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Bill· HRH.R. 12655 (94th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1976
Repeals the revisions of the Official United States Standards with respect to the grading of carcass beef and slaughter cattle. States that no change shall become effective in grade designations or specifications for slaughter cattle or carcass beef which provides for a higher grade designation for such cattle or carcass than would exist under current standards. Authorizes and directs the Secretary of Agriculture to promulgate regulations to establish a different and non deceptive grade designation and specification for beef.
Bill· HRH.R. 12652 (94th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1976
Establishes a Bureau of Agricultural Statistics within the Department of Agriculture. States that the Bureau shall obtain information with regard to: (1) the prices received by producers and processors of agricultural commodities; and (2) the wholesale and retail prices of food. Directs the Bureau to issue a report to the Congress containing a summary of such information and recommendations for legislation to provide lower retail prices when the prices received by producers of any agricultural commodity are decreasing or remaining constant and the retail prices of food made from such commodity are increasing. Places such Bureau under the direction of a Commissioner of Agricultural Statistics to be appointed by the President. Directs such Commissioner to recommend to Congress legislation providing any mandatory reporting requirement the Commissioner deems necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 12602 (94th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1976
Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to make loans available, through the Agricultural Credit Insurance Fund, to agricultural producers who suffer losses as a result of having their agricultural commodities or livestock quarantined or condemned because such commodities or livestock have been found to contain toxic chemicals dangerous to the public health.
Bill· HRH.R. 12583 (94th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1976
Dairy and Meat Import Inspection and Identification Act - Title I: Dairy Products - Defines terms 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 products, made in whole or in part of imported products, 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, under the Federal Meat Inspection Act, the same labeling requirements on imported meats as are imposed upon dairy products 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 the periodic tests of imported meats shall be conducted in the United States by the Department of Agriculture.
Law· HRH.R. 12572 (94th)open
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1976
United States Grain Standards Act - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, under the United States Grain Standards Act, to require official inspection of grain at export port locations by authorized employees of the Department of Agriculture. Authorizes the Secretary to delegate authority to a State agency to perform official inspection functions at export port locations if such agency meets specified criteria. Provides that such authority may be revoked at any time upon notice to the State agency without opportunity for a hearing. Authorizes the Secretary, with respect to official inspections other than at export port locations, to designate any State or local governmental agency, or any person as an official inspection agency if such agency or person meets specified requirements. States that designations of official inspection agencies shall terminate within three years and may be renewed. Authorizes the Secretary to revoke a designation of an official inspection agency, after opportunity for a hearing, if such agency has failed to meet specified criteria. Allows temporary suspension without a hearing of such designation if the Secretary considers such action to be in the best interest of the official inspection system. Directs the Secretary to collect reasonable fees to cover the estimated cost to the Department incident to the performance of official inspection. Provides for the collection of fees from designated official inspection agencies. Requires the weighing of all grain received at or shipped from export port elevators. Directs that such weighing be supervised by authorized Department of Agriculture employees. Allows the Secretary to delegate such functions to qualified State agencies. Allows the Secretary to revoke such delegation at any time upon notice to the agency without opportunity for a hearing. Provides for United States supervision of weighing of United States grain received at or shipped from export port elevators at Canadian ports. States that no weighing supervision shall be provided at any export port elevator unless the operator of such elevator has met specified requirements. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) investigate the weighing and certification of the weight of grain shipped in interstate and foreign commerce; (2) require the maintenance of complete and accurate records of the weighing of such grain; and (3) prescribe by regulation the standards, procedures, and controls for accurate weighing and certification of weights of grain. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study concerning the supervision of weighing, the weighing and certification of weights of grain, and the inspection and testing of scales used in the weighing of grain, and to report the results of such study to specified Committees of the Congress. Prohibits the use of scales for weighing which have been disapproved by the Secretary or a State or local government agency or person designated by the Secretary. Requires that representatives of the Secretary be afforded access to any elevator, warehouse, or other storage or handling facility for grain. Authorizes the collection of fees to cover the cost to the Department of such supervision of weighing. Authorizes the collection of fees from any agency or person designated to perform weighing functions. Prohibits any person from performing official inspection functions unless such person holds an unsuspended, an unrevoked license, or authorization from the Secretary. Authorizes the Secretary to summarily revoke any license whenever the licensee has been convicted of any specified offense under this Act. Allows the Secretary to refuse to provide official inspection or weighing services under this Act with respect to any grain offered for such services if: (1) the individual involved has knowingly committed any violation specified in this Act or has been convicted of any Federal law with respect to the handling, weighing, or official inspection of grain; and (2) providing such service would be inimical to the integrity of the service. Authorizes the Secretary to assess a civil penalty not to exceed $50,000 per violation for such offenses. States that no official inspection agency or State agency delegated inspection authority personnel shall be employed in or engaged in or have any financial interest in, any business involving the commercial transportation, storage, merchandising, or other handling of grain; and that no business or governmental entity conducting any such business shall operate or be employed by, or have any financial interest in, any official inspection agency or a State agency delegated inspection authority. Requires any person who has obtained official inspection to, within a five year period thereafter, maintain complete and accurate records of grain transactions, and permit any authorized representative of the Secretary to have access to such records. Sets forth criminal penalties for violations of this Act. Makes it unlawful for any present or former officer or employee of the Department or of any State agency delegated authority under this Act to make public information obtained under this Act. States that such prohibition shall not apply to persons divulging information which he reasonably believes involves prohibited conduct under this Act or criminal activity. Authorizes necessary appropriations to carry out the provision of this Act. Directs the Secretary to make a study regarding the adequacy of current grain standards. Requires the Secretary to submit annually a summary of all complaints received by the Department from foreign purchasers and prospective purchasers of grain to specified Congressional committees, and the actions taken by him in implementing the provisions of this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 12561 (94th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1976
Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct a study of the practicability, desirability, and feasibility of using organic waste materials to improve soil fertility and to prepare and submit a report of the results of such study to the President and the Congress.
Bill· HRH.R. 12549 (94th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1976
Prohibits from becoming eligible for food stamps an individual who is 18 years of age or older and who is receiving half of his income from any member of another household which is not eligible for food stamps under the Food Stamp Act of 1974.
Bill· HRH.R. 12571 (94th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1976
Commodity Futures Trading Commission Act Amendments - Repeals the requirement that the Presidential appointment of an Executive Director of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission be made with the advice and consent of the Senate under the Commodity Futures Trading Commission Act. Repeals the effective date for the registration of commodity trading advisors and commodity pool operators. Requires approval by the Commission of board of trade rules relating to specified commodity exchanges. Requires floor brokers (previously brokers) to maintain daily trading records for each customer.
Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 584 (94th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1976
Recognizes the right to a nutritionally adequate diet as a cornerstone of United States policy in areas such as trade, assistance, monetary reform and military spending. Seeks to improve food assistance programs in the United States. Calls for an increase in this nation's assistance for self-help development among the world's poorest people. Sets a target of one percent of our total national production to be spent for such assistance.
Bill· SS. 3141 (94th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1976
United States Grain Standards Act Amendments - Title I: Declaration of Policy - Revises the U.S. Grain Standards Act to declare the Congressional finding that the regulation of grain transactions provided in this Act is necessary to prevent or eliminate burdens on grain commerce and to regulate such commerce. Title II: Official Inspection - Revises definitions under the Grain Standards Act to meet purposes of this Act. Requires the official inspection at export grain elevators required or authorized to be inspected under this Act be performed by authorized employees of the Department of Agriculture. Authorizes the Secretary to require that grain loaded at an interior point in the United States for transportation from the United States be inspected in a similar manner. Allows the Secretary to enter into contracts with any State or person for such inspection functions if such State or person meets specified requirements. Forbids the Secretary from entering into such contracts with any person or business entity currently engaged in the storage or merchandising of grain. States that official inspection contracts entered into terminate within five years and may be renewed in accordance with criteria specified in this Act. Authorizes and directs the Secretary to audit the books and records of official inspection contractors at least biennially and at the expiration of such contract. Allows the Secretary to revoke such contracts, after an opportunity for a hearing has been afforded, when the Secretary determines the contractor has not complied with any provision of this Act. Allows the suspension of such contract for 30 days without a hearing when the Secretary has reason to believe there is cause for revocation. Provides for the inspection of American grain in Canadian ports for overseas shipment. Title III: Official Inspection Personnel - Requires the licensing of any person performing inspection functions under this Act. States that all such licenses shall expire triennially and any license shall be suspended automatically when the licensee ceases to be employed by an official grain inspection contract. Provides for the periodic rotation of supervisory personnel for grain inspection for the stated purpose of preserving the integrity of the inspection system. Allows the Secretary to automatically revoke any license issued under this Act if the licensee has been convicted of any offense specified in this Act. Title IV: Refusal of Inspection and Civil Penalties - Allows the Secretary to refuse to provide official inspection of grain or assess a civil penalty of $100,000 per violation or both for any individual violating the provisions of this Act. Allows the Secretary to refuse inspection for seven days without a hearing pending final determination of the proceedings when the Secretary has reason to believe there is sufficient cause. Title V: Records - Requires the maintenance of records of purchases, sales, transportation and handling by any person who receives official inspection and that such records be made available to authorized representatives of the Secretary. Title VI: Weighing - Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) investigate the weighing of grain shipped in interstate or foreign commerce; (2) prescribe regulations and standards for accurate weighing and certification procedures; and (3) require the maintenance of accurate records of the weighing of all grain shipped in or out of grain elevators. Authorizes the Secretary to prescribe regulations regarding all weights and scales used in such weighing. Requires that representatives of the Secretary be afforded access to any elevator or warehouse from which grain is delivered or shipped in interstate or foreign commerce. Title VII: Funding - Directs the Secretary to charge and collect reasonable fees to cover the performance of official inspection and supervision of weighing functions. States that such fees and any proceeds from the sale of samples obtained for inspection purposes which become the property of the United States, shall be deposited in a fund for the expenses of the Department in providing official inspection services. Title VIII: Criminal Provisions - Prescribes criminal penalties for specified offenses under this Act. Title IX: Department of Agriculture Reporting Requirements and Studies - Directs the Secretary to report annually to specified Congressional committees regarding the effectiveness of the official grain inspection system together with recommendations for legislation. Directs the Secretary to notify such Committees of complaints regarding faulty grain delivery made by a foreign purchaser. Requires an annual summary of all complaints make by foreign purchasers or prospective purchasers. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study regarding the adequacy of current grain standards and make such changes as are determined to be necessary and appropriate. Title X: General - Sets forth the authority granted the Secretary under this Act including the authority to prescribe such rules and regulations as are necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act. Authorizes necessary appropriations to carry out specified functions under this Act. Sets forth the effective dates of the provisions of this Act.
Bill· SS. 3136 (94th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1976
National Food Stamp Reform Act - Redefines the meaning of the term "household" as used in the Food Stamp Act of 1964. Deletes the existing requirement that individuals sharing common living quarters be related in order to qualify as a household. Includes within the meaning of the term "retail food store" any private, nonprofit, cooperative food purchasing venture in which members pay for food purchased prior to receipt of such food. Authorizes such cooperatives to redeem members' food coupons. Amends the definition of the term "elderly person" to delete the requirement that such person be either living alone or with a spouse. Adds definitions of the terms "nutritionally adequate diet" and "coupon vendor". Prohibits the distribution of federally donated foods to households except as is considered necessary by the Secretary of Agriculture to effect an orderly transition on an Indian reservation from a food distribution program to the food coupon program. Sets forth standards of eligibility for participation by households in the food stamp program. States that the income standards of eligibility shall be the income poverty guidelines prescribed by the Office of Management and Budget. Defines the terms "gross income" and "household income" as used in determining the eligibility. Sets forth the exemptions allowed in determining the amount of each type of income attributable to a household. Authorizes the Secretary to establish temporary emergency eligibility standards for households that are victims of a disaster. Directs the Secretary to provide that no household shall be eligible for the food stamp program if such household includes an able-bodied adult between the ages of 18 and 60 (subject to specified exceptions) who without good cause fails to register for employment at a State employment service, or otherwise fails to attempt to find work, or refuses to accept employment or voluntarily quits any job. States that no person shall be eligible to receive food coupons who is not a citizen or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence. States that no individual shall be considered a household member for food stamp program purposes who: (1) has reached his eighteenth birthday; (2) is enrolled in an institution of higher education; and (3) is properly claimed or could be claimed as a dependent by a taxpayer who is not a member of a dependent household. Declares that no household that knowingly transfers liquid or nonliquid assets for the purpose of qualifying or attempting to qualify for the food stamp program shall be eligible to participate in the program for a minimum of 30 days. States that no person who receives supplementary security income benefits under title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) of the Social Security Act, State supplementary payments under such title, or payments under specified provisions of title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of such Act, shall be considered a member of a household for purposes of this Act during specified months. Directs the Secretary to develop procedures for the control of food coupon inventories held by coupon vendors. Establishes criminal penalties for violation of such procedures by vendors. Directs the Secretary to promulgate regulations governing the delivery of coupons to vendors and for the custody, control, and storage of coupons in the hands of vendors to secure such coupons against theft, embezzlement, misuse, loss, or destruction. Establishes criminal penalties for the violation of such regulations. Establishes the face value of the coupon allotment which State agencies shall be authorized to issue to eligible households. States that such allotment will be in an amount sufficient to allow a household to purchase a nutritionally adequate diet. Sets the charge for a household coupon allotment at 27.5 percent of the household's income. Provides for the purchase of a smaller allotment at the household's option. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, under the Food Stamp Act of 1964, to prescribe regulations to be followed by food coupon vendors or any officers, employees, or agents thereof with respect to the depositing of funds received for such coupons and the accounting for such funds to the State and Federal Government. Requires vendors to deposit such funds weekly in accordance with Department of Agriculture regulations. Requires more frequent deposit of balances of $1,000 or more. States that vendors act as fiduciaries of the Federal Government when receiving food coupon funds. Prohibits the use of such funds by vendors for the benefit of anyone other than the Federal Government. Requires vendors to report periodically to State and Federal Government agencies the amount of funds deposited. Establishes criminal penalties for the violation of the regulations established in accordance with this Act. Directs the extension of the nutrition education program of the Department of Agriculture to the greatest extent possible, including the development and distribution of printed materials. Directs the States to include in their plans for the administration of the food stamp program procedures for: (1) the expedited payment to households of the bonus value of any coupon allotment which has been wrongfully denied, delayed, or terminated as a result of an administrative error; and (2) the expedited determination of an applicant household's eligibility. Establishes measures by which the Secretary may ensure the compliance of State agencies with regulations governing State food stamp programs. Authorizes the use of food coupons by the elderly and disabled to purchase "meals on wheels". Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to prescribe regulations permitting applicants and recipients of supplemental security income benefits under title XVI of the Social Security Act to apply for food stamps at supplemental security income certification offices. Provides for the use of multilingual personnel and material in the administration of the food stamp program in areas where numerous persons speak a language other than English. Increases the criminal penalties for the fraudulent use of food coupons and authorization to purchase cards. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct experimental projects for purposes of increasing the program's efficiency and improving the delivery of benefits to eligible households.
