United States · United States Congress · 21 June 1976
Veterans' Disability Compensation and Survivor Benefits Act - Title I: Veterans Disability Compensation - Increases generally specified dollar amounts paid to eligible disabled veterans by the Veterans' Administration. Makes an additional payment available to veterans having a wife or child who is helpless or blind, or so nearly helpless or blined as to need or require the regular aid and attendance of another person. Title II: Survivors Dependency and Indemnity Compensation - Increases generally specified dependency and indemnity compensation amounts paid to widows of eligible veterans and to children of deceased veterans not leaving a widow. Directs the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to carry out a detailed study of the dependency and indemnity compensation program. Title III: Other Disabled Veterans' Program Improvements - Increases the clothing allowance for specifified disabled veterans. Increases the maximum amount of mortgage protection life insurance the Administrator may issue for disabled veterans. Allows the Administrator to provide automobile adaptive equipment to disabled veterans from all wars rather than just wars since World War II. Authorizes the Administrator to pay the cost of transportation of deceased veterans who had service-connected disabilities to a national cemetery for burial. Title IV: Miscellaneous and Technical Amendments and Effective Date Provisions - Makes miscellaneous and technical amendments to title 38 (Veterans' Benefits) of the United States Code. Makes the provisions of this Act effective October 1, 1976.
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 1976
Amends the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act of 1973 to direct the President to prohibit petroleum marketers or distributors from reducing by more than ten percent the amount of refined petroleum products marketed within any State without prior notice to the Governor of such State. Limits the amount of any such reduction where prior notice is given to a 25 percent reduction over each six-month period. Exempts small marketers and distributors whose amount of business did not exceed one percent of the total market in such State. Exempts marketers engaged solely in the selling of refined petroleum products on a retail level to end users.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1976
Arts, Humanities, and Cultural Affairs Act - Title I: Arts and Humanities - Amends the National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities Act of 1965 to permit under the National Endowment for the Arts a grants-in-aid program grants and contracts with respect to international activities provided that the primary purpose of such grants and contracts is to support the arts in the United States. Restricts use of allotments made to States with approved plans to not more than 50 percent of the total cost of any project or production. Requires Senate approval of Presidential appointment of members to the National Council on the Arts and the National Council on the Humanities. Authorizes the Chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities to establish a grants- in-aid program to assist States in developing and promoting the humanities. Sets forth standards relating to program administration for plans submitted by States seeking assistance. Specifies a formula for alloting funds appropriated for grants-in-aid. Authorizes the appropriation to the National Endowment for the Arts and to the National Endowment for the Humanities of specified sums for fiscal years 1977 and 1978 and such funds as may be necessary for fiscal years 1979 and 1980. Revises the maximum amount which may be appropriated to such Endownments as grants of matching amounts received through donation, bequest, and devise. Title II: Museum Services Program - Museum Services Act- Establishes within the National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities an Institute for the Improvement of Museum Services, consisting of a National Museum Services Board and a Director of the Institute. Authorizes the Director, subject to the management of the Board, to make grants to museums to increase and improve museum services. Confers authority upon the Institute to accept grants, gifts, or bequests of money for immediate disbursement in furtherance of the functions of the Institute. Authorizes the appropriation of funds for grants by the Institute for fiscal years 1977 through 1980. Title III: Cultural Challenge Program - Authorizes the Chairman of the National Endownment for the Arts, with the advice of the National Council on the Arts, to establish a program of contracts with, or grants-in-aid to, public agencies and private nonprofit organizations for the purpose of assisting cultural organizations and institutions and promoting citizen involvement with such bodies. Authorizes the appropriation of funds through fiscal year 1980 to carry out such program. Title IV: Arts Education Program - Authorizes the Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts, with the advice of the National Council on the Arts, to make grants to, or enter into contracts with, appropriate public agencies and nonprofit organizations for the purpose of developing in-service training and retraining programs for arts education personnel and conducting demonstration projects of achievements in arts education. Authorizes the appropriation of funds through fiscal year 1980 to carry out such program. Title V: - Authorizes the Chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities, with the advice of the National Council on the Humanities, to make grants and enter into contracts pursuant to a Bicentennial Challenge Grant program designed to: (1) encourage citizen participation in democratic processes and institutions; (2) develop new approaches to solving problems of a social, political, and economic nature; and (3) develop new approaches for citizen involvement in the decision making process. Authorizes the appropriation of funds through fiscal year 1980 to carry out such program. Establishes an American Bicentennial Photography and Film Project under which assistance is to be provided (1) to State art agencies to suppor qualified photography and film projects and (2) directly to applicants for film or photography projects of special merit.
