense Department scholarship. States that scholarships would be awarded for periods of two to fours years in an annual amount of $3,600, plus tuition and other reasonable education expenses. Requires upon completion of training, the scholarship recipient to perform one year of service for each year of assistance. Gives the individual, within limitation, the choice of: (1) serving as a commissioned officer or a civilian member of the Public Health Service or other Federal Health service; or (2) practicing his profession in a health manpower shortage area as a private practitioner. Grants the Secretary the final authority to choose the location and mode of service of participants, making such assignments on the basis of priorities extent at the time such participants became available for service. Requires all such individuals to engage full-time in patient care activities. Protects persons serving in health manpower shortage areas against income so low as to compromise the effectiveness of their practice by means of a minimum income provision. Requires a scholarship recipient who fails to perform his service responsibilities to repay twice the amount of the scholarship assistance tendered multiplied by the proportion of service not performed, plus interest. Authorizes specified appropriations for HSSP for fiscal years 1976 - 1979. Limits Federal capital contributions to health profession schools' loan funds. Provides that the money invested by the Federal government in schools' loan funds will remain available for re-loan by the schools as it is repaid by student borrowers, but future loans to students will be required to carry seven percent, rather than three percent, interest. Terminates the authority under which the Secretary repays any educational loans of individuals who go into practice in shortage areas, except in the case of students receiving loans prior to the enactment of these provisions. Phases out residual Federal responsibilities under the health professions education fund. Establishes, within the Public Health Service, the National Advisory Council on Health Professions Education, to be composed of health services experts, students, health specialty body representatives, planners, third party payers, and consumers. Charges the Council with analyzing the distribution among specialties of physicians and medical students and evaluating alternative approaches to ensuring an appropriate balance. Directs the Council to offer recommendations to the Secretary.
United States · United States Congress · 4 December 1975
Regional Presidential Primaries Act - Declares the finding of the Congress that in order to preserve the effectiveness of the Presidential election process and to provide for the public welfare, the process for selecting candidates to the office of President must be regulated. Prohibits any State from conducting a Presidential primary election except in accordance with the provisions of this Act. Establishes six regional primaries to be held in each Presidential election year. Sets the dates for such primaries. Sets requirements for voter eligibility in the primaries conducted under this Act. Authorizes the Attorney General to bring a civil suit in United States district courts in those instances where he has reason to believe that a State is holding a primary in violation of this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of necessary funds to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 November 1975
Establishes the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe to monitor the acts of the signatories which reflect compliance with the articles of the Final Act of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe. Provides that the Commission shall be composed of 11 members to be appointed as specified in this Act. Gives the Commission the power to subpena witnesses and records as necessary to carry out the responsibilities imposed by this Act. Requires the Commission to make periodic reports to Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 12 November 1975
Education Amendments - Title I: Higher Education - Extends the Higher Education Act until October 1, 1982. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the provisions of such Act until such date. Revises the provisions of the Act dealing with basic educational opportunity grants to provide that any amount paid under the Social Security Act to the student, which would not be paid if he were not a student, shall be considered as effective family income (formerly considered income to the student). Provides that in awarding student grants under the State student incentive grants program there shall be no differentiation between students based on whether the student pursues his study within the State or outside the State. Provides that loans insured or guaranteed under this Act may be released by a discharge in bankruptcy only if such discharge is granted after the five year period beginning on the date of commencement of the repayment period of such loan. Calls for regulations to provide for standards of financial responsibility for institutions of higher education receiving benefit from this Act. Provides for a fiscal audit of such institutions. Authorizes the suspension of payment to any such institution which violates regulations established pursuant to this Act. Repeals those sections of the Act which provide for attracting and qualifying teachers to meet teacher shortages. Title II: Vocational Education - Extends the Vocational Education Act until October 1, 1982. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the provisions of such Act until such date. Revises the Vocational Education Act to provide assistance to the States in improving planning in the use of all resources available to them for vocational education and manpower training in addition to the Federal Grants presently available to carry out such planning. Requires the establishment of a State board for vocational education in any State desiring to participate in the programs authorized by this Act. Provides that such board shall be the sole State agency responsible for development of policy with respect to such programs. Authorizes the appropriation of sufficient funds to pay one-half the cost of the planning activities of the State board. Retains the requirement that participating States establish advisory councils. Adds to the required membership on such councils representatives of private programs of vocational education, representatives familiar with vocational guidance and representatives of State correctional institutions. Provides that members of the council may not represent more that one of the categories which require representation. Establishes the requirement that there be appropriate representation of both sexes, racial and ethnic minorities, and the various geographic regions of the State. Requires each State board to submit to the Commissioner of education a comprehensive long- range plan for vocational education within the State. Directs that in developing such a plan the board shall assess among other things the needs for trained manpower and assess the capabilities for providing vocational education to meet such needs. Sets forth procedures to be followed by the States in applying for funds provided under the programs established by this Act. Requires that the application make assurances that the State will maintain fiscal control and that such funds shall supplement rather than replace State funds intended for such purposes. Lists applicants which shall be given priority. Requires that each State receiving funds pursuant to this Act submit to the Commissioner an annual program plan, as specified, for expenditure of such funds. Requires the States receiving funds to use a specified percentage of such funds to establish a special vocational education program for physically handicapped persons and for persons having academic or socioeconomic handicaps. Provides that each State must also allocate a portion of such funds to areas of high concentration of youth unemployment and school dropouts. Makes available to the States Federal assistance to enable them to develop and conduct vocational guidance and counseling programs and activities for individuals of all ages. Requires the States to set forth, in their annual program plan its proposed allotment of funds among eligible recipients for vocational development guidance and counseling programs and services. Provides training and retraining opportunities for persons serving or preparing to serve in vocational education programs. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to, and enter into contracts with States and educational institutions in order to develop and demonstrate innovative programs and projects designed to assist students in acquiring necessary skills for career success. Provides Federal assistance for the development and dissemination of curriculums for new and changing occupations. Establisher programs of work-study for vocational education students pursuant to requirements set forth in the Act. Enables the Commissioner to make grants to States for the establishment and expansion of programs of cooperative vocational education, involving alternate academic and vocational study and public or private employment. Provides emergency assistance to local educational agencies to provide vocational education designed to meet today's manpower needs. Assists such agencies in the modernization of facilities and equipment necessary to assure that they will be able to offer vocational education programs which give reasonable promise of employment. Maintain's the National Advisory Council on Vocational Education for the period for which appropriations are authorized under this Act. Sets forth new qualificiations for individuals chosen to serve on the Council. Provides that in addition to its advisory duties, the Council shall identify the vocational education and manpower needs of the Nation and access the extent to which programs in the field represent a consistent, coodinated approach to meeting the need. Title III: Extensions of other Related Education Programs - Extends until October 1, 1982: (1) the Emergency Insured Student Loan Act (2) the National Defense Education Act (3) the International Education Act and (4) the Allen J. Ellender Fellowship Program. Title IV: Education Administration - Creates within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare a Commissioner of Education. Provides that the Commissioner shall be the principal officer in the Department with responsibility for education programs (such responsibilities are presently held by the Assistant Secretary for Education). Directs that the Office of Education shall be headed by the Commissioner. Creates the position of Executive Deputy Commissioner who shall be responsible for the daily operation of the Office. Broadens the National Institute of Education to include an Institute of Elementary and Secondary Education, an Institute of Postsecondary Education, and an Institute of Vocational Education. Provides that the Director of the Institute shall be compensated at the rate provided for level IV of the Executive Schedule (presently compensated at level V). Establishes within the Institute an Institute of Elementary and Secondary Education, an Institute for Postsecondary Education and an Institute for Vocational Education to improve those specific areas of education. (Amends 5 U.S.C. 5314)
United States · United States Congress · 11 November 1975
