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United States · Official source
3,606 records where Del. de Lugo, Ron [D-VI-At Large] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 17 January 1977
Directs the Joint Committee on the Library to procure a bronze bust or statue of Martin Luther King, Jr. and to place it in a suitable location in the Capitol.
United States · United States Congress · 13 January 1977
National Aquaculture Organic Act - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish a National Aquaculture Development Plan. Requires that such plan (1) identify each aquatic species which can be cultured on a commercial basis (priority aquatic species), and (2) contain a program of aquaculture development for such priority aquatic species. Directs the Secretary of Commerce or the Secretary of the Interior, whichever is appropriate, to review annually each aquatic species not identified as a priority species and the program established for each priority species. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to (1) establish and maintain an aquaculture information center, (2) maintain an inventory of public and private aquaculture being carried out in the United States, (3) arrange for the mutual exchange of information relating to aquaculture with foreign nations, and (4) submit an annual report to Congress on the implementation of the provisions of this Act. Establishes the Interagency Committee on Aquaculture comprised of the heads of various Federal agencies to insure that there is a continuing exchange of information relating to the aquacultural programs and projects of the various agencies and to review on a continuing basis the relevant programs and projects of all Federal agencies. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce or the Secretary of the Interior to carry out any function under this Act through grants or contracts. Limits the amount of any grant made available under this Act to one-half of the estimated cost of the project for which the grant was made. Authorizes either Secretary to guarantee obligations issued for the financing of any aquaculture facility within the United States. Stipulates that the aggregate unpaid principal amount of all such guaranteed obligations shall not exceed $100,000,000. Authorizes the Secretary to collect a fee for guaranteed obligations not to exceed one-half of one percent per annum of the outstanding principal balance of the obligation. Sets forth the allowable interest rate, maturity date, and default procedures relating to such loans. Authorizes the appropriate Secretary to issue notes or obligations to the Secretary of the Treasury if the monies in the loan fund are insufficient to pay such a loan in the event of default. Authorizes the Secretary to make disaster loans available to individuals who have guaranteed loans under this Act. Establishes within the Treasury a Federal Aquaculture Assistance Fund for the purpose of guaranteeing loans or making disaster loans available under this Act. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish an insurance program for persons with guaranteed loans under this Act. Authorizes appropriations to the Secretaries of Commerce and the Interior to carry out the various provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 13 January 1977
Amends the Tariff Schedules of the United States to increase the personal exemption of (1) articles imported by a United States resident returning from American Samoa, Guam, or the Virgin Islands from $200 to $400, and (2) alcoholic beverages imported by a United States resident returning from such territories from one to one and a half gallons.
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 1977
Amends the Local Public Works Capital Development and Investment Act of 1976 to increase the amount authorized to be appropriated under such Act to $6,000,000,000.
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 1977
Maternal and Child Health Care Act - Title I: General Provisions and Administration - Entitles every individual who is a United State citizen or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence, and who is a child or who is pregnant, to have payment made for health care services received by such individual in accordance with this Act. Establishes in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare a Maternal and Child Health Board. Directs the Board to continuously study the operation of this Act and the most effective methods of providing comprehensive personal health services to mothers and children. Requires the Board to report annually to Congress on its activities. Establishes a National Maternal and Child Health Council to advise the Board on matters of general policy, study the operation of this Act, and recommend changes it deems advisable. Title II: Nature and Scope of Benefits - Sets forth procedures to be used in determining whether institutions are qualified health services providers under this Act. Includes within covered professional services: (1) preventive children's health services; and (2) professional services for the diagnosis, treatment, or rehabilitation of a child following injury, disability, or disease. Includes within covered inpatient hospital services: (1) emergency medical care for children; (2) inpatient services for a child under the age of 12 in a qualified pediatric unit; (3) inpatient services for a child 12 years of age or older in a qualified hospital; and (4) child inpatient services in a qualified nursing home. Includes the following services within the coverage of this Act: (1) rehabilitative services, encompassing physical therapy and speech therapy; (2) social services; and (3) mental health services, encompassing psychiatric and psychological services furnished to a child in a qualified facility. Includes within coverage drugs and biologicals prescribed for a child who is not an inpatient in a nursing home or hospital if such drug or biological is prescribed to be taken for longer than four weeks. Includes within coverage devices, appliances, and equipment, the dispensing of such devices for the correction of a child's vision or hearing, and the dispensing of such devices as are necessary for the treatment or rehabilitation of a child following injury, disability, or disease. Includes within maternity coverage: (1) professional services for the diagnosis and treatment of pregnancy and related medical problems; (2) inpatient hospital services for care during pregnancy and for 12 weeks after the pregnancy's termination; (3) diagnostic services