United States · United States Congress · 14 April 1976
Authorizes a taxpayer, under the Internal Revenue Code, to elect to treat qualified architectural and transportational barrier removal expenses which are paid or incurred during the taxable year as expenses which are not chargeable to capital account. Deems such expenses so treated as allowable tax deductible expenditures.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1976
Health Professions Educational Assistance Act - Title I: Extension of Current Authorities Through Fiscal Year 1977 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to extend appropriation authorizations for specified medical training and education programs through fiscal year 1977. Title II: General Provisions - Requires any entity providing health services to an area where large segments of the population are of limited English-speaking ability to emphasize the recruitment of health personnel speaking the language predominantly spoken by such segments of the population as a prerequisite to receiving assistance under such Act. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to encourage the development of cooperative interdisciplinary training among health professions schools, emphasizing the use of the team approach to the delivery of health services and the training and utilization of auxiliary personnel. Title III: Student Assistance - Limits student medical education loans, in each academic year, to the cost of tuition for that year and $2,500. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish a program of student loan insurance for students in eligible health professions schools. Establishes ceilings on the total principal amount of new loans made and installments paid pursuant to lines of credit to students covered by Federal loan insurance in fiscal years 1978 through 1980. Sets forth annual insurable limits per student based on the kind of medical school attended. Stipulates conditions student borrowers must meet to be eligible for federally insured student loans and sets forth the terms of such loans. Allows eligible lenders to apply to the Secretary for a certificate of insurance covering a medical education loan made by such lender to an eligible student and setting forth the amount and terms of the insurance. Directs an insurance beneficiary to notify the Secretary promptly of any default by a student borrower. Authorizes the Secretary, upon request or the Secretary's own motion, to pay to the beneficiary the amount of the loss sustained by the insured upon the student loan. Authorizes the Secretary to reduce payment for health services to borrowers who are practicing their professions but have defaulted on their loans in amounts up to the remaining balance of such loans. Establishes a student loan insurance fund to be available to the Secretary for the purpose of making payments in connection with the default of student loans. Stipulates that the Secretary may sue and be sued in any appropriate Federal or State court in any civil action arising in connection with student medical education loans without regard to the amount in controversy. Grants Federal credit unions the power to make insured medical education loans to student members in accordance with these provisions. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to public or nonprofit private health professions schools for scholarships to be awarded by such schools to students who are of exceptional financial need and who are in their first year of postbaccalaureate study. Title IV: National Health Service Corps - Directs the Secretary to designate annually areas, population groups, and medical or public facilities, as health manpower shortage areas. Authorizes the Secretary to assign members of the National Health Service Corps to provide health services to such areas upon approval of an application by an appropriate entity for such assignment. Requires as a condition to approval that the entity enter into a cost sharing agreement for a specific assignment period. Requires the Secretary to submit to Congress an annual report on specified aspects of the Corp's activities and the cost sharing and health services operations. Directs the Secretary to establish the National Health Service Corps Scholarship Program to assure an adequate supply of health professionals for the National Health Service Corps. Lists conditions of eligibility for such Program. Requires each participant to serve in the Corps for a period of one year for each year a scholarship is received under such Program. Allows the Secretary to release an individual from such obligation if such individual applies for release and enters into a written agreement with the Secretary to engage in a full-time private clinical practice in an area which has been designated as a health manpower shortage area for a period of one year for each year a scholarship was received under the Program. Requires participants in such Program to enter into a written contract with the Secretary. Entitles the United States to recover damages in the event of a breach of the participant's contractual obligations, such damages to be computed according to the formula specified. Title V: Postgraduate Physician Training - Establishes in the Public Health Service the National Council on Postgraduate Physician Training to conduct studies and other activities relevant to postgraduate training of physicians, including assessments of: (1) physician specialty distribution in the United States; (2) the need for financial support for postgraduate physician training; (3) the service needs of hospitals and other health institutions; (4) the educational component of postgraduate physician training programs; and (5) the impact of practice in the United States by graduates of foreign medical schools. Directs the Secretary to divide the United States into ten regions, establishing in each a Regional Council on Postgraduate Training within the region served by such Council. Directs the Secretary, upon the recommendation of each regional council, to certify annual postgraduate physician training positions in entities which directly provide such training within the region served by the regional council. Prohibits any entity which maintains uncertified postgraduate training positions from receiving financial assistance under the Public Health Service Act, or the Mental Retardation Facilities and Community Mental Health Centers Construction Act of 1963. Makes it unlawful for any person subject to these provisions to knowingly establish or maintain residency training positions contrary to such provisions. Subjects violators to a civil penalty of not more than $10,000 for each violation. Title VI: Foreign Medical Graduates - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to make specified preference immigrant aliens who graduate from a medical school and are coming to the United States principally to perform services as members of the medical profession ineligible to receive visas or to be admitted into the United States. Increases restrictions on granting immigrant visas to foreign medical professionals who were previously granted educational visitor status while attending a health professions school in the United States. Title VII: Standards for State Licensure of Physicians or Dentists - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary to: (1) develop and establish model standards for State licensure of physicians and dentists; (2) prepare examinations for licensing and procedures for relicensing of physicians and dentists; and (3) develop appropriate standards for continuing education programs for physicians and dentists. Requires the Secretary to submit a report no later than October 1, 1978, jointly to the Committee of Labor and PUblic Welfare of the Senate and to the Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce of the House of Representatives on minimum standards for State licensure of physicians and dentists. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to State agencies to assist in the establishment of State systems for the initial licensure and subsequent renewals of licensure for physicians and dentists. Title VIII: Grants for Schools of Medicine, Osteopathy, and Dentistry - Revises the method of calculating the amount of annual capitation grants to schools of medicine, osteopathy, and dentistry to support their educational programs. Prohibits such grants unless the applicant for aid gives assurances that student enrollment and the level of non-Federal aid will not be less than in the previous year. Requires medical schools receiving grants to reserve a specified percentage of places for full-time students who have applied for scholarships under such Act. Requires such schools to reserve a specified percentage of their filled residencies in family practice, primary internal medicine, primary pediatrics, primary obstetrics, and gynecology. Requires dental schools receiving grants to develop, establish, and operate a Training in Expanded Auxiliary Management program (T.E.A.M.) to train dental students in the organization and management of multiple auxiliary dental-team practice. Title IX: Grants for Schools of Veterinary Medicine, Optometry, Pharmacy, and Podiatry - Directs the Secretary to make annual grants to schools of veterinary medicine, optometry, pharmacy, and podiatry to support their educational programs. Sets forth the method of calculating the amount of such annual grants. Requires schools of pharmacy to include in their applications the assurance that they will provide each student with a training program in clinical pharmacy. Requires schools of veterinary medicine to include in their applications the assurance that their clinical training will emphasize predominantly care to food and fibre producing animals. Title X: Public Health and Health Care Administration - Directs the Secretary to make annual capitation grants to schools of public health for the support of their educational programs. Directs the Secretary to make annual grants to public or nonprofit private entities (except schools of public health) to support their graduate educational programs in health administration and health planning, including schools of social work). Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to assist schools of public health and specified other public nonprofit educational entities in meeting the costs of special projects in: (1) biostatistics or epidemiology; (2) health administration, health planning, or health policy analysis and planning; and (3) environmental or occupational health. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to such schools and entities for traineeships. Title XI: Allied Health Personnel - Directs the Secretary to make grants and enter into contracts to assist eligible entities in meeting the costs of activities undertaken with respect to: (1) methods of regional coordination and management of education and training for allied health personnel within and among educational institutions and their clinical affiliates; (2) methods for retraining allied health personnel; (3) meaningful career ladders for practicing allied health personnel; and (4) new or improved methods of credentialing allied health personnel. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to public and nonprofit private entities for traineeships provided by such entities for the advanced training programs for such personnel or for service in administrative or supervisory positions. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to and enter into contracts with schools of allied health and specified other entities to assist in meeting the costs of aiding students or potential students who are financially or otherwise disadvantaged. Title XII: Special Project Grants and Contracts - Authorizes the Secretary to make grants and enter into contracts with any public or nonprofit entity to carry out special projects related to: (1) programs for physician assistance and expanded functional auxiliaries; (2) educational assistance to individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds; (3) start up grants; (4) area health education center programs; (5) financial distress assistance to medical schools; (6) grants for training, traineeships, and fellowships in primary internal medicine and primary pediatrics; (7) human behavior and psychiatry in medical and dental practice; (8) speech pathology and audiology; (9) humanism in health care; (10) biomedical educational programs; (11) education of U.S. citizens returning from foreign medical schools; (12) grants for bilingual health clinical training centers; (13) projects grants and contracts for schools of optometry, pharmacy, and podiatry; (14) grants to schools of social work in health care; (15) health manpower development grants and contracts; (16) health professions data; (17) environmental health educational grants; (18) health problems relating to women; (19) regional health professions schools; (20) primary dental care development; (21) U.S. citizens who have completed medical training abroad; (22) psychology training programs; (23) implications of advances in biomedical research; (24) dietetic residencies; and (25) regional systems of continuing education. Title XIII: Occupational Health Training and Education Centers - Directs the Secretary to make grants to assist public nonprofit colleges or universities to establish and operate occupational health training and education centers through cooperative arrangements between schools of medicine and schools of public health. Title XIV: Assistance for Construction of Primary Health Care Teaching Facilities - Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to a public or nonprofit private entity to assist in the construction of ambulatory care teaching facilities for the training of physicians and dentists. Title XV: Miscellaneous - Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to public and nonprofit private schools of nursing and other private entities to establish and operate programs to train and educate nurse practitioners, pediatric nurses, and physician assistants who are residents of urban or rural underserved areas. Authorizes the appropriation of specified amounts in fiscal years 1978 through 1980 to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1976
Energy Conservation Research and Development Act - Declares it the purpose of this Act to establish an energy conservation program through the development of new technologies designed to reduce consumption by small energy consumers and organizations that influence energy consumption. Title I: State Energy Conservation Research and Development Institutes - Authorizes the Administrator of the Energy Research and Development Administration to assist the States in establishing and operating energy research, development, and demonstration institutes. Authorizes the expenditure of additional funds to the institutes for special projects which would not otherwise be undertaken, provided such funds are matched on a dollar-for-dollar basis by non-Federal sources. Lists requirements and qualifications for such institutes. Authorizes the Administrator to establish additional rules and regulations, and to encourage cooperation between the institutes and other organizations. Directs the Administrator to submit an annual progress report to Congress with regard to projects financed under this title. Title II: Cooperative Energy Conservation Extension Service - Directs the Administrator to submit to Congress a cooperative energy conservation plan, including the creation of a Cooperative Energy Conservation Service. Details requirements for such a plan, including a list of services to be offered by the Conservation Service. Requires congressional action before the plan becomes finalized. Title III: Authorizing Appropriations - Authorizes the appropriation of $100,000 to each State for the establishment of the institutes during fiscal year 1977. Authorizes $250,000 to each State for each of the fiscal years 1978 through 1980, inclusive, for such purposes. Authorizes the appropriation of the following sums for special energy conservation projects of such institutes: $5,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, $6,000,000 for fiscal year 1978, $7,000,000 for fiscal year 1979, and $7,500,000 for fiscal year 1980. Authorizes the appropriation of $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1977 and 1978, for the establishment of the Cooperative Energy Conservation Extension Service.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1976