Bill· SS. 3135 (94th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1976
Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture, subject to the Multiple Use Sustained Yield Act and the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974, to sell timber from national forest lands located within the fourth judicial circuit through fiscal year 1977 notwithstanding provisions prescribing conditions on the cutting of timber on national forest lands. Requires that all sales of timber made from the eastern mixed hardwood forests of the national forests located within the fourth judicial circuit be made in accordance with specified forest management practices.
Resolution· SCONRESS.Con.Res. 102 (94th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1976
Requests the Secretary of Agriculture to increase the price support level for milk, wheat, corn, feed grains and soybeans to 90 percent of the parity price.
Bill· HRH.R. 12488 (94th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1976
Dairy and Meat Import Inspection and Identification Act - Title I: Dairy Products - Defines terms 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 products, made in whole or in part of imported products, 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, under the Federal Meat Inspection Act, the same labeling requirements on imported meats as are imposed upon dairy products 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 the periodic tests of imported meats shall be conducted in the United States by the Department of Agriculture.
Bill· HRH.R. 12483 (94th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1976
National Food Stamp Reform Act - Amends the Food Stamp Act to prohibit the inclusion within a household, for food stamp purposes, of students enrolled in institutions of higher education, who are 18 years old or older, and who are claimed as dependents by taxpayers who are not members of eligible households. Lowers the work registration age limit from 65 to 60. Revises the provisions related to employer housing, standard deductions, and Government vendor payments. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to formulate and administer the food stamp program so that eligible households are furnished with a coupon allotment sufficient to provide them with a nutritionally adequate diet, with the amount of such allotments adjusted semi-annually to reflect changes in the price of food. Provides that, when the Secretary determines that there has been gross neglience or fraud on the part of the State agency in the certification of an applicant household, the State shall, upon the request of the Secretary, deposit into a separate account of the Federal Treasury a sum equal to the face value of any coupon issued as a result of negligence or fraud, such funds to be available without fiscal year limitation for the redemption of coupons. Directs the Secretary to institute procedures whereby Federal, State, and local officials meet monthly to reconcile all records related to the disbursement of food stamp coupons. Requires the Secretary and State agencies to carry out an effective program of nutrition education, and directs the Secretary to report annually to Congress on progress in this area. Makes provision for retroactive benefits where food coupons are wrongfully denied and for bilingual assistance in areas where there are numberous potentially eligible, non-English speaking persons. Requires the issuance of food stamps at all Postal Service facilities where postage stamps are sold. Expands program notification requirements and authorizes the use of food stamps for "meals on wheels" for elderly or disabled members of eligible households. Grants the Secretary authority to carry out experimental projects designed to increase the program's efficiency. States that the amount of assets households may own and still be eligible for the program shal be adjusted annually to reflect cost changes in the Consumer Price Index. Provides for prompt certification of eligible applicant households.
Bill· HRH.R. 12480 (94th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1976
Exempts from the Farm Labor Contractor Registration Act of 1963 contractors of workers engaged in custom cutting or combine operations in connection with the harvesting of grains and contractors of workers engaged in the shearing of sheep.
Bill· HRH.R. 12479 (94th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1976
Exempts from the Farm Labor Contractor Registration Act of 1963 contractors of workers engaged in custom cutting or combine operations in connection with the harvesting of grains, or in the shearing of sheep, or baling of hay.
Bill· HRH.R. 12442 (94th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1976
Stipulates that no rule or regulation which is issued pursuant to the Food Stamp Act of 1964 and which is to become effective after February 13, 1976, shall become effective until the enactment of legislation after the date of enactment of this Act with respect to the eligibility and purchase requirements of persons receiving benefits under the Food Stamp Act of 1964.
Bill· HRH.R. 12443 (94th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1976
Stipulates that regulations pertaining to the food stamp program which were published on or after February 27, 1976, which increase food stamp purchase requirements or which have the effect of decreasing the number of persons eligible for food stamps, shall not become effective before either the enactment of legislation with respect to the purchase and eligibility requirements or June 30, 1976, whichever comes first.
Bill· SS. 3114 (94th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1976
Authorizes a maximum loan amount for guaranteed real estate loans, under the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act, of $200,000 or the value of the farm or security, whichever is less. Revises the interest rate for specified loans under such Act. Increases the maximum loan limitation and revises the interest rate for operating loans under such Act. Provides for congressional authorization of program levels under such Act.
Resolution· SRESS.Res. 403 (94th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1976
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Department of State should express to the Canadian and Saskatchewan Governments the concern of the United States that supplies of potash to the United States should not be disrupted. Declares that the Department should ascertain the objectives and anticipated conclusion of the proposed takeover by the government of Canada of the potash deposits of the Province of Saskatchewan. Directs the Department of Agriculture to develop contingency plans to assure an adequate supply of potash for American agriculture in the event that supplies from Saskatchewan deposits should be disrupted.