performed by a qualified pathology laboratory during such time period; (4) drugs and biologicals prescribed during such time period for a woman not an inpatient in a nursing home or hospital if such drug or biological is prescribed to be taken for more than four weeks; and (5) devices, appliances, and equipment required for treatment of a woman for any pregnancy-related condition during such time period. Directs the Board to arrange for the furnishing of covered medical services to individuals who reside in a medically underserved area or who, because of poverty, discrimination, or cultural barriers, are determined by the Board to suffer a higher risk of infant and maternal mortality than other individuals. Includes within coverage of such individuals, transportation to and from the place where medical services are furnished, care of dependents while such individuals are being furnished medical services, and social outreach services to inform such individuals about services available under this Act. Title III: Administration and Method of Payment of Benefits - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to enter into contracts with carriers to perform some or all of specified administrative functions. Stipulates that payments for covered services may be made only to: (1) the person furnishing such services; (2) the employer of such person; or (3) the facility in which such services were provided. Directs the Secretary to pay 100 percent of the full payment amount for covered services in specified circumstances and to pay 90 percent of that amount in all other cases. Allows the Board, upon determining that a person furnishing covered services under this Act has substantially or consistently violated requirements under this title, to prohibit the making of any payments under this Act for a period not to exceed one year. Requires an individual requesting payment under this Act to: (1) display public notice of participation in the program; and (2) inform each patient of the amount of any copayment the patient must make for covered services, prior to furnishing such services. Requires the Board to approve for each fee payment area a schedule of the amount of payments to be made under this Act for the furnishing of covered professional services. Directs the Board to designate for each fee payment area a nonprofit fee payment board, to submit to the Board a proposed fee payment schedule, and to propose annual revisions. Permits persons adversely affected by the Board's approval or disapproval of a fee payment schedule to seek review in accordance with the provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act. Directs that payments be made on a timely basis for covered institutional services. Requires qualified institutions requesting payment under this Act to: (1) display public notice of their participation in the program; and (2) inform each patient of the amount of any copayment the patient must make for covered services, prior to furnishing covered services. Directs the Board to make available to the public the name, address, and telephone number of each dispenser of drugs and devices covered under this Act. Requires dispensers to display public notice of their participation in the program and to inform patients of any copayment that must be made for any drugs and devices furnished under this Act. Directs the Board to publish annually a schedule of the wholesale cost of covered drugs and devices commonly dispensed under this Act. Title IV: Financing the Maternal and Child Health Program - Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to impose a maternal and child health care tax on employees, employers, and self-employed individuals. Creates on the books of the United States Treasury a Maternal and Child Health Trust Fund. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as are necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act in each fiscal year. Appropriates to the Fund for the fiscal year 1976 and each fiscal year thereafter, amounts equivalent to the revenue from the maternal and child health care taxes. Authorizes the Managing Trustee of the Fund to accept and deposit into the Fund money, gifts, and bequests made unconditionally for the benefit of such Fund or any of its activities. Creates a body to be known as the Board of the Trustees of the Fund and designates the Secretary of the Treasury as Managing Trustee. Directs such Board to submit an annual report to Congress on the operation and status of the Fund. Charges the Managing Trustee with the duty of investing such portion of the Fund as is not required to meet current withdrawals. Title V: Penalties, Effective Date, and Technical Amendments - Makes it unlawful to make false statements, misrepresent material facts, or fraudulently conceal or fail to disclose material facts in connection with applications and payment requests under this Act. Makes it unlawful to solicit, offer, or receive kickbacks, bribes, or referral charge rebates in connection with services covered under this Act. Subjects violators to a fine of not more than $10,000, imprisonment for not more than one year, or both. Makes specified technical and conforming amendments in the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1977
Establishes a Task Force on the Taxation of Real Property by State and Local Governments to study and evaluate such taxation, its effects on middle and fixed income taxpayers, and the feasibility of using Federal taxation and other methods to reduce the dependence of State and local governments on such taxation. Provides that the Task Force shall include: (1) four officials of the executive branch, to be appointed by the President; (2) four Senators, no more than two from the same political party, to be appointed by the majority leader; (3) four Representatives, no more than two from the same political party, to be appointed by the Speaker; and (4) 12 individuals not Federal employees or officers representing State and local governments, the academic community and citizens groups, to be appointed by the President, Speaker and majority leader in concert. Empowers the Task Force to hold hearings, administer oaths, issue subpenas, hire a staff, contract out research projects and obtain assistance upon request from all other Government agencies and departments. Directs the Task Force to submit its final report to the President and the Congress within one year after all of its members have been appointed. Provides for the termination of the Task Force on the ninetieth day after submission of its final report.