Amends the Postal Reorganization Act to direct the United States Postal Service to hold a public hearing prior to deciding whether to close or consolidate any post office. Permits any person served by any post office which the Postal Service has decided to close or consolidate to appeal such decision to any court of appeals of the United States. Empowers a court of appeals to set aside or affirm an appealed determination but prohibits the court from modifying it. Removes the Postmaster General and Deputy Postmaster General from the Board of Governors of the Postal Service. Designates the Postmaster General head of the Postal Service. Requires appointment of the Postmaster General and Deputy Postmaster General by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. Sets the salaries for such officials at specified Executive Schedule pay rates. Specifies the number of Assistant Postmasters General, and sets the salaries for such officials and other officers of the Postal Service. Repeals the authority of the Postal Service Board of Governors to direct and control the expenditures and review the practices and policies of the Postal Service. Delegates to the Postmaster General direct responsibility to transmit the annual report to Congress and the President concerning the operation of the Postal Service.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1976
Expresses the sense of Congress that the negotiations between Southern Railway and Chessie System on one hand and railway labor organizations on the other should be resumed, with the assistance of the Secretaries of Labor and Transportation.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1976
Amends the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to allow the Secretary of Labor to waive specified regulations regarding State plans for vocational rehabilitation services in order to demonstrate and evaluate the effectiveness of alternative organizational structures designed to improve delivery of such services.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1976
Law Enforcement Improvement Act - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to direct the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration to provide constructive leadership and direction in the formulation of federally funded State plans for law enforcement. Allows State and local judiciaries to establish their own planning committees to plan the judicial needs of the State, such committee to work closely with the State law enforcement planning agency in developing a judicial plan consistent with the State's overall comprehensive crime reduction plan. Entitles States to Federal grants for law enforcement purposes only if the comprehensive State plans include provisions for improving the availability and quality of justice and developing programs designed to prevent crime against the elderly. Authorizes cities, urban counties, or local government units to submit their own comprehensive crime reduction plans to the State planning agency for approval by such agency. Charges the Administration with the primary responsibility of evaluating the effectiveness of State plans it approves. Directs the Administration to fund State planning agencies for the purpose of funding the State's judicial planning committee if such committee has filed a multiyear comprehensive plan meeting specified requirements. Authorizes additional funds to areas characterized by high crime rates and serious court congestion. Removes the funding priority previously given programs to control riots and other civil disorders and grants priority to programs designed to reduce court backlogs and improve judicial efficiency. Directs the National Institute of Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice to assist the Administration in its evaluation and assistance functions under this Act. Requires the Administration to establish rules and regulations to assure the proper auditing, monitoring and evaluation of programs funded under such Act. Extends the authorization for carrying out programs under such Act to 1978. Authorizes the Attorney General to establish an Advisory Board to the Administration to review programs for grants under such Act. Specifies subjects to be included in the Administration's annual report to the President and Congress, including its policies and priorities for reducing crime, its evaluation procedures, the number of State plans approved and disapproved, and the number of programs discontinued. Allows the Committees on the Judiciary in both Houses of Congress to conduct public hearings to review and examine the activities of the Administration. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as are necessary, with specified limitations, for fiscal years 1976-1978 to carry out the provisions of such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 1976
Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to establish the support price of milk at not less than 80 percent of the parity price and to provide for quarterly adjustments of the support price by the Secretary of Agriculture to reflect the change in the index of prices paid by farmers for production items, interest, taxes, and wage rates. Directs that such adjustments shall not result in a support price which is less than 80 percent of the parity price. Provides that such adjustment authority shall expire on March 31, 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1976
Alaskan Natural Gas Pipeline Authorization Act - Expresses the intent of Congress that the Alaskan natural gas pipeline be constructed promptly, without further administrative or judicial delay or impediment. Declares that the most efficient and economical method available for the transportation of Alaskan natural gas is a pipeline system from northern Alaska, across Canada, to the lower forty-eight States. Directs the Federal Power Commission to issue all necessary permits and authorizations in order to expedite the construction and operation of such pipeline within 60 days of the date of enactment of this Act. Grants the holders of such permits the powers of eminent domain under the Natural Gas Act. Directs the Secretary of the Interior and other appropriate Federal officials to issue all necessary permits and to take appropriate action within 60 days to expedite the enforcement of all rights-of-way related to the construction and operation of such pipeline. Requires compliance with requirements of the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920 relating to rights-of-way for pipelines through Federal lands. Exempts such pipeline from requirements concerning (1) environmental protection, (2) technical and financial capacity of applicants, (3) public hearings, (4) licensing requirements for crude oil under the Export Administration Act of 1969, and (5) furnishing of specified information and reports. Authorizes the Secretary and the Commission to waive procedural requirements of Federal law where desirable to accomplish the purposes of this Act. Declares that (1) the actions of Federal officers and agencies under this Act and (2) the legal or factual sufficiency of any environmental statement relative to such pipeline under provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, shall not be subject to judicial review by the Courts. Allows for claims that (1) this Act is unconstitutional; (2) actions under this Act will deny Constitutional rights; and (3) actions taken are beyond the scope of authority conferred by this Act, provided that such claims are filed within sixty days following the date of the challenged action. Declares that exclusive jurisdiction shall be vested in the United States district courts, and that review of any final order shall be had only upon direct appeal to the United States Supreme Court. Declares that the district court shall not have the power to issue injunctive relief against the issuance of any certificate, except in cases where a final judgment is entered. Recognizes that approval by the Government of Canada is necessary in order to construct such pipeline. Declares it to be in the national interest of the United States to cooperate with Canada should such approval be forthcoming. Declares that authorizations issued pursuant to this Act shall grant no immunity from Federal antitrust laws.