United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1976
Includes as creditable service under the civil service retirement system periods of service by a contract technician during which such individual, although hired by private authority, performs services for the Federal Government. Conditions such credit on the transfer of the position occupied by the contract technician to the civil service and the appointment of the technician to that or a similar post.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 1976
Solar Energy Act - Title I: Findings, Policy, Purpose and Definitions - Declares it the policy of the United States to reduce national reliance on crude oil imports as an energy source by demonstrating the reliability of solar energy generation facilities. Title II: Solar Energy Fiscal Year 1977 Suggested Budget Outlays for Operating Expenses, Plant and Equipment, and Construction - Recommends budget outlays for fiscal year 1977 in the following areas: solar heating and cooling, agricultural and industrial process heat, solar-thermal electric, photovoltaic, ocean-thermal, wind, solar crop irrigation, resource assessment and technology utilization, and other areas of solar energy research. Includes recommended budget outlays for specific projects. Title III: Responsibilities of the Administration - Amends the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974 to direct the Administrator of the Energy Research and Development Administration to: (1) insure, to the maximum extent possible, that procurement under such Act be on a cost-sharing basis with private business; (2) consult with the Administrator of the Small Business Administration before granting or contracting of any demonstration projects under the Act; and (3) report to the President and the Congress by September 30, 1977 on the integration of existing electric utility systems with decentralized solar-electric generation systems.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1976
Expresses the sense of the Senate that Radio Free Europe should be granted the same privileges granted to other news organizations concerning the Olympic games.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1976
Housing for the Elderly Act - Increases by $2,500,000,000 the amount authorized to be appropriated under the Housing Act of 1959 for the loans for housing for the elderly program.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1976
Denies the benefits of the foreign tax credit, under the Internal Revenue Code, to any taxpayer, or a member of a controlled group which includes the taxpayer, who is determined by the Secretary of the Treasury to have participated in or cooperated with the boycott of Israel, with respect to income, war profits, or excess profits taxes paid or accrued to any country which requires such participation or cooperation as a condition of doing business within that country. Denies DISC benefits to any DISC that the Secretary of the Treasury determines has participated in or cooperated with the boycott of Israel. Requires taxpayers with foreign sources within a country which requires participation in or cooperation with the boycott of Israel as a condition of doing business with or within such country to report such fact to the Secretary of the Treasury, who shall make a determination whether the taxpayer participated in or cooperated with the boycott of Israel for the taxable year.
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 · 17 February 1976
Municipal Securities Full Disclosure Act - Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to require preparation of an annual report by any issuer of municipal securities which has outstanding during any portion of a fiscal year an aggregate principal amount of municipal securities exceeding $50,000,000. Requires that such report contain specified information including: (1) identification and description of the issuer; (2) a description of the issuer's debt structure; (3) history of any default in payments of principal or interest; (4) description of issuers' tax authority and structure; and (5) a detailed financial statement. Requires that any issuer that offers or sells an issue of municipal securities, the aggregate principal amount of which exceeds $5,000,000, shall prepare a distribution statement. Permits exceptions for offers or sales. Prescribes that such statement contain among other things: (1) a description of the offering, its price and plan of distribution; (2) a description of the security to be offered; (3) a description of intended use of the proceeds; and (4) a statement of counsel's opinion as to the legality of the offering. Requires that such reports and statements shall be available to the security holder at the issuer's expense and shall be maintained at a designated location for examination by the public.
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
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
Designates April 8, 1976, as "National Food Day". Authorizes and requests the President to issue a proclamation to promote public involvement in order to develop a national food policy guided by the needs of people, both in the United States and abroad.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1976
Recognizes the fiftieth anniversary of the birth of American commercial aviation. Requests that all concerned governmental agencies join in participating in appropriate national and local ceremonies celebrating such anniversary.
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
Authorizes the President to issue a proclamation designating the week beginning May 9, 1976, as "National Small Business Week", in recognition of the achievements and contributions which small and independent family-farmers and business men and women have made to American society.