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1977
Amends Title XVI (Supplemental Security Income Program) of the Social Security Act to extend benefits to Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Guam on the same basis as the States.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Establishes a Select Commission on Territorial Immigration Policy to study and analyze: (1)the extent to which territories or possessions of the United States require special treatment under the immigration and naturalization laws; (2)the need of each of the jurisdictions for such treatment; and (3) methods of consulting with and considering the interest, the people and governments of such areas. Requires the Commission to report to Congress within a two-year period following its establishment. Authorizes the appropriation of necessary sums to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act - Title I: Statement of Findings and Policy - Declares that most of the nation's coal reserve can only be mined by underground methods. Lists the purposes of this Act, including the establishment of a nationwide program to prevent adverse effects to society and the environment from surface coal mining. Title II: Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement - Establishes in the Interior Department the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement with a Director appointed by the President. States that such Office shall administer the programs required by this Act and assist the States in development of State programs for surface coal mining and reclamation. States that the Office shall be considered an independent Federal regulatory body. Title III: State Mining and Mineral Resources Research Institute - Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary of the Interior of sums adequate to provide for each participating State $200,000 for fiscal year 1978, $300,000 for fiscal year 1979, and $400,000 for each fiscal year thereafter for five years, to assist the States in carrying on the work of a competent and qualified mining and mineral resources research institute or center at the school of mines of one public college or university of the State. Requires such monies to be matched dollar-for-dollar by the States. Authorizes appropriations of $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1978, such sum to be increased by $2,000,000 each fiscal year for six years thereafter, for specific projects in mining and mineral research in institutes. Directs the Secretary to establish a center for cataloging current and projected scientific research in mining and mineral resources. Requires the Secretary to appoint an Advisory Committee on Mining and Mineral Research for advice on all matters concerning mining and mineral resources research. Title IV: Abandoned Mine Reclamation - Creates the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund in the Treasury. Requires operators of coal mines to pay into the fund quarterly fees of $.35 per ton of coal produced by surface mining and $.15 per ton of coal produced by underground mining, or ten percent of the value of the coal in the mine, whichever is less. Authorizes use of money in the Fund for acquisition and reclamation of abandoned and unreclaimed mine lands and for acquisitions and fillings of voids and sealing of tunnels and entryways in abandoned mines. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to enter into agreements with landowners of water rights under which such landowners shall furnish a conservation and development plan and shall effect such plan in return for financial assistance from the Secretary of Agriculture of up to 80 percent of the cost of such a reclamation effort. Encourages States to acquire abandoned and unreclaimed land, and to transfer it to the Secretary for reclamation, and authorizes matching grants for such purpose, up to 90 percent of the land price. Allows resale of reclaimed land by public bidding, and allows local public participation in determining the use of reclaimed land. Title V: Control of the Environmental Impacts of Surface Coal Mining - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to publish, within 180 days of the enactment of this Act, regulations which establish a permanent regulatory procedure and performance standards for surface coal mining and reclamation standards. Requires the Secretary to obtain the concurrence of the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency with respect to regulations concerned with air or water quality standards. Establishes a permit program to require mining operators to comply with environmental protection standards. Allows State control over surface mining permits if certain requirements are met. Authorizes the implementation of a Federal program if States fail to act. Permits State laws and regulations that are more stringent than those set forth pursuant to this Act. Requires permit applications to describe the method of mining and equipment proposed to be used, to describe by maps the land to be affected, and to contain a statement of results of test borings or core samplings of the affected land. Stipulates that permits must be accompanied by a mining and reclamation plan which shall include a description of present uses of the land, steps to be taken to prevent environmental damage and a description of the reclamation activities. Requires the posting of performance bonds and possession of liability insurance by applicants for permits. Requires the establishment of coal exploration regulations by appropriate