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1976
Requires the appointment of an optometrist to the National Professional Standards Review Council and the participation by optometrists in the activities of local professional standards review organizations pursuant to the requirement of title XI of the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1976
National Forest Timber Management Reform Act - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish standards for future timber sales from national forests consistent with the criteria set forth in this Act. Requires that timber sales be made only from stable lands which are capable of regenerating a commercial stand of timber. Requires that minimum reforestation requirements be included in such standards. Imposes quantity sales limitations on timber sales in order to prevent the quantity and quality of timber from declining. Directs the Secretary to establish standards for maximum utilization of all trees sold from the national forests. Requires a complete interdisciplinary review from an environmental, biological, engineering, and economic standpoint of all proposed timber sales of $5,000 or more in national forests. Directs the Secretary to make public at least 60 days prior to each sale a brief statement as to the consistency of such proposed cut with principles of multiple use. Requires that the Secretary impose limitations on clearcutting practices in national forests. Prohibits the Secretary from allowing the cutting of immature trees except where the cutting of such trees: (1) conforms to specified forest management purposes; (2) achieves an even age distribution in southern pine forests; and (3) in connection with clearcuts where the stand of trees is predominantly of mature trees. Prohibits the cutting and removal of any tree from national forests unless such tree has been properly marked. Authorizes clearcuts without marking of individual trees in accordance with standards to be promulgated by the Secretary. Requires that the Secretary evaluate and limit the effects of proposed conversions of plant communities within natural forests. Prohibits contracts for the cutting of timber in national forests for more than a three-year period. Prohibits the use of DDT and other chlorinated hydrocarbons by the Secretary in the national forests for pest control purposes. Requires that the Secretary and the Forest Service take steps to preserve the natural ecosystems, soil resources, and fish and wildlife resources in national forests. Requires the preparation of a multiple use-sustained yield management plan for each national forest. Requires the establishment of a cost accounting system for future timber sales, to include indirect and direct administrative costs with respect to growth and reforestation of timber as well as sales. Allows States and localities to elect to receive payments from the Secretary of Agriculture based on the amount of specified public lands within the boundaries of such governmental units in lieu of the sum of amounts made available to States and localities under other provisions of Federal law.
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
Veterans Omnibus Health Care Act - Title I: General Veterans Health Care and Department of Medicine and Surgery Amendments - Requires cost studies to determine the actual cost of travel to or from Veterans' Administration health facilities incurred by veterans. Provides for the inclusion of transportation and incidental expenses within the term "domiciliary care" for purposes of such care reimbursed by the Veterans' Administration for veterans unable to defray the expense of transportation. Sets presumptions related to disability for veterans interred as prisoners of war. Specifies that the disability of a veteran interred for more than six months as a prisoner of war shall be deemed to have been incurred in active service under specified conditions. Sets eligibility standards for veterans under which the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs is authorized to furnish readjustment professional counseling and to make psychological assessments. Authorizes the Administrator to contract for rehabilitative services through private industry or other sources outside the Veterans' Administration in providing for therapeutic work for remuneration for patients and members of the Armed Services in Veterans' Administration health care facilities. Establishes as a revolving fund in the Treasury the Veterans' Administration Special Therapeutic and Rehabilitative Activities Fund to maintain operating accounts to serve rehabilitative activities under this title. Provides for preventive health care services for veterans with service- connected disabilities. Institutes procedures for the protection of patient rights of veterans. Directs the Administrator to prescribe regulations establishing procedures to ensure that all medical and prosthetic research carried out shall be carried out only with the full and informed consent of the patient or his representative. Provides for the confidentiality of medical records pertaining to veterans covered by this Act. Prohibits Veterans' Administration health care facilities from discriminating against alcohol and drug abusers suffering from medical disabilities in admission or treatment. Title II: Veterans Drug and Alcohol Treatment and Rehabilitation Amendments - Veterans Drug and Alcohol Treatment and Rehabilitation Act - Finds alcoholism and alcohol abuse to be among the most pervasive untreated diseases and disabilities afflicting the United States. Declares that the onset of such conditions often occur during military service. Directs the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to carry out specialized medical programs providing inpatient treatment and rehabilitative services on a nationwide basis to eligible veterans suffering from alcoholic disability. Provides for special medical treatment and rehabilitative services for drug dependence or drug abuse disabilities. Authorizes the Administrator to furnish special medical treatment and rehabilitative services and domiciliary care to any veteran with a drug abuse disability. Directs the Administrator to give priority to community-based, multiple-modality treatment programs in furnishing treatment under this title. Title III: Medical Technical and Conforming Amendments - Veterans Medical Technical and Conforming Amendments - Authorizes the Administrator to furnish hospital care which he determines is needed to a veteran of any war or of service after January 31, 1955, for non-service-connected disability if he is unable to defray the expenses of necessary nursing home care. Makes various technical and conforming amendments relating to medical care for veterans.