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
National Center for Women Act - Establishes a National Center for Women as an independent agency of the Executive branch: (1) to review and coordinate Federal programs to insure equal opportunity for women; (2) to serve as a clearinghouse for information on public programs and legislation of interest to women; and (3) to recommend to the President and Congress proposals to improve the status of women. Directs the establishment of a National Board of Advisors within such Center, which members shall be appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. Directs the Board of Advisors to maintain effective liaison with public agencies and other organizations concerned with the status of women. Transfers to the Administrator of such Center the functions of: (1) the National Commission on the Observance of International Women's Year; (2) the Citizen's Advisory Council on the Status of Women established under Executive Order 11126; (3) the interdepartmental Committee on the Status of Women established under Executive Order 11126; (4) the Women's Bureau of the Department of Labor; (5) the Women's Action Program of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare; and (6) the Women's Rights Program Unit of the Civil Rights Commission. Creates within the Center an Intergovernmental Task Force on the representatives of specified executive departments and independent regulatory agencies. Directs such Task Force to assist in the evaluation and coordination of Federal programs for women and to develop procedures to insure equal rights to women within Federal agencies. Directs each Federal agency to review regulations, policies, and procedures of its programs to assure full participation and equal opportunity for women.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1976
Authorizes the expenditure of $2,000,000 by the Senate Committee on Labor and Public Welfare for inquiries and investigation from March 1, 1976, through February 28, 1977. Allocates $65,000 to be expended for the procurement of consultant services. Requires the committee to report its findings and recommendations for legislation to the Senate no later than February 28, 1977.
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 · 22 January 1976
Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary of Commerce for fiscal years 1977 and 1978 of such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974. States that such funds shall not be used for reimbursement of the costs of firefighting on Federal property, or for the burn research and victim rehabilitation programs administered by the National Institutes of Health.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1976
Amends the Social Security Act (title II, Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) to permit payment of benefits to divorced husbands and surviving divorced husbands. Reduces from 20 to 15 years the number of years that a divorced spouse must have been married to an insured individual in order to be eligible for benefits on that individual's earnings record.
United States · United States Congress · 20 January 1976
Investment Advisers Act Amendments - Authorizes the Securities and Exchange Commission to establish standards for investment advisers and their associated persons with respect to training, experience, competence, and such other qualifications as the Commission finds necessary or appropriate in the public interest or for the protection of investors. Provides that the Commission may require persons in any class of investment adviser to pass prescribed tests. Allows the Commission to promulgate rules and regulations to safeguard the public interest and to protect investors with respect to the financial responsibility of investment advisers. Authorizes the Commission to defray the costs of carrying out the requirements of this Act by prescribing reasonable fees and charges. Empowers the Commission to create advisory committees, employ experts, and hold public hearings. Requires the Commission to report to Congress, within 18 months from enactment, recommendations for legislation.
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 1975
Interstate Horseracing Act - Title I: Findings and Policy - Expresses the findings of Congress with regard to the significance of the horseracing industry and the effects of off-track betting on such industry. Declares that the policy of the Congress is to assure continued revenue flow from horseracing to the States and to protect the horseracing industry. Title II: Regulation of Interstate Off-Track Wagering - Prohibits the acceptance of a wager, placed or accepted in one State (termed the "off-track State") on the outcome of a horse race in another State. Subjects any State or person violating this Act to a civil action which may be brought by: (1) the host racing association; (2) the State in which the race is held (host State); or (3) any owner of any horse participating in a race which is the subject of an interstate off-track wager on behalf of the host racing association, the host State and owners of all horses participating in a race which is the subject of an interstate off-track wager, to enjoin further violations of this Act and to recover damages in an amount equal to three times the amount of that portion of the interstate off-track wagers which the host State, the host racing association, and the owners of horses participating in the race, would have received if such wagers had been placed at the track where the race was held. States that in the event that a wager accepted in violation of this Act is of a type not accepted at the host track damages shall be equal to three times the greater of the: (1) maximum takeout permitted for any type of parimutuel wager in the host State; or (2) maximum takeout permitted for any type of parimutuel wager in the off-track State. Defines "take-out" as that portion of a wager which is deducted from the parimutuel pool or which is not included in the parimutuel pool and which is distributed to persons or entities other than those placing wagers. Grants jurisdiction over an action under this Act to the United States District Court in the host State or State in which the off-track wager was alleged to have been made. Provides for damages awarded to be distributed to the host State, the host racing association, and the owners of the horses participating in the race upon which the interstate off-track wager was accepted.
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 1975
Provides that a charitable organization shall be denied exemption from taxation under the Internal Revenue Code where amounts paid or incurred by such organization during each taxable year to influence legislation exceed specified sums of money, or where a significant portion of the activities of such organization consists of carrying on propaganda or otherwise attempting to influence legislation. Designates charitable organizations to which this Act applies, and defines the term "influencing legislation". Disallows deductions to charitable organizations where the contribution is made for the purpose of influencing legislation.