Bill· HRH.R. 12397 (94th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1976
Terminates the duty of the Secretary of Commerce to take agricultural censuses every five years and censuses of irrigation and drainage every ten years. Directs the Secretary to continue the statistical classification of farms which was in effect on January 1, 1975, until June 30, 1976. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to collect information on agriculture, irrigation, and drainage on a sample basis, which is comparable to the information previously collected every five years in the agriculutral census. Allows the Secretary, when sampling methods would be inappropriate, to use other statistical methods to collect information relating to the classification of farms. (Amends 13 U.S.C. 142)
Bill· HRH.R. 12370 (94th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1976
Dairy and Meat Import Inspection and Identification Act - Title I: Dairy Products - Defines terms 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 products, made in whole or in part of imported products, 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, under the Federal Meat Inspection Act, the same labeling requirements on imported meats as are imposed upon dairy products 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 the periodic tests of imported meats shall be conducted in the United States by the Department of Agriculture.
Bill· HRH.R. 12358 (94th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1976
Amends the Housing Act of 1949 to expand the definition of "rural" and "rural areas" to include places not part of or associated with an urban area which have a population of between 10,000 and 20,000 people and which have a serious lack of mortgage credit for low- and moderate-income families.
Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 578 (94th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1976
Requests the Secretary of Agriculture to increase the price support level for milk, wheat, corn, feed grains, and soybeans to 90 percent of the parity price.
Bill· SS. 3081 (94th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1976
Increases from 50 percent to 80 percent the amount that may be paid as the Federal Government's share of the costs of any cooperative meat or poultry inspection program carried out by any State under the Federal Meat Inspection Act or the Poultry Products Inspection Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 12340 (94th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1976
Exempts from the Farm Labor Contractor Registration Act of 1963 contractors of workers engaged in custom cutting or combine operations in connection with the harvesting of grains and contractors of workers engaged in the shearing of sheep.
Bill· HRH.R. 12335 (94th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1976
National Food Stamp Reform Act - Amends the Food Stamp Act to prohibit the inclusion within a household, for food stamp purposes, of students enrolled in institutions of higher education, who are 18 years old or older, and who are claimed as dependents by taxpayers who are not members of eligible households. Lowers the work registration age limit from 65 to 60. Revises the provisions related to employer housing, standard deductions, and Government vendor payments. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to formulate and administer the food stamp program so that eligible households are furnished with a coupon allotment sufficient to provide them with a nutritionally adequate diet, with the amount of such allotments adjusted semi-annually to reflect changes in the price of food. Provides that, when the Secretary determines that there has been gross neglience or fraud on the part of the State agency in the certification of an applicant household, the State shall, upon the request of the Secretary, deposit into a separate account of the Federal Treasury a sum equal to the face value of any coupon issued as a result of negligence or fraud, such funds to be available without fiscal year limitation for the redemption of coupons. Directs the Secretary to institute procedures whereby Federal, State, and local officials meet monthly to reconcile all records related to the disbursement of food stamp coupons. Requires the Secretary and State agencies to carry out an effective program of nutrition education, and directs the Secretary to report annually to Congress on progress in this area. Makes provision for retroactive benefits where food coupons are wrongfully denied and for bilingual assistance in areas where there are numberous potentially eligible, non-English speaking persons. Requires the issuance of food stamps at all Postal Service facilities where postage stamps are sold. Expands program notification requirements and authorizes the use of food stamps for "meals on wheels" for elderly or disabled members of eligible households. Grants the Secretary authority to carry out experimental projects designed to increase the program's efficiency. States that the amount of assets households may own and still be eligible for the program shal be adjusted annually to reflect cost changes in the Consumer Price Index. Provides for prompt certification of eligible applicant households.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 847 (94th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1976
States that the purpose of this joint resolution is to provide hearings for farmers, local officials, and other concerned citizens in any county where a reduction in the level of farm services is anticipated. Prohibits the Secretary of Agriculture or any other officer or employee of the executive branch of the Federal Government from reducing the services provided by any office of the Farmer's Home Administration, the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service, or the Soil Conservation Service, during the period beginning January 1, 1976, and ending December 31, 1977, unless (1) a proposed plan for reducing services has been formulated and published, and (2) a hearing has been conducted in each county in the State in which Services would be reduced under the plan, and farmers in each such county have been afforded an opportunity for oral and written representation of their views. Excepts specified reductions in services from the requirements of this resolution.
Bill· SS. 3071 (94th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1976
Sets forth the basis for determining the fees to be charged for the commercial grazing of domestic livestock: (1) on public lands under the Taylor Grazing Act; (2) on government timberlands; and (3) within the national forest system.
Bill· HRH.R. 12273 (94th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1976
Peanut Reform Act - Title I: Peanuts - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, under the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938, to establish for the 1976 through 1980 peanut crops a national acreage allotment which will produce an amount of peanuts equal to the estimated domestic edible and related consumption less imports. States that the national acreage allotment shall not be less than 1,000,000 acres for the 1976 and 1977 crops; 660,000 acres for the 1978 crop; 330,000 for the 1979 crop; and zero acres for the 1980 crop. States that the national acreage allotment shall be allocated to the States and farms on the basis of peanut allotments established for the preceding crop. Allows a maximum of one percent of such allotment to be reserved for new peanut farms meeting specified criteria. Directs that if the total acreage used on a farm for peanuts is less than 90 percent of the peanut allotment, then the allotment for the succeeding crop shall be reduced proportionately, to a maximum of 20 percent of the farm allotment for the preceding crop. Includes as acreage planted for peanuts farm land which was not used for peanut growing because of drought, flood, or other condition beyond the producer's control. Terminates the peanut allotment for any farm on which no peanut acreage has been planted for three consecutive crop years. Prohibits the reduction of allotment if the producer elects not to receive payments for the portion of the allotment not planted provided under the Agricultural Act of 1949. Allows the transfer of peanut acreage allotments from one farm or county to another if none or only a portion of the farm allotment can be timely planted in such farm or county because of a natural disaster or condition beyond the control of the producer. States that for purposes of establishing future allotments any allotment transferred in this manner shall be regarded as planted to peanuts on the farm from which the transfer was made. Authorizes the intrastate transfer or sale of such acreage allotments from one owner or operator of a farm to another. Provides that any peanut acreage planted in excess of the authorized allotment shall not be taken into account in establishing future acreage allotments. Establishes, under the Agricultural Act of 1949, a price support for peanuts at 15 cents per pound for the 1976 and 1977 crop. Allows adjustments in such price for the 1977, 1978, and 1979 crop. Directs the Secretary to make loans and purchases available on each of the 1976 through 1980 crops at a level not less than 12 cents per pound. Sets forth a formula for such payments. Authorizes the Secretary to provide for a set-aside of cropland if the total supply of peanuts is likely to be excessive without such set-aside. Sets forth conditions for payments under such set- aside. Authorizes the Secretary to make land diversion payments to assist in adjusting the acreage of peanuts to desirable goals to cooperators on a farm who devote to approved conservation uses an acreage of cropland. Requires cooperators to take measures to protect set-aside acreage and diverted acreage from erosion, insects, weeds, and rodents. Allows the Secretary to pay an appropriate share of the cost of such practices. Authorizes the Secretary to make further payments on farm acreage used for the benefit of the general public. Directs the Secretary to provide adequate safeguards to protect the interests of tenant and sharcroppers, including provisions for sharing in the payments authorized under this Act. Requires that peanut programs under this Act be carried out by the Commodity Credit Corporation. Title II: Miscellaneous - Amends specified Acts to carry out the purposes of this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 12271 (94th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1976
Food Industry Antitrust Reports Act - Directs the Federal Trade Commission, the Department of Justice, and the Department of Agriculture to submit to the appropriate House and Senate committees a report on actions with respect to the enforcement of the antitrust laws in the various sectors of the food industry. Requires that such report be made not later than six months after the date of enactment of this Act, and yearly thereafter. Provides that no later than five years after the enactment of this Act, the Commission shall submit to the Congress a comprehensive report on the market structure and state of competition in the food industries. Requires the Commission and the Department of Justice to provide to the Congress an analysis of the adequacy of available data on which any study is based. Authorizes the appropriation to the Commission of $1,000,000 for each of the next five fiscal years.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 843 (94th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1976
Free Market and Food Protection Resolution - States that whenever the President or any other member of the executive branch suspends export sales of corn, wheat, soybeans, or grain sorghum, the Secretary of Agriculture shall make payments to any farmowner or operator who has in storage at the beginning of the suspension any amount of the commodity for which export sales have been suspended. Sets forth the specified percentage rate of such payments.