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
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt farmers from the highway use tax on heavy trucks if the farmer (1) uses such vehicle primarily for farming purposes, and (2) is not a corporation with gross receipts in excess of $950,000 or with gross receipts more than 50 percent of which are from activities other than farming.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1976
Congressional Office of Regulatory Policy Oversight Act - Sets forth the findings of Congress that the Federal regulatory system has a substantial impact on the economic, natural, and social environment and that Congress presently lacks a system for timely analysis and approval or disapproval of regulatory activities. Title I: Establishment of Office - Establishes the Congressional Office of Regulatory Policy Oversight within the legislative branch of the Government. Establishes the Regulatory Policy Oversight Board to manage the Office. Requires the Office to analyze probable beneficial and adverse impacts of major regulatory action and to develop specific recommendations to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of regulatory agency activities. Directs the Office to provide assistance to any Congressional committee charged with overseeing any regulatory agency. Requires the Director of the Office to report annually to the Congress his recommendations to improve the efficiency of the regulatory process. States that the Board shall consist of twelve Members of Congress and the Director of the Office of Regulatory Policy Oversight. Lists the Director's responsibilities including: (1) determining the extent to which regulatory agencies are conforming to the purposes and intent of Congress as stated in the findings of this Act; and (2) reviewing agency regulations and recommending amendments to such regulations. Requires that each regulatory agency develop, within one year of the date of enactment of this Act, a long-term plan for continuing implementation of the statutes, programs, and activities for which it is responsible. Requires the Director to investigate the qualifications and possible conflicts of interests of any person nominated to serve as a member of a regulatory agency. Prescribes criminal penalties for any person who without authorization makes public any information held by the Office pursuant to such investigation. Requires the Director to make public any information necessary to keep the public fully informed. Sets forth guidelines for protecting personal privacy and trade secrets while making such disclosures. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act. Restricts the maximum number of employees of the Office to 100. Title II: Congressional Oversight of Regulatory Activity - Defines the terms used in this Act. Requires all proposed rules by regulatory agencies which involve a significant question concerning the implementation of the law to be transmitted to the Congress for its consideration. Makes such rules effective 15 days after submission unless an appropriate committee recommends a review of such rule. Directs the Office to investigate all such rules submitted to Congress, when in the opinion of the Board such rule poses a substantial question of law or policy which merits the consideration of Congress. Stipulates that such investigation shall consider the probable effects of such rule including its effects on: (1) the economy; (2) other government programs; (3) State regulatory efforts; and (4) full employment and price stability. Directs the Office to recommend to the appropriate oversight committee approval, disapproval, or modification of the rule reviewed. Permits the President to make recommendations concerning such rules. Requires the Office to review the procedures of regulatory agencies and make appropriate recommendations on policy and procedures.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1976
Increases the estate tax exemption under the Internal Revenue Code from $60,000 to $200,000 of the value of the gross estate. Increases the limitation on the aggregate marital deduction to 50 percent of the adjusted gross value of the estate, plus $100,000. Allows an executor to value farmland, woodland, and scenic open land at its current use value rather than at its fair market value.
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 1975
Revises rule XVI of the Standing Rules of the Senate in order to allow three members of the Committee on Labor and Public Welfare to serve as ex officio members of the Committee on Appropriations when the annual appropriations bill making appropriations for specified organizations including the Department of Labor,the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, the National Science Foundation, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and the Legal Services Corporation is considered.
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 · 8 December 1975
Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to distribute funds in the amount of $925,000 to Recording for the Blind, Incorporated, to assist such corporation in carrying out specified projects. Requires that, prior to the receipt of such funds, the corporation provide satisfactory assurance that appropriate fiscal control and fund accounting procedures will be adopted.
United States · United States Congress · 2 December 1975
Continues the present rates of specified taxes, pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code, used to provide revenue to the Highway Trust Fund until September 30, 1979. Continues the Highway Trust Fund created by the Highway Revenue Act until September 30, 1979.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1975
Provides, under the Public Health Service Act, that the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, in cooperation with appropriate professional entities and individuals, shall establish within one year standards with respect to preventive health care for identifiable populations within health programs funded Under such Act. States that such standards shall be developed to identify populations in need and to maintain population-directed preventive health programs.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1975
Revises rule XIV of the Standing Rules of the Senate to provide that it shall not be in order to consider any bill or joint resolution authorizing new budget authority exceeding $1,000,000 in its five-year cost unless the report accompanying such bill contains assessments by the Comptroller General of the United States of the language of such bill and joint resolution in relation to legislative goals.
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
Veterans Cost-of-Instruction Extension Act - Extends for thirty-nine months (until September 30, 1978) the veterans cost-of- instruction program under the Higher Education Act. Requires a report for each fiscal year by institutions assisted under such Act to the Commissioner of Education on such programs. Requires the Commissioner to appoint a head of an identifiable administrative unit, directly responsible to the Commissioner, to carry out functions related to such programs.
United States · United States Congress · 10 November 1975
Veterans and Survivors Pension Reform Act - Title I: Reform of the Non-Service-Connected Pension Program for Veterans and Their Survivors - Creates a pension system within the Veterans' Administration applicable to all veterans, widows of veterans, and dependent parents who, subsequent to October 1, 1976, are or become eligible for a Veterans' Administration non-service-connected pension. Provides for a restructuring of the need-based pension program of the Veterans' Administration. Provides for a level of income for veterans and their survivors which is above the minimum subsistence level. Establishes a basic minimum level of income for all eligible veterans and dependents at $2,700 for single pensioners and $3,900 for pensioners with dependents. Provides for a method of computing a pension for those veterans with little or no income. Title II: Adjustments in Current Statutory Pension Provisions - Defines terms used in this Act. Revises the catagories of spouse, widow, and surviving spouse for purposes of the changes in rates in this Act. Presents a schedule by month for such rates. Title III: Reform of Dependency and Indemnity Compensation for Parents - Revises the schedule for determining dependency and indemnity compensation rates under the Veterans' Administration. Title IV: Adjustments in Current Statutory Provisions Relating to Dependency and Indemnity Compensation for Parents - Sets forth schedules for the payment of monthly dependency and indemnification compensation to the parents of veterans. Title V: Miscellaneous and Effective Dates - Makes the effective date of this Act October 1, 1976.