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 · 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 · 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 · 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
Dedicates the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park to Justice William O. Douglas in grateful recognition of his long and outstanding service to the people of the United States as a teacher, writer, jurist, and naturalist. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to have the words " Dedicated to Justice William O. Douglas" prominently displayed on all signs bearing the name of the park and to take other actions to call to the attention of the public the fact that such park has been so dedicated. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1975
Provides that service as a member of the women's Air Forces Service Pilots shall be considered active duty for the purpose of all laws administered by the Veteran's Administration. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 106)
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 · 13 November 1975
Includes New Jersey in the list of States which may establish a divided retirement system for purposes of providing social security coverage of State and local employees under Federal-State agreements pursuant to the Social Security Act.
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 · 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 · 10 November 1975
Emergency Property Tax Relief Act - Provides that where the Secretary of the Treasury has determined that a jurisdiction has established a real property tax relief program which affords low and moderate income individuals who have attained age 65 a credit or other payment against the real property tax imposed by such jurisdiction, he shall reimburse said jurisdiction for one-half of the qualifying revenue losses attributable to such program. Requires a jurisdiction desiring to qualify for payments under this Act to make an application at such time and in such manner as the Secretary shall prescribe by regulations. Provides that whenever the Secretary, after reasonable notice and opportunity for a hearing to a jurisdiction which has had an application approved, finds that such jurisdiction no longer has a qualifying property tax relief program, he shall notify such jurisdiction that it will not be eligible to receive payments until he is satisfied that the jurisdiction has a qualifying property tax relief program. Permits a jurisdiction dissatisfied with the Secretary's decision petition for review of that action within sixty days after notice of such action in the United States court of appeals for the circuit in which the jurisdiction is located.
United States · United States Congress · 10 November 1975
Revises the criteria for payment by the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs for the care and treatment of veterans in State veterans' homes. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 641)
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 1975
National Consumer Cooperative Bank Act - Title I: National Consumer Cooperative Bank - Sets forth the findings of Congress that there is a need for the establishment of a National Consumer Cooperative Bank and a Cooperative Bank and Assistance Administration which will make available necessary financial and technical assistance to cooperative self-help endeavors as a means of strengthening the Nation's economy. Establishes the National Consumer Cooperative Bank. States that the Bank shall: (1) encourage the development of new and existing cooperatives eligible for its assistance by providing specialized credit and technical assistance; (2) maintain broad-based control of the Bank by its voting stockholders; (3) encourage broad-based ownership, control and active participation by members in eligible cooperatives; (4) assure that the net savings from its operations and the operations of borrowers from the Bank, are made available or accounted for to the stockholders or members of the cooperative organization; and (5) assist in improving the quality and availability of goods and services to consumers. Authorizes the creation of no less than four nor more than twelve corporate regional banks. States that the Bank shall have the power to make and service loans, commitments for credit, guarantees, furnish financially related services, technical assistance, and issue obligations. Enumerates additional powers necessary to carry out its powers and duties under this Act. Authorizes appropriations of $250,000,000 per year for the United States to purchase class A preferred stock of the Bank. Requires the Bank to hold an annual meeting of stockholders. Permits the Bank to obtain funds through the public or private sale of its bonds, debentures, notes, and other evidences of indebtedness. Authorizes the Bank to make loans to eligible organizations which shall be repayable in not more than forty years. States that the objective of the Bank shall be to provide the the type of credit needed by eligible borrowers, at the lowest reasonable cost on a sound business basis, taking into account the cost of money to the Bank. Defines "eligible cooperatives" for purposes of assistance under this title as an organization chartered or operated on a cooperative, not for profit basis for producing or furnishing goods, services, facilities, or financing, primarily for the benefit of its members or voting stockholders who are ultimate consumers, if it meets specified criteria, or any other institution chartered or operated in such a way as to enhance competitive market forces or to reduce the price spread between producers and the ultimate consumers of products or services. Title II: Self-Help Development Fund - Establishes in the Treasury a Consumer Cooperative Self-Help Development Fund. Authorizes appropriations of $250,000,000 to be deposited in the Fund. Permits the Cooperative Bank and Assistance Administration to make a capital investment advance out of the Fund to any eligible cooperative if the Administration determines that the applicant's initial or supplemental capital requirements exceed its ability to obtain a Title I loan from the Bank or other sources, and the membership of the applicant consists substantially of low-income persons. Title III: Cooperative Technical Assistance - Directs the Cooperative Bank and Assistance Administration to make available information and services concerning the organization or reorganization of cooperatives to best achieve the objectives of this Act and to best provide the means through which various types of goods, services, and facilities can be made available to members and patrons. States that such assistance may include investigations, surveys, and director and management training and assistance. Authorizes appropriations to the Administration of sums necessary for the administration of this title. Title IV: The Cooperative Bank and Assistance Administration and General Provisions - Establishes the Cooperative Bank and Assistance Administration. Directs the Administration to assure that the objectives of this Act are carried out. States that until the stock of the Bank held by the United States has been fully retired the Bank shall be exempt from any form of taxation. Requires the Administration and the Board to report annually to the appropriate committee of Congress on the activities of the Administration and on the Bank's capital, operations, financial condition, the self-help development fund, and to make recommendations for legistation to improve its services. Authorizes appropriations of sums necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act, in addition to appropriations specifically authorized.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 1975
Requests each Federal agency which administers any program or activity relating to older Americans to study the causes and develop programs to reduce the frequency of crimes against older Americans. Directs that such agencies transmit reports to appropriate committees of the Senate containing recommendations for legislative action.