Condemns the resolution adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations which equates Zionism with racism. Opposes participation by the United States Government in the Decade for Action to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination. Calls for reconsideration of the Zionism resolution. Directs the Committee on International Relations and the Committee on Foreign Relations to begin hearings immediately to reassess the United States' further participation in the United Nations General Assembly.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 1975
Emergency Medical Services Amendment - Revises those provisions of the Public Health Services Act providing for Federal assistance for emergency medical service systems with respect to: (1) grants and contracts for the establishment and initial operation of such systems; (2) grants and contracts for the expansion and improvement of such systems; and (3) grants and contracts for research in emergency medical techniques. Authorizes the appropriation of $5,083,000 for the purpose of making grants and contracts to assist emergency medical service systems during the transitional quarter. Authorizes the appropriation of funds in specified amounts for the making of such grants and contracts through fiscal year 1979. Reduces from 75 percent to 60 percent the percentage of such appropriated funds available for assistance in the establishment and initial operation of emergency medical systems. Provides for the allocation of 15 percent of such funds to assistance for feasibility studies concerning such systems.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 1975
Requires that the Secretaries of the military departments be kept fully and currently informed regarding matters considered and acted upon by the Joint Chiefs of Staff. (Amends 10 U.S.C. 141)
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1975
President's Commission for the Protection of Human Subjects of Biomedical and Behavioral Research Act - Establishes, under the Public Health Service Act, the President's Commission for the Protection of Human Subjects of Biomedical and Behavorial Research. Sets forth the powers and duties of the Commission. Directs the Commission to: (1) conduct an investigation to identify the ethical principles which should underlie the conduct of biomedical and behavioral research involving human subjects; (2) develop guidelines to be followed in such research; and (3) make recommendations to the appropriate agency or department for such administrative action as may be appropriate to apply such guidelines to biomedical and behavioral research conducted or supported under programs administered by the appropriate agency or department. Requires the Commission to identify the requirements for informed consent to participation in biomedical and behavorial research by children, prisoners, military personnel, and the institutionalized mentally infirm. Directs the Commission to conduct an investigation and study of the use of psychosurgery in the United States during the five-year period ending December 31, 1972, and determine the appropriateness of its use. States that the Commission shall undertake a comprehensive study of the ethical, social, and legal implications of advances in biomedical and behavioral research and technology, including an analysis and evaluation of the implications of such advances both for individuals and for society. Transfers the functions, powers, and duties of the National Commission for the Protection of Human Subjects of Biomedical and Behavioral Research to the Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1975
Requires any person or firm to register with the Securities and Exchange Commission before issuing a tender offer under the Securities Exchange Act (presently foreign firms need not register). Provides that the making of a tender offer must be announced 60 days in advance.
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 1975
Electric Utility Regulatory Reform Act - Title I: General Provisions - States that the purpose of the Act is to reform specified aspects of electric utility regulation. Defines terms as used in the Act. Title II: Utility Rate Reform - Requires all electric utilities to implement peak-load pricing. Prohibits unjustified differences in rates to different classes of consumers. Specifies that costs such as advertising and fines shall not be treated as operating costs by the utilities. Title III: Utility Planning and Siting Reform - Requires electric utilities to prepare long-range plans for power supply facilities which include site selection. Provides that the plan shall be submitted to the appropriate regulatory authorities and shall be made available to the public. Directs the Federal Energy Commission to establish annual target rates for electric energy growth. Calls for sharing of facilities by utilities. Title IV: Reliability and Financial Aid to Utilities - Requires the Commission to establish reliability standards for the utilities. Provides for loan guarantees to utilities of no more than $200,000,000 with an overall limit of $2,000,000,000 on outstanding guarantees. Title V: Financial Assistance to State Regulatory Authorities - Authorizes the appropriation of $48,000,000 per year for grants to State regulatory authorities for specified purposes. Title VI: Federal Energy Commission - Establishes the Federal Electric Power Regulatory Commission to carry out the Federal functions under this Act and all functions of the Federal Power Commission. Terminates the Federal Power Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 1975
Provides that the inpatient hospital deductible under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act shall be increased from $40 to $92 in the case of any spell of illness beginning before 1977. Sets forth a formula for adjusting the impatient deductible for subsequent years, equal to $92 multiplied by the ratio of the current average per diem rate for inpatient hospital services for the preceding year to the current average per diem rate for such services for 1974.