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 1975
Dairy and Meat Import Inspection and Identification Act - Establishes labeling and sanitation requirements for imported meat and dairy products. Title I: Dairy Products - Defines terms as used in this title. Directs that no dairy products shall be imported into the United States unless the Secretary of Agriculture first certifies that such products are wholesome and pure. Requires the Secretary to establish standards comparable to standards imposed upon domestic dairy products. Provides that such imports must comply with United States packaging and labeling requirements. Requires that the package or container of any food product made in whole or in part of imported dairy products shall be labeled "imported" or "imported in part". Establishes criminal penalties for violation of the requirements of this Act. Title II: Meat and Meat Products - Imposes the same labeling requirements on meat products as those imposed by title I of this Act. Requires that such products meet the same health standards as imposed upon domestically produced meats. Requires that inspectors employed by the Department of Agriculture supervise the testing of imported meats. Directs that periodic tests of imported meats shall be conducted in the United States by the Department of Agriculture.
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
Veterans Housing Amendments Act - Extends entitlement to Veterans' Administration housing benefits to veterans whose active duty service occurred between World War II and the Korean conflict, and who meet the requirements of this Act. Increases the maximum Veterans' Administration guaranty on loans for mobile homes to 50 percent (presently 30 percent). Makes permanent the revolving fund authorized to the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs for direct housing loans. (Adds 38 U.S.C. 1807; Amends 38 U.S.C. 1811, 1819, and 1823)
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1975
Provides for the furnishing of outpatient rehabilitation services under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act. Defines rehabilitation facilities, services, and outpatient rehabilitation services for purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 1975
Lobbying Act - Declares it to be the purpose of this Act to provide for the disclosure to the Congress, the executive branch, and to all members of the public of the efforts of organizations and individuals who are paid to engage in efforts to influence issues before Congress or the executive branch, without intefering with the right of the people of the United States to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. Defines terms used in this Act. States that the term "lobbying" means the making of "lobbying communications" or "lobbying solicitations", as such terms are defined in this Act. Defines the term "lobbyist" to mean any person or organization which receives any income other than personal travel expenses and other specified income: (1) to make or for making in any quarterly period one or more lobbying communications; or (2) to make or for making in any quarterly period one or more lobbying solicitations which refer to the same issue or issues before the Congress or the executive branch and which reach, or may reasonably be expected to reach, a total of five hundred or more persons. Makes a further definition of the term "lobbyist" to include any organization which conducts specified activities designed to affect the outcome of legislation. Requires each person to register with the Comptroller General of the United States not later than 15 days after becoming a lobbyist. States that such registration shall contain the identification of the lobbyist, and the identification of the subject matter of each category of issues before the Congress or executive branch, which the lobbyist expects to seek to influence. Requires each lobbyist to disclose each organization from which he received income during the 12-month period preceding the filing. Requires voluntary membership organizations to approximate the number of persons who are members of the organization, and to describe the methods which the organization expects to use. States that such registrations shall also include: (1) an identification of each person on whose behalf the lobbyist's services have been retained; (2) a description of the financial terms and conditions under which the lobbyist is retained by each such person; and (3) an identification of each individual to whom, as of the date of filing, the lobbyist expects to provide income (other than personal travel expenses) to make one or more lobbying communications. States that such registration shall be effective for 12 months. Requires each lobbyist and person retaining a lobbyist to maintain such financial and other records as the Comptroller General shall prescribe. States that such records shall be subject to examinations by the Comptroller General. Requires each lobbyist to file quarterly reports with the Comptroller General covering the lobbyist's activities during that period. Sets forth the information required to be included in such report. Enumerates the powers of the Comptroller General pursuant to the enforcement of the provisions of this Act. Grants the Comptroller General the power to subpena witnesses and documentary evidence. Sets forth the duties of the Comptroller General pursuant to this Act. States that the Comptroller General shall make available to the public the information contained in the registration and reports filed by lobbyists under this Act. Directs the Comptroller General, in response to a written request by any person, to render an advisory opinion with respect to the recordkeeping, registration, or reporting requirements of this Act. Directs the Comptroller General to investigate any apparent violation of this Act when it appears that any person has engaged, or is about to engage in, any acts or practices which would constitute a violation of this Act. Authorizes the Comptroller General to correct such violations by informal means, or, that failing, by legal action. Sets forth rules of procedure with respect to legal actions brought to enforce the provisions of this Act. Establishes civil penalties consisting of fines of up to $10,000 per day for each day of violation of the provisions of this Act. Requires the Comptroller General to report to the President and to Congress annually with respect to its activities and functions under this Act. Repeals the Federal Regulation of Lobbying Act. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to carry out this Act.