United States · United States Congress · 4 November 1975
Revises the Regional Rail Reorganization Act to require that any line of railroad on which rail service was being provided as of the effective date of the Act and which was recommended in the preliminary system plan for transfer to the United States Railway Association shall be deemed to be designated in the final system plan for transfer to the Association.
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 · 22 October 1975
Defines "a substance other than convention oil" for purposes of the Intervention on the High Seas Act as meaning those oils, noxious substances, liquified gases, and radioactive substances enumerated in the Protocol Relating to Intervention on the High Seas in Cases of Marine Pollution by Substances Other than Oil or otherwise determined by the Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating as being liable to create a hazard. States that for purposes of implementing the Act, in determining whether there is grave and imminent danger of major harmful consequences to the coast line or related interests of the United States, the Secretary shall consider the interests directly affected or threatened, including but not limited to human health, fish, shellfish, and other living marine resources, wildlife, coastal zone and estuarine activities, and public and private shorelines and beaches.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 1975
Aviation Act - Provides that an applicationn with respect to air transportation under the Federal Aviation Act shall be set for hearing within 60 days from the date the application is filed with the Civil Aeronautics Board, and provides for the expedition of the hearing procedure. Authorizes the Board to issue a certificate for interstate air transportation between any two cities not receiving nonstop scheduled air transportation by an air carrier holding a certificate of public convenience and necessity to an applicant if it finds the applicant is fit, willing, and able to perform such transportation properly. States that any air carrier that engages in interstate air transportation solely with aircraft having a capacity of less than fifty-six passengers or sixteen thousand pounds of property shall not be required to obtain a certificate of public convenience and necessity if that carrier conforms to such financial responsibility requirements as the Board may by regulation impose. States that the Board shall not impose close-door, single plane service, mandatory stop, long-haul restrictions, or similar restrictions, on any new certificate or amendment to any existing certificate and that by January 1, 1981, the Board shall reissue all certificates for interstate air transportation in the form of an unduplicated list of city pairs that each certificated air carrier is authorized to serve. Requires, by January 1, 1978, the Board to prepare an unduplicated list of city pairs that each interstate certificated air carrier will be authorized to serve on January 1, 1981. Provides that on or after January 1, 1981, each air carrier engaged in interstate scheduled air transportation may engage in nonstop scheduled air transportation without regard to any certificate limitations or other restrictions between any points in the United States named in its certificate or certificates on January 1, 1975. Prohibits consolidation, merger, or acquisition of control with respect to air carriers if such action would result in: (1) monopoly or be in furtherance of any combination or conspiracy to monopolize; or (2) the possibility of substantial lessening of competition or other restraint of trade. Provides that no air transportation rate above direct costs may be found to be unjust or unreasonable on the basis that it is too low, and the Board may not require an air carrier to charge, demand, collect, or receive compensation in excess of that air carrier's direct costs for the service at issue. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to undertake a study of the local service air carrier subsidy program and make recommendations to Congress for any necessary changes in the subsidy system within one year of the date of enactment of this Act.
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 · 7 October 1975
Directs the Federal Energy Administration not to forgive or defer collection of any accrued fees arising under the oil import fee program. Provides that if the Supreme Court denies the petition of certiorari or otherwise affirms the decision of the United States Court of Appeals that such fees are unlawful, all such fees shall be refunded to consumers, not to the oil importers.
![Official portrait of Sen. Williams, Harrison A., Jr. [D-NJ]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/w000502_200.jpg)