Bill· HRH.R. 12183 (94th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1976
Requires that when the President or any other member of the executive branch limits or prohibits the exportation of any agricultural commodity, the exportation of fertilizer, tools, materials, or machinery used to produce such commodity shall be limited by a corresponding amount or prohibited.
Law· SS. 3052 (94th)open
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1976
Allows the Secretary of Agriculture to use appropriations available under the Agricultural Act of 1954 to provide orientation and language training to families of officers and employees of the Department of Agriculture in anticipation of an assignment abroad or while abroad.
Bill· SS. 3051 (94th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1976
Commodity Futures Trading Commission Act Amendments - Repeals the requirement that the Presidential appointment of an Executive Director of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission be made with the advice and consent of the Senate under the Commodity Futures Trading Commission Act. Repeals the effective date for the registration of commodity trading advisors and commodity pool operators. Requires approval by the Commission of board of trade rules relating to specified commodity exchanges. Requires floor brokers (previously brokers) to maintain daily trading records for each customer. Makes the Commission an "agency of the United States" for specified provisions of law relating to immunity of witnesses.
Bill· SS. 3055 (94th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1976
United States Grain Standards Act - Declares the policy of the Congress to: (1) provide for the establishment of official United States standards for grain; (2) promote the uniform application of such standards by official inspection personnel; (3) provide for an official inspection system for grain and to regulate the weighing; and (4) provide for the certification of the weight of grain shipped in interstate or foreign commerce with the objectives that grain may be marketed in an orderly manner and that trading of grain be facilitated. Defines terms for purposes of this Act. Establishes within the Department of Agriculture the Federal Grain Inspection Agency. States that the Administrator of such Agency shall be appointed by the President and shall be responsible for the administration of this Act. Authorizes the Administrator to establish: (1) standards of kind, class, quality, and condition of specified grains; and (2) standards for accurate weighing and certification procedures of grain shipped in interstate and foreign commerce and procedures for the supervision of the weighing of such grain. Requires the Administrator to publish notice of any proposal to establish, amend or revoke any standards under this Act to give interested persons an opportunity to present views and arguments regarding such proposal. Forbids the shipment of grain from the United States to any other place unless such lot is officially inspected in accordance with established standards on the basis of official samples and unless a valid official certificate showing the official grade designation and certified weight of the lot of grain has been provided by an official inspection. Allows the Administrator to waive such requirement when it is impracticable to provide such official inspection. Requires the official grade designation be used in any advertising, sale, bill of lading, or other document with respect to such grain. States that trademarks or brand names which do not resemble an official grade designation shall not be deemed to be a description of grain of any grade. Forbids the description of any grain shipped outside the United States by any official grade designation or description which is false or misleading. Includes in the regulations provided by the Administrator provisions for: (1) reinspections and appeal inspections; (2) cancellation and surrender of certificates superseded by reinspections and appeal inspections; and (3) the use of standard forms for official certificates. Declares that certificates issued under this Act shall constitute prima facie evidence of the truth of the facts in such certificate. Requires such inspections to be performed by official inspection personnel employed by the Federal Grain Inspection Agency. Authorizes the Administrator to provide for the inspection of grain loaded at any interior point in the United States on a carrier from which such grain is to be transported outside the United States. Authorizes the Administrator to enter into contracts with any State or person for the conduct of all or specified functions involved in an official inspection (except appeal inspections) if such State or individual meets specified criteria. Forbids the Administrator from entering into such contracts with any person or business entity currently engaged in the merchandising of grain. States that any such contract entered into shall expire within five years and may be renewed in accordance with the criteria specified in this Act. Allows the Administrator to revoke any inspection contract when the contractor has failed to meet the criteria specified in this Act, has been convicted of any Federal law involving the handling, weighing, or inspection of grain, or has not complied with any provision of this Act. Allows suspension of such contract for 30 days without a hearing when the Administrator has reason to believe there is cause for revocation. Provides for the inspection of American grain in Canadian ports. Directs the Administrator to cause continuous supervision of the weighing of grain transferred in or out of an export elevator. Authorizes the Administrator to prescribe procedures for the inspection and testing of all weights and scales used in the weighing and certification of weight of grain shipped in interstate or foreign commerce. Forbids any person from using weights or scales disapproved by the Administrator. Allows the Administrator to enter into agreements with a State for such activities with respect to elevators and warehouses subject to such State's jurisdiction. Requires that the representatives of the Administrator be afforded access to grain elevators, warehouses, and all the facilities therein for weighing grain. Directs the Administrator to charge and collect reasonable fees for the performance of official inspection and official supervision of weighing. States that such fees and any proceeds from the sales of samples obtained for purpose of official inspection which become the property of the United States shall be deposited in a fund for the expenses of the Agency in providing official inspection services. Authorizes the Administrator to issue licenses to individuals employed by an official inspection contractor or employee of the Agency for the inspection and supervision of the weighing of grain. Forbids any person from performing any official inspection or supervision functions unless such individual holds a valid license or authorization from the Administrator under this Act. States that all such licenses shall terminate triennially and shall be suspended automatically when the licensee ceases to be employed under an official inspection contract or agreement under this Act. Provides for the rotation of supervisory personnel at export areas for the purpose of preserving the integrity of the inspection system. Provides for the suspension, revocation, or non-renewal of any license issued under this Act based on specified conditions. Allows the Administrator to refuse to provide official inspection under this Act with respect to grain if the individual has violated any of the prohibited acts enumerated in this Act or has been convicted of any violation involving the handling, weighing, or inspection of grain. Provides for a civil penalty not to exceed $100,000 for each violation of any prohibited conduct under this Act. Allows the Administrator to temporarily refuse to provide official inspection without a hearing whenever there is reason to believe there is a cause for such refusal. Requires a hearing within seven days after such refusal. Prohibits any person licensed, authorized, or employed by the