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
Rail Rehabilitation Act - Title I: Findings, Purpose, and Definitions - States that the purposes of this Act are to designate an Interstate Railroad System; to organize an Administration of the Department of Transportation to acquire, rehabilitate, maintain, modernize, and to restructure the rail lines included within such system; to transfer to the States responsibility for maintenance of rail lines not included within such system; to require minimum standards of maintenance for rail lines; to establish rights of access by rail carriers to rail lines they do not own; and to provide Federal funding to the Administration and to States for rehabilitation of rail lines. Defines terms used in the Act. Title II: Interstate Railroad System - Requires each rail carrier to provide the Security of Transportation with specified data describing the current condition of the railroad, and with a verified statement identifying all railroad lines of the carrier. Designates the Initial Interstate Railroad System, and rail lines which shall be excluded from such system. Directs the Rail Services Planning Office to hold hearings and recommend additions to and deletions from such system. Requires the Secretary, after giving full consideration to such recommendations, to prepare and release a concise descriptive study of an Intermediate Interstate Railroad system, including future maintenance standards of each rail line in the System. States that after hearings and recommendations by the Office, the Secretary shall prepare and submit to the Congress a final Interstate Railroad System Plan designed to promote and enhance the ability of rail carriers to provide modern, efficient, and economical interstate rail freight and passenger service responsive to present and future needs and demands. Requires the Secretary to determine and publish a rehabilitation, capital improvement, and maintenance program for the restoration of all rail lines in the System to the future maintenance standards set forth in the Final System. Stipulates that rail properties acquired by the National Railroad Passenger Corporation shall be part of the final system. Directs the Administrator of the Federal Rail Property Administration to revise the future maintenance standards so long as such revision reflects changes in the anticipated use of the individual lines. Title III: Federal Rail Property Administration - Establishes in the Department of Transportation the Federal Rail Property Administration. Grants the Administration power to acquire rail lines and property and to enter into leases with a railroad company which deeds rail lines to the Administration. Sets forth conditions governing such leases. Permits railroads to offer to transfer all facilities which are included in the system to the Administration, whereupon the Administration shall enter into a lease and accept title to the facilities so offered. Requires the Secretary to develop programs of rehabilitation and capital improvements for rail properties owned by the Administration. States that such programs shall be incorporated into and be made terms of the lease of such property. Directs the Administrator to report annually to the President and to Congress on the extend and condition of all properties owned by the Administration, and on the condition of all other rail properties in the Nation. Title IV: Funding - Authorizes appropriations, for each year beginning with the year in which this Act is enacted and continuing for a period of ten years, of such sums as are necessary for (1) rehabilitation of lines as required under this Act, and (2) to provide the materials used in maintenance as required under this Act. Imposes a Rail User Charge on all railroads operating on facilities of the Administration. Authorizes additional sums of money for reports, expenses, and maintenance materials. Title V: State and Local Rail Service Discontinuance and Abandonment - Permits abandonment of rail service on properties not designated part of the final system. Sets forth conditions governing discontinuation of service. Title VI: Labor Contracts - States that all contracts between rail carries and labor organizations for maintenance of properties transferred to the Association shall remain in full force, notwithstanding any other provision of this Act. Title VII: Northeast Corridor - Directs the National Railroad Passenger Corporation to operate high speed rail passenger service in the Northeast Corridor. Authorizes appropriations for improvement of the Northeast Corridor. Title VIII: Branch Line Protection - Requires the Secretary of Transportation to provide financial assistance to achieve specified objectives, including: (1) rail service continuation subsidies in conformance with a State rail plan approved by the Secretary; and (2) acquisition and modernization of rail properties by a State or by a local or regional transportation authority in conformance with a State rail plan approved by the Secretary. Requires the Interstate Commerce Commission to issue new certificates of public convenience and necessity to rail lines which meet minimum safety standards and which have revenues equal to or in excess of avoidable costs plus return on investment for two years.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1975
Private Individuals' Postal Rate Relief Act - States that the rate of postage for letters of private individuals within any class of mail for transmission of letters sealed against inspection shall not exceed 10 cents per ounce per letter. Excludes any letter mailed by a corporation, company, business, association, proprietorship, professional entity, partnership, institution, organization or governmental unit from such provision. Provides a civil fine of $2,500 for each use of the private individuals' reduced rate without authorization.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 1975
Provides that the Gaysville Dam and Lake project, Stockbridge, Chittenden, and Rochester, Vermont, as authorized by the Flood Control Act, is not authorized after the date of enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 1975
Establishes the Joint Congressional Task Force on Federal Small Business Impact to be composed of one majority and one minority Member from the House Small Business Committee, the Senate Select Committee on Small Business, and the Joint Economic Committee. Directs the task force to establish subject matter priorities and assignments for the committees of the House and Senate in order to coordinate and assign to such committees areas for investigations to be undertaken. Provides that such investigations shall examine Federal programs and laws that affect small business in America. Requires the task force, upon completion of such investigations, to prepare a report and make recommendations for legislation based upon information by the committees. Provides that expenses of the task force shall be apid from the contingent fund of the Senate and House. Authorizes the appropriation of no more than $50,000 for expenses incurred by any committee during such investigations.
United States · United States Congress · 16 September 1975
Allows survivor benefits in the case of the death of members or former members of the armed forces who die before becoming entitled to retired pay for non-regular service. (Amends 10 U.S.C. 1448)
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 1975
Provides assistance in the amount of $50,000 to each State under the Rehabilitation Act to establish or continue a Governor's Committee on the Employment of the Handicapped in such State. Authorizes to be appropriated $2,550,000 to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 1975
Revises the Tariff Act to exempt private aircraft entering or departing from the United States and Canada or the United States and Mexico at night or on Sunday or a holiday from provisions requiring payment to the United States for overtime services of customs officers and employees.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 1975
Modifies the boundaries of the Bristol Cliffs Wilderness Area by designating 3,775 acres of land in the Green Mountain National Forest, Vermont, as wilderness.
![Official portrait of Sen. Stafford, Robert T. [R-VT]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/s000776_200.jpg)