State and Federal authorities. Requires that such regulations include provisions for reclamation of lands disturbed in exploration activities. Imposes the following general environmental performance standards on surface mining operations as a condition of the issuance of a permit under this Act: (1) restoration of the land affected to a prior use, consistent with public health and safety; (2) restoration to the original contour of the land and backfilling, grading, and compacting the excess overburden and other waste materials to attain the lowest grade; (3) removal and segregation of topsoil in a separate layer where it is able to support vegetation; (4) minimization of disturbances to the hydrologic balance at the mine site and surrounding areas by eliminating or reducing toxic drainage, siltation, and contamination problems; (5) conformity with standards for the design and location of coal mine waste piles; and (6) establishment of a diverse, effective, and permanent vegetation on regraded areas. Stipulates that the regulatory authority shall make test borings of core samplings for mining operators with an estimated annual production of less than 250,000 tons of coal. Establishes additional requirements for steep-slope surface mining operations. Defines the term "steep-slope" to include any slope above 20 degrees or lesser slopes as may be defined by the regulatory authority. Directs the Secretary to promulgate rules and regulations directed at the surface effects of underground mining. Directs and authorizes inspection of surface coal mining and reclamation to determine compliance with this Act and regulations. Provides requirements for recordkeeping and submittal and monitoring by mine operators. Imposes civil penalties for violation of this Act or regulations under it. Establishes procedures for citizen suits and judicial review of actions under this Act. Establishes conditions under which mine operators may request a release of all or part of the performance bond. Requires public notice and hearings upon applications for such releases. Requires States to establish, as a condition of assuming primary regulatory control, a planning process designed to identify lands unsuitable for surface coal mining. Requires designation of lands as unsuitable if it can be shown that reclamation pursuant to the requirements of the Act is not feasible. Authorizes designation of lands as unsuitable where operations mining will: (1) be incompatible with land use plans or programs; (2) affect fragile or historic lands of significant historic, scientific or esthetic value; (3) affect renewable land resources with an impact on long-range food and water supply; and (4) increase a significant hazard to life and property, including the possibility of flood and earthquake damage. Prohibits surface coal mining operations on certain Federal lands, or within 100 feet of a public road or within 300 feet of a building or dwelling, unless the consent of the affected public or private interest is obtained. Requires implementation of a Federal lands program applicable to all surface coal mining and reclamation activities pursuant to Federal laws or taking place on Federal lands. Requires that coal exploration operations which substantially disturb the natural land surface on such lands be subject to a permit program established by the Secretary of the Interior. Requires separate regulations for programs for special bituminous coal surface mines that meet specified criteria, and for anthracite coal surface mines which are regulated by environmental protection standards of the States. Title VI: Designation of Lands Unsuitable for Noncoal Mining - Allows the Secretary to designate Federal lands unsuitable for mining materials other than coal, if they are predominantly urban or suburban in character or if such mining operations would have an adverse impact on lands used primarily for residential and related purposes. Title VII: Administrative and Miscellaneous Provisions - Defines the terms used in this Act. Prohibits discrimination against employees for filing suit under this Act and for testifying in a proceeding under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to make annual grants to the States to assist the States in developing, administering, and enforcing State programs under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to provide technical assistance and training, and assistance in preparing and maintaining a continuing inventory of information on surface coal mining and reclamation projects. Requires the Secretary to submit an annual report to the President and the Congress. Directs the Secretary to contract with the National Academy of Sciences-National Academy of Engineering for a study of surface coal mining conditions in Alaska in order to determine which, if any, of the provisions of this Act should be modified with respect to such operations in Alaska. Directs the Chairman of the Council on Environmental Quality to contract with the National Academy of Sciences-National Academy of Engineering and other groups for a study of the technology for surface and open-pit mining and reclamation for minerals other than coal designed to assist in the development of regulation for such operations. Directs the Secretary to consult with Indian tribes in studying the regulation of surface mining on Indian lands. Requires all surface coal mining operations on Indian lands to comply with requirements at least as stringent as specified provisions in this Act within 30 months from the enactment of