Administrator to perform any functions under this Act to be financially interested in, employed by, or accept gratuities from, any business entity owning or operating any grain elevator or warehouse or engaged in the merchandising of grain. Requires any person performing inspection functions under this Act to maintain samples of inspected grain and to keep such records as the Administrator may require. Requires owners or operators of grain elevator or warehouses or persons engaged in the merchandising of grain to maintain records of purchases, sales, storage, and handling of grain. Enumerates prohibited actions under this Act. Sets forth criminal penalties for engaging in such prohibited conduct. Declares that the act, omission, or failure of any employee of an association, partnership, or corporation within the scope of such person's employment shall be deemed the act, ommission, or failure of the employer entity. Authorizes the Administrator to conduct investigations and prescribe such rules and regulations as are deemed necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act. Authorizes the Administrator to monitor grain in foreign countries which was imported from the United States to determine if such grain is of comparable quality and quantity as was certified within the United States. Grants the power of subpoena to the Secretary of Agriculture in any investigation relating to the provisions of this Act. Sets forth criminal penalties for any person refusing to comply with such subpoena. Directs the Administrator to report to specified committees of Congress regarding the effectiveness of the grain inspection system along with recommendations for legislative changes necessary to accomplish the purposes of this Act. Requires the Administrator to notify such committees of complaints received by the Agency and the resolution of such complaints from foreign purchasers of grain. Authorizes such appropriations as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act. Directs the Administrator to study current grain standards and make such changes as are deemed necessary and appropriate. Sets forth the effective dates of the provisions of this Act.
Bill· SS. 3053 (94th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1976
Changes the position of Under Secretary of Agriculture to Deputy Secretary of Agriculture. States that the officer occupying the position of Under Secretary of Agriculture may assume the duties of the Deputy Secretary of Agriculture. Provides for two additional Assistant Secretaries of Agriculture. Increases the compensation of specified officials in the Department of Agriculture. Provides for an additional member of the Board of Directors of the Commodity Credit Corporation. (Adds 5 U.S.C. 5313(22); Amends 5 U.S.C. 5314, 5316)
Bill· SS. 3054 (94th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1976
Repeals requirements relating to notice of animal and plant quarantines by the Secretary of Agriculture to common carriers. Repeals requirements for publication of notices in newspapers and giving of written notice to railroads and other carriers doing business in infected localities or areas quarantined by the Secretary of Agriculture, of the establishment of quarantines and of the existence of livestock or poultry diseases, or insect infestations.
Bill· HRH.R. 12157 (94th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1976
Establishes a Bureau of Agricultural Statistics within the Department of Agriculture. States that the Bureau shall obtain information with regard to: (1) the prices received by producers and processors of agricultural commodities; and (2) the wholesale and retail prices of food. Directs the Bureau to issue a report to the Congress containing a summary of such information and recommendations for legislation to provide lower retail prices when the prices received by producers of any agricultural commodity are decreasing or remaining constant and the retail prices of food made from such commodity are increasing. Places such Bureau under the direction of a Commissioner of Agricultural Statistics to be appointed by the President. Directs such Commissioner to recommend to Congress legislation providing any mandatory reporting requirement the Commissioner deems necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 12164 (94th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1976
Stipulates that no rule or regulation which is issued pursuant to the Food Stamp Act of 1964 and which is to become effective after February 13, 1976, shall become effective until the enactment of legislation after the date of enactment of this Act with respect to the eligibility and purchase requirements of persons receiving benefits under the Food Stamp Act of 1964.
Bill· HRH.R. 12156 (94th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1976
United States Grain Standards Act - Declares the policy of the Congress to: (1) provide for the establishment of official United States standards for grain; (2) promote the uniform application of such standards by official inspection personnel; (3) provide for an official inspection system for grain and to regulate the weighing; and (4) provide for the certification of the weight of grain shipped in interstate or foreign commerce; with the objectives that grain may be marketed in an orderly manner and that trading of grain be facilitated. Defines terms for purposes of this Act. Establishes within the Department of Agriculture the Federal Grain Inspection Agency. States that the Administrator of such Agency shall be appointed by the President and shall be responsible for the administration of this Act. Authorizes the Administrator to establish: (1) standards of kind, class, quality, and condition of specified grains; and (2) standards for accurate weighing and certification procedures of grain shipped in interstate and foreign commerce and procedures for the supervision of the weighing of such grain. Requires the Administrator to publish notice of any proposal to establish, amend or revoke any standards under this Act to give interested persons an opportunity to present views and arguments regarding such proposal. Forbids the shipment of grain from the United States to any other place unless such lot is officially inspected in accordance with established standards on the basis of official samples and unless a valid official certificate showing the official grade designation and certified weight of the lot of grain has been provided by an official inspection. Allows the Administrator to waive such requirement when it is impracticable to provide such official inspection. Requires the official grade designation be used in any advertising, sale, bill of lading or other document with respect to such grain. States that trademarks or brand names which do not resemble an official grade designation shall not be deemed to be a description of grain of any grade. Forbids the description of any grain shipped outside the United States by any official grade designation or description which is false or misleading. Includes in the regulations provided by the Administrator provisions for: (1) reinspections and appeal inspections; (2) cancellation and surrender of certificates superseded by reinspections and appeal inspections; and (3) the use of standard forms for official certificates. Declares that certificates issued under this Act shall constitute prima facie evidence of the truth of the facts in such certificate. Requires such inspections to be performed by official inspection personnel employed by the Federal Grain Inspection Agency. Authorizes the Administrator to provide for the inspection of grain loaded at any interior point in the United States on a carrier from which such grain is to be transported outside the United States. Authorizes the Administrator to enter into contracts with any State or person for the conduct of all or specified functions involved in an official inspection (except appeal inspections) if such State or individual meets specified criteria. Forbids the Administrator from entering into such contracts with any person or business entity currently engaged in the merchandising of grain. States that any such contract entered into shall expire