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 1975
Food Stamp Reform Act - Eliminates the requirement, under the Food Stamp Act, that individuals receiving supplemental security income benefits under title XVI (grants to States for the Aged, Blind, or Disabled) of the Social Security Act shall not be considered eligible for food stamps if the supplemental income payments include the bonus value of food stamps. States that households in which a member is eligible to participate in the nutrition program for the elderly under the Older Americans Act, or is authorized to use coupons for meals on wheels, shall not be required to have cooking facilities. Modifies the eligibility standards for students. Lowers the work registration age limit for eligibility purposes from 65 to 60. States that the actual value of employer-provided housing (up to $25 per month) shall be taken into account for eligibility purposes. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture in computing eligibility to allow a standard deduction of $125 plus $25 for each elderly person, after deductions for disaster or casualty losses, taxes, and other mandatory deductions. Eliminates the purchase price requirement and establishes an income formula for determining eligibility. Requires the Secretary to carry out a nutrition education program for recipients, including distribution of printed materials designed to teach recipients how to buy and prepare nutritious and economical meals. States that wrongfully denied food coupons shall be restored through a lump-sum cash payment. Requires bilingual assistance to be made available in areas where numerous potentially eligibile persons speak a language other than English. Directs the Secretary to conduct a survey and report to Congress on the average and distribution of assets held by participants in the food stamp program. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out pilot experiments for purposes of increasing the programs' efficiency and improving the delivery of benefits to eligible households.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 1975
Expresses the sense of Congress that every person has a right to an adequate diet. Provides that recognition of this right should guide United States policy. Seeks to have all who are in need receive help through food assistance programs. Calls for this country to increase its assistance for self-help development among the world's poorest nations.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 1975
Subjects the surface use of mineral land locations within the National Park System to the regulation of the Secretary of the Interior. Repeals the application of mining laws to mining claims in specified national parks and monuments. Prohibits, for a three-year period, the disturbing of the surface of any national park land for mineral exploration or development. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to estimate the funds and manpower necessary to determine the validity of mining claims within the national parks and monuments with respect to which the mining laws are repealed by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1975
Allows a tax deduction under the Internal Revenue Code of up to $1000 for amounts paid by a taxpayer for tuition to provide an education for himself or for another individual.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 1975
Provides that the Export-Import Bank shall not approve assistance for the export of nuclear materials or technology to any nation not a party to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. Allows for exception to this provision when the President certifies to Congress that such transfer is required in the interest of national security.
United States · United States Congress · 8 September 1975
Directs the Senate Select Committee to Study Governmental Operations with respect to Intelligence Activities to investigate matters relating to the death of former President John F. Kennedy. Authorizes access to any information relating to the death of the former President. Requires the select committee to make a final report to the Senate at the earliest possible date.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1975
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare should withdraw its proposed Consolidated Procedural Rules for Administration and Enforcement of the Department's statutory responsibilities. States that if additional positions are required for enforcement of Civil Rights laws such need should be brought to the attention of the Senate. Directs the Office of Civil Rights to continue to make efforts to detect systematic discrimination including those areas relating to discrimination based on sex and handicap.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1975
Authorizes and directs the Secretary of Transportation to carry out a demonstration of a highway between Buffalo, New York, and Princeton, West Virginia. Directs that the Federal share of such project shall be 100 percent. Authorizes the appropriation of an amount not to exceed $90,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 1976 through 1986. Provides that such funds shall be taken from the Highway Trust Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1975
Extends the coal conversion program established by the Energy Supply and Environmental Coordination Act of 1974 for an additional year until June 30, 1976.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 1975