this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of the following sums to carry out this Act: (1) for various contract authority, $10,000,000 per fiscal year for fiscal years 1978, 1979, and 1980; (2) for the performance of test borings by the regulatory authority, an amount reserved for such purpose from the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund not to exceed $40,000 per fiscal year; (3) for administrative and other purposes, $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1978, $20,000,000 for fiscal years 1979 and 1980, and $30,000,000 for fiscal years thereafter; and (4) for research and demonstration projects of alternative coal mining technologies, $35,000,000 for fiscal year 1978, and for the next four years. Stipulates that no new budget authority for fiscal year 1977 is authorized by the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
World War I Pension Act - Requires the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to pay (in addition to any already paid) a monthly pension of $150 to each veteran of World War I who meets specified service requirements, or to the surviving spouse of each such veteran, or when there is no surviving spouse, to the child or children of each such veteran.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Young Adult Conservation Corps Act - Amends the Act which established the Youth Conservation Corps to direct the Secretaries of Agriculture and Interior to jointly extend the Youth Conservation Corps so as to make possible the year-round employment of young adults. States that individuals employed as Corps members under this Act shall be either between the ages of 18 and 24 exclusively or school dropouts who are at least age 16; shall meet applicable physical standards; shall be given preference for employment if they reside in counties in which the unemployment rate was equal to or in excess of six percent for three consecutive months; and may be employed for a total of not more than 12 months. Specifies guidelines to be followed by the Secretaries in administering this Act, including those relative to the types of jobs and projects to be given preference and the wages to be paid Corps members. Extends the program under which grants are made to States and to assist them in meeting the cost of projects for the employment of young people to develop and maintain non-Federal public lands and waters. Designates a time period during which the Secretaries are to develop a plan to carry out the activities authorized by this Act and prepare the site location, facilities, and equipment selected in such plan. Directs the Secretaries, in performing such functions, to plan for a capacity of the extended Corps to employ 100,000 young adults during the first fiscal year of operation, 300,000 during the second, 400,000 during the third, and 500,000 during the fourth.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Authorizes the President of the United States to designate the week of September 18 through September 24, 1977, as "National Lupus Week."
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 1976
Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to stipulate that licenses for construction or modification of nuclear materials production or utilization facilities shall be subject to State disapproval for a 90-day period following notification of the affected State.
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 1976
Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to stipulate that licenses for construction or modification of nuclear materials production or utilization facilities must be approved by affected States prior to application for Federal Power Commission approval. Authorizes States to adopt safety standards which are more stringent than Federal requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1976
Youth Opportunities Industrialization Centers Job Creation and Training Act - Directs the Secretary of Labor to enter into contracts with Opportunities Industrialization Centers, Incorporated, and with any other nonprofit community-based organization for the provision of (1) comprehensive employment services and jobs for unemployed persons, especially unemployed youth; (2) career education and counseling services for secondary school students; (3) career education for unemployed persons, especially unemployed youth; or (4) work-study projects in community development and improvement for unemployed youth. Directs the head of each Federal agency administering enumerated revenue sharing and public works programs to assure that special consideration is given to Opportunities Industrialization Centers and other nonprofit community-based organizations for the provision of comprehensive employment services and job opportunities for unemployed persons. Specifies standards and guidelines relative to contracts entered into under this Act, including guidelines with respect to (1) persons and types of positions to be given priority under job placement programs, (2) mandatory benefits and maximum salaries of positions filled under job placement programs, and (3) hiring preference and working conditions regarding the staffs of contract programs. Amends the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act to authorize the Secretary of Labor to provide financial assistance for year-round jobs for economically disadvantaged youths. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to qualify wages paid to specified previously unemployed persons for the work incentive program expenses credit.