within five years and may be renewed in accordance with the criteria specified in this Act. Allows the Administrator to revoke any inspection contract when the contractor has failed to meet the criteria specified in this Act. Allows the Administrator to revoke any inspection contract when the contractor has failed to meet the criteria specified in this Act, has been convicted of any Federal law involving the handling, weighing or inspection of grain, or has not complied with any provision of this Act. Allows suspension of such contract for 30 days without a hearing when the Administrator has reason to believe there is cause for revocation. Provides for the inspection of American grain in Canadian ports. Directs the Administrator to cause continuous supervision of the weighing of grain transferred in or out of an export elevator. Authorizes the Administrator to prescribe procedures for the inspection and testing of all weights and scales used in the weighing and certification of weight of grain shipped in interstate or foreign commerce. Forbids any person from using weights or scales disapproved by the Administrator. Allows the Administrator to enter into agreements with a State for such activities with respect to elevators and warehouses subject to such State's jurisdiction. Requires that the representatives of the Administrator be afforded access to grain elevators, warehouses and all the facilities therein for weighing grain. Directs the Administrator to charge and collect reasonable fees for the performance of official inspection and official supervision of weighing. States that such fees and any proceeds from the sale of samples obtained for purposes of official inspection which become the property of the United States shall be deposited in a fund for the expenses of the Agency in providing official inspection services. Authorizes the Administrator to issue licenses to individuals employed by an official inspection contractor or employee of the Agency for the inspection and supervision of the weighing of grain. Forbids any person from performing any official inspection or supervision functions unless such individual holds a valid license or authorization from the Administrator under this Act. States that all such licenses shall terminate triennially and shall be suspended automatically when the licensee ceases to be employed under an official inspection contract or agreement under this Act. Provides for the rotation of supervisory personnel at export areas for the stated purpose of preserving the integrity of the inspection system. Provides for the suspension, revocation or non-renewal of any license issued under this Act based on specified conditions. Allows the Administrator to refuse to provide official inspection under this Act with respect to grain if the individual has violated any of the prohibited acts enumerated in this Act or has been convicted of any violation involving the handling, weighing, or inspection of grain. Provides for a civil penalty not to exceed $100,000 for each violation of any prohibited conduct under this Act. Allows the Administrator to temporarily refuse to provide official inspection without a hearing whenever there is reason to believe there is a cause for such refusal. Requires a hearing within seven days after such refusal. Prohibits any person licensed, authorized or employed by the Administrator to perform any functions under this Act to be financially interested in, employed by, or accept gratuities from, any business entity owning or operating any grain elevator or warehouse or engaged in the merchandising of grain. Requires any person performing inspection functions under this Act to maintain samples of inspected grain and to keep such records as the Administrator may require. Requires owners or operators of grain elevators or warehouses or persons engaged in the merchandising of grain to maintain records of purchases, sales, storage, and handling of grain. Enumerates prohibited actions under this Act. Sets forth criminal penalties for engaging in such prohibited conduct. Declares that the act, omission or failure of any employee of an association, partnership, or corporation within the scope of such person's employment shall be deemed the act, ommission, or failure of the employer entity. Authorizes the Administrator to conduct investigations and prescribe rules and regulations as are deemed necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act. Authorizes the Administrator to monitor grain in foreign countries which was imported from the United States to determine if such grain is of comparable quality and quantity as was certified within the United States. Grants the power of subpoena to the Secretary of Agriculture in any investigation relating to the provisions of this Act. Sets forth criminal penalties for any person refusing to comply with such subpoena. Directs the Administrator to report to specified committees of Congress regarding the effectiveness of the grain inspection system along with recommendations for legislative changes necessary to accomplish the purposes of this Act. Requires the Administrator to notify such committees of complaints received by the Agency and the resolution of such complaints from foreign purchasers of grain. Authorizes appropriations as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act. Directs the Administrator to study current grain standards and make changes as are deemed necessary and appropriate. Sets forth the effective dates of the provisions of this Act.
Bill· SS. 3045 (94th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1976
Establishes a National Commission on Food Production, Processing, Marketing, and Pricing, to be composed of nine members. Directs the Commission to study and appraise the economic and industrial structure of all segments of the food industry, including: (1) economic forecasts; (2) desirable structural changes in the various segments of the food industry; and (3) the effect of food imports on producers, processors, and consumers in the United States. Requires the Commission to make such interim reports as it deems advisable, and to make a final report of its findings, recommendations, and conclusions to the President and the Congress by July 1, 1978. Sets forth the powers of the Commission. Requires that, within six months following the filing of the final report, the Federal Trade Commission, the Department of Justice, and the Department of Agriculture shall each publish separate reports on the policy planning, budget allotments, investigations, complaints, indictments, litigation, and other actions of each agency with respect to the enforcement of the antitrust laws on the various sectors of the food industry. Directs the FTC and the Department of Justice to submit to the Congress and to publish in the Federal Register annual indices of the structure and the state of competition in the food industry. Authorizes appropriations to the Commission of up to $3,750,000 to carry out the purposes of this Act. Authorizes appropriations of up to $1,000,000 to the Federal Trade Commission to carry out the purposes of this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 12105 (94th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1976
Stipulates that no rule or regulation which is issued pursuant to the Food Stamp Act of 1964 and which is to become effective after February 13, 1976, shall become effective until the enactment of legislation after the date of enactment of this Act with respect to the eligibility and purchase requirements of persons receiving benefits under the Food Stamp Act of 1964.
Bill· HRH.R. 12102 (94th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1976
Repeals the revisions of the Official United States Standards with respect to the grading of carcass beef and slaughter cattle. States that no change shall become effective in grade designations or specifications for slaughter cattle or carcass beef which provides for a higher grade designation for such cattle or carcass than would exist under current standards. Authorizes and directs the Secretary of Agriculture to promulgate regulations to establish a different and non deceptive grade designation and specification for beef.