Authorizes supplemental expenditures through February 1976 by the Select Committee To Study Governmental Operations With Respect to Intelligence Agencies for an inquiry and investigation relating to the intelligence activities carried out by or on behalf of the Federal Government.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 1975
Provides, under title XX (Grants to States for Services) of the Social Security Act, that no State shall be required to administer individual means tests for provision of education, nutrition, transportation, recreation, socialization, or associated services provided thereunder to groups of low-income individuals aged sixty or older.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 1975
Title I: - Provides that benefits under the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act shall be payable in an amount equal to 60 percent of the daily rate of compensation (but not less than $12.70 per day nor more than $24.00 per day) to any qualified employee for each day of unemployment or sickness in excess of four during any registration period. Provides for enlargement of the extended benefit period for railroad employees leaving work involuntarily and with less than 10 years of service by up to 65 days otherwise compensable but for the fact that benefits have been exhausted for that benefit year. Sets forth a method for determining the beginning date of an extended benefit period. Increases the rate of employers' contributions to the railroad unemployment insurance account when the amount in such account drops below $300,000,000 on September 30 of any year. Decreases the qualifying period for first-year employees for railroad unemployment benefits from 7 to 5 months of railroad employment during such year. Title II: Amendments to the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 and the Railroad Retirement Tax Act - Authorizes to be appropriated from time to time such sums as may be necessary to provide for the expenses of the Board in administering the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1975
Expresses the disapproval of the United States Senate of attempts to expel Israel for the United Nations. States that if Israel is expelled the Senate will review United States commitments to the Third World nations involved in the expulsion and will consider the implication of continued membership in the United Nations.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 1975
Makes it a crime punishable by up to 10 years in prison, or a $5,000 fine, or both, to take a controlled substance, as defined by the Controlled Substances Act, from a registered pharmacy by force or intimidation.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 1975
Prohibits, under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare from: (1) establishing maximum limits on the potency of any synthetic or natural vitamin or mineral; (2) classifying any natural or synthetic vitamin or mineral as a drug solely because it exceeds the level of potency which the Secretary determines is nutritionally rational or useful; and (3) limiting the combination or number of any synthetic or natural vitamin, mineral or other ingredient of food within a food to which this Act applies. States that such restrictions do not apply in the case of a vitamin, mineral, or other ingredient of food represented for use by children or pregnant or lactating women. Defines food for purposes of this Act as meaning a food for special dietary use which is or contains any natural or synthetic vitamin or mineral and which is intended for ingestion in tablet, capsule, or liquid form. States that the labeling and advertising for such foods may not give prominence to or emphasize ingredients which are not vitamins, minerals, or a source thereof. Revises procedures for determining liability for misbranded foods. Directs the Secretary to consult and coordinate with the Federal Trade Commission before initiating actions with respect to any food to which this Act applies which is deemed misbranded because of its advertising.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 1975
Unemployment Compensation Amendments Act - Extends unemployment compensation coverage, under the Internal Revenue Code, to agricultural workers and domestic workers, in accordance with earnings levels as set forth in this Act. Extends such coverage to employees of State and local governments. Establishes Federal standards for eligibility for unemployment insurance benefits. Provides for the payment of benefits for 26 weeks based on an employment period of 20 weeks; for 39 weeks based on an employment period of 30 weeks; and for 52 weeks based on a 40 week employment period. States that the waiting period shall be not more than one week. Provides for retroactive payment to cover such period in the case of an individual who receives compensation for at least three weeks during a benefit year. Establishes Federal standards for amounts of unemployment insurance compensation. Declares that the State maximum weekly benefit amount must be no less than 100 percent of the statewide average weekly wage. Provides for partial payment of unemployment compensation to individuals employed on a part-time basis. Provides, under the Social Security Act, for Federal funding of a portion of the increased costs to States for the additional 26 weeks of unemployment insurance coverage provided by this Act. Increases the amount of wages subject to the Federal unemployment tax. Sets such taxable amount at $6,000 plus $2,000 annual increases for calendar years beginning after 1977, but with a ceiling of the contribution and benefit base as determined under the Social Security Act.
![Official portrait of Sen. Schweiker, Richard S. [R-PA]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/s000159_200.jpg)