United States · United States Congress · 21 September 1976
Authorizes and requests the President to issue a proclamation designating the week beginning October 3, 1976, and ending October 9, 1976, as "National Gifted Children Week."
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 1976
Title I: Frederick Law Olmsted Home and Office, Brookline, Massachusetts - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to prepare and transmit to specified Congressional committees a study of the feasibility and suitability of designating the Frederick Law Olmsted Home and Office, Brookline, Massachusetts, as a unit of the National Park System. Title II: Saint Paul's Church, Eastchester, New York - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to prepare and transmit to specified Congressional committees a study of the feasibility and suitability of designating Saint Paul's Church, Eastchester, New York, as a unit of the National Park System. Title III: National Museum of Afro-American History and Culture at or near Wilberforce, Ohio - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to prepare and transmit to specified Congressional committees a study of the feasibility and suitability of establishing a National Museum of Afro-American History and Culture in the vicinity of Wilberforce, Ohio. Title IV: Kalaupapa Settlement on the Island of Molokai, Hawaii - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to study the feasibility and desirability of designating as a unit of the National Park System all or part of Kalawao County on the island of Molokai, Hawaii, in which is located the Kalaupapa leper settlement. Requires the Secretary to submit a report of such study, including a detailed proposed master development plan, to the President and Congress within two years of the enactment of this title. Establishes the Kalaupapa National Historical Park Advisory Commission. Prohibits agencies and departments of the United States from taking any action which would impact on the proposed park area pending submission of the Secretary's report. Title V: Shawnee Hills, Illinois - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to designate all or part of the Shawnee Hills in specified counties in Illinois as a national recreation area.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 1976
Directs the Secretary of the Interior to convey to the government of Guam, the government of the Virgin Islands, and the government of American Samoa, all right, title, and interest of the United States in deposits of oil, gas, and other minerals in the submerged lands conveyed to the governments of such territories not later than 60 days after the enactment of this Act. States that such conveyance shall be subject to any existing lease, permit, or other interest granted by the United States prior to the date of such conveyance. Provides that rentals, royalties, and fees which accrue after such date shall be payable to the government of the territory to which the mineral deposits have been conveyed.
United States · United States Congress · 8 September 1976
National Neighborhood Policy Act - Establishes a National Commission on Neighborhoods which will include two members each from the House and the Senate and 16 public members appointed by the President. States the duties of the Commission which include studying the factors necessary to neighborhood survival and revitalization and making recommendations for modification of existing laws and policies. Makes provisions for the administration of this Commission. Authorizes to be appropriated funds necessary to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 September 1976
Title I: Flathead, Montana - Designates a specified segment of the Flathead River, Montana, as a component of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. Title II: Missouri, Montana - Designates a specified segment of the Missouri River in Montana as a component of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. Limits the lands which may be included within, and acquired for, such park, and details guidelines relating to park administration. Title III: Obed, Tennessee - Designates a specified segment of the Obed River, Tennessee, as a component of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. Title IV: Housatonic, Connecticut - Designates a specified segment of the Housatonic River in Connecticut as a potential addition to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. Title V: Section IV Amendment - Repeals the provision in the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act prohibiting the addition of a river or portion of a river to the National Wild and Scenic River System until the close of the full session of the appropriate State legislature that begins following the submission of any recommendation to the President with respect to such addition. Title VI: Feather, California - Redefines the boundaries of the portion of the Feather River, California, which is a component of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.
United States · United States Congress · 24 August 1976
Designates March 13 to 19, 1977, as "National Community Health Week."