Bill· HRH.R. 12104 (94th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1976
Establishes a National Commission on Food Production, Processing, Marketing, and Pricing, to be composed of nine members. Directs the Commission to study and appraise the economic and industrial structure of all segments of the food industry, including: (1) economic forecasts; (2) desirable structural changes in the various segments of the food industry; and (3) the effect of food imports and exports on producers, processors, and consumers in the United States. Requires the Commission to make such interim reports as it deems advisable, and to make a final report of its findings, recommendations, and conclusions to the President and to the Congress by July 1, 1978. Sets forth the powers of the Commission. Requires that, within six months following the filing of the final report, the Federal Trade Commission, the Department of Justice, and the Department of Agriculture shall each publish separate reports on the policy planning, budget allotments, investigations, complaints, indictments, litigation, and other actions of each agency with respect to the enforcement of the antitrust laws on the various sectors of the food industry. Directs the FTC and the Department of Justice to submit to the Congress and to publish in the Federal Register annual indices of the structure and the state of competition in the food industry. Authorizes appropriations to the Commission of up to $3,750,000 to carry out the purposes of this Act. Authorizes appropriations of up to $1,000,000 to the Federal Trade Commission to carry out the purposes of this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 12083 (94th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1976
Drought Emergency Relief Act - Makes available financial assistance for drought-striken areas under the Soil Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act. Authorizes the President, upon request by a Governor of a State, to declare a state of drought to exist in the areas designated by the Governor. Makes such district or districts eligible for Federal financial assistance for weather modification purposes. States that 60 percent of the cost of any weather modification program in a drought area shall be provided by the Secretary of Agriculture and the remaining 40 percent shall be paid by the districts in which the drought was declared. Authorizes a transfer of funds not in excess of $5,000,000 for the fiscal year 1976 from any funds included in the Agricultural and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for purposes of this Act. Authorizes appropriations in such amounts as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act not exceeding $5,000,000 annually through fiscal year 1979.
Bill· HRH.R. 12064 (94th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1976
Stipulates that no rule or regulation which is issued pursuant to the Food Stamp Act of 1964 and which is to become effective after February 13, 1976, shall become effective until the enactment of legislation after the date of enactment of this Act with respect to the eligibility and purchase requirements of persons receiving benefits under the Food Stamp Act of 1964.
Bill· HRH.R. 12036 (94th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1976
United States Grain Standards Act Amendments - Title I: Declaration of Policy - Revises the U.S. Grain Standards Act to declare the Congressional finding that the regulation of grain transactions provided in this Act is necessary to prevent or eliminate burdens on commerce and to regulate such commerce. Title II: Official Inspection - Revises definitions under the Grain Standards Act to meet the purposes of this Act. Requires the official inspection at export grain elevators required or authorized to be inspected under this Act be performed by authorized employees of the Department of Agriculture. Authorizes the Secretary to require that grain loaded at an interior point in the United States for transportation from the United States be inspected in a similar manner. Allows the Secretary to enter into contracts with any State or person for such inspection functions if such State or person meets specified requirements. Forbids the Secretary from entering into such contracts with any person or business entity currently engaged in the storage or merchandising of grain. Directs the Secretary to charge and collect reasonable fees to cover the costs incident to the performance of official inspection and supervision of weighing functions. States that such fees and any proceeds from the sale of samples obtained for inspection purposes which become the property of the United States, shall be deposited in a fund for the expenses of the Department in providing official inspection services. States that official inspection contracts entered into terminate within five years and may be renewed in accordance with criteria specified in this Act. Allows the Secretary to revoke such contracts, after an opportunity for a hearing has been afforded, when the Secretary determines the contractor has not complied with any provision of this Act. Allows the suspension of such contract for 30 days without a hearing when the Secretary has reason to believe there is cause for revocation. Provides for the inspection of American grain in Canadian ports for overseas shipment. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) investigate the weighing of grain shipped in interstate or foreign commerce; (2) prescribe regulation standards for accurate weighing and certification procedures; and (3) require the maintenance of accurate records of the weighing of grain. Directs the Secretary to cause continuous supervision of weighing of all grain shipped in or out of grain elevators. Authorizes the Secretary to prescribe regulations regarding all weights and scales used in such weighing. Allows a State to supervise the weighing and inspection of grain and testing of weights and scales if such State meets specified criteria. Requires that representatives of the Secretary be afforded access to any elevator or warehouse from which grain is delivered or shipped in interstate or foreign commerce. Allows the Secretary to refuse any person official inspection if such person has violated specified provisions of this Act. Title III: Official Inspection Personnel - Authorizes the Secretary to issue licenses to qualified individuals to perform official grain inspection functions. Forbids any person from performing official grain inspection functions without a valid license or authorization from the Secretary. States that all such licenses shall expire triennially and any license shall be suspended automatically when the licensee ceases to be employed by an official grain inspection contract. Provides for the periodic rotation of supervisory personnel for grain inspection for the stated purpose of preserving the integrity of the inspection system. Allows the Secretary to automatically revoke any license issued under this Act if the licensee has been convicted of any offense specified in this Act. Title IV: Refusal of Inspection and Civil Penalties - Allows the Secretary to refuse to provide official inspection of grain or assess a civil penalty of $100,000 per violation or both for any individual violating the provisions of this Act. Allows the Secretary to refuse inspection for seven days without a hearing pending final determination of the proceedings when the Secretary has reason to believe there is sufficient cause. Title V: Records - Requires the maintenance of records of purchases, sales, transportation and handling by any person who receives official inspection and that such records be made available to authorized representatives of the Secretary. Title VI: Criminal Provisions - Amends specified Federal Acts to provide criminal penalties for violations of this Act. Title VII: Department of Agriculture Reporting Requirements and Studies - Directs the Secretary to report annually to specified Congressional committees regarding the effectiveness of the official grain inspection system together with recommendations for legislation. Directs the Secretary to notify such committees of complaints regarding faulty grain delivery made by a foreign purchaser. Requires an annual summary of all complaints made by foreign purchasers or prospective purchasers. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study regarding the adequacy of current grain standards and to make such changes as are determined to be necessary and appropriate. Title VIII: Miscellaneous Sets forth the authority granted the Secretary under this Act including the authority to prescribe such rules and regulations as are necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act. Sets forth criminal penalties for any unauthorized person who makes public any information obtained under this Act with specified exceptions. Authorizes necessary appropriations to carry out specified functions and costs under this Act. Sets forth the effective dates of the provisions of this Act.
Bill· SS. 3004 (94th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1976
Federal Food Marketing Appraisal Act - Establishes a bipartisan National Commission on Food Costs, Pricing, and Marketing, consisting of five Members of the Senate, five members of the House of Representatives, and five members to be appointed by the President from outside the Federal Government. Requires the Commission to analyze and appraise the costs, pricing, functioning, and structure of the food marketing industry. Directs the Commission to make interim reports and to submit to the President and to the Congress a final report of its findings and conclusions within 18 months after the date on which funding commences. States that such report shall include treatment of (1) recent changes in the food industry; (2) the responsiveness of food prices to changes in farm-level prices; (3) the kind of food marketing system that would best achieve efficiency of production and distribution; and (4) the effectiveness of the present national policy with respect to the food marketing system. Sets forth the powers and administrative authority of the Commission. Authorizes appropriations of up to $2,500,000 to carry out the provisions of this Act.