United States · United States Congress · 9 August 1976
Designates the following trails for study as potential additions to the national trails system: (1) Bartram Trail, extending through Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee; (2) Daniel Boone Trail, extending through North Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, and Kentucky; (3) Desert Trail, extending through Washington, Idaho, Oregon, California, Nevada, and Arizona; (4) Dominguez-Escalante Trail, extending through New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, and Arizona; (5) Florida Trail; (6) Indian Nations Trail, Oklahoma; (7) Nez Perce Trail, extending through Oregon, Idaho, and Montana; and (8) Pacific Northwest Trail, extending through Washington, Idaho, and Montana.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1976
Amends the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to direct the Secretary of the Interior to designate a specified segment of the New River, North Carolina, as a component of the National Wild and Scenic River System upon application of the Governor of North Carolina. Prohibits the Federal Power Commission from issuing any license for any undertaking which would adversely affect such segment.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1976
Title I: Manassas National Battlefield Park, Virginia - Revises the boundaries of Manassas National Battlefield Park, Virginia. Authorizes the appropriation of specified sums to acquire lands within such revised boundaries. Title II: Monocacy National Battlefield, Maryland - Renames Monocacy National Military Park, Maryland, as Monocacy National Battlefield. Revises the boundaries of such park. Amends specified provisions relating to park administration. Authorizes the appropriation of specified sums for land acquisition and facility development. Title III: George Washington Birthplace National Monument, Virginia - Revises the boundaries of George Washington Birthplace National Monument, Virginia. Authorizes the appropriation of specified sums to acquire lands within such revised boundaries. Title IV: Olympic National Park, Washington - Revises the boundaries of Olympic National Park, Washington. Authorizes the appropriation of specified sums to acquire lands within such revised boundaries. Title V: Pecos National Monument, New Mexico - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to accept the donation of lands for addition to Pecos National Monument, New Mexico. Title VI: Bandelier National Monument, New Mexico - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to acquire specified lands for addition to Bandelier National Monument, New Mexico. Authorizes the appropriation of specified sums to purchase such lands.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 1976
Comprehensive Oil Pollution Liability and Compensation Act - Title I: Domestic Oil Pollution Liability, Compensation, and Fund - Establishes in the Treasury of the United States a fund for the purpose of paying for otherwise uncompensated losses resulting from oil pollution. Enumerates the sources of moneys to be deposited in such fund, including a fee, not to exceed three cents per barrel of oil, imposed upon owners of facilities receiving oil in bulk directly for a vessel, an offshore production of port facility, or an oil pipeline. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to issue obligations to the Secretary of the Treasury at times when fund assets are insufficient to meet fund liabilities. Lists the types of injuries which may be compensated under this Act and the potential claimants who have standing to assert claims involving each such type of damage. Imposes joint, several, and strict liability on the owners and operators of each pollution source. Specifies liability limits, except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct, for ships and other vessels. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish limits on the liability of classes of facilities used for transporting, producing, processing, storing, or transferring oil. Requires the owner or operator: (1) of any such facility; or (2) any ship which uses such facility or navigable waters of the United States, to establish and maintain evidence of financial responsibility in an amount sufficient to satisfy applicable liability limits. Directs the person in charge of a vessel or facility to immediately notify the Secretary of Transportation of any pollution incident in which the vessel or facility is involved. Specifies procedures whereby the Secretary may, in the absence of such an admission, designate and advertise pollution sources. Directs the Secretary, in instances in which: (1) the owner and operator of a vessel or facility designated by the Secretary deny such vessel's or facility's involvement; (2) the source of the discharge is a public vessel; or (3) the Secretary is unable to designate the pollution source, to advertise procedures for presenting claims directly to the fund. Requires all other claims, with limited exceptions, to be initially presented to the owner or operator, or to such persons' guarantor. Permits claimants to either present a claim to the fund or to bring an action in an appropriate United States district court when an owner or operator and a guarantor deny liability or fail to settle the claim within a specified period. Sets forth procedures for the disposition and appeal of claims submitted to the fund. Requires both the plaintiff and the defendant in a court action brought against an owner, operator, or guarantor to forward copies of all pleadings to the fund. Permits the fund to intervene in such actions. Subrogates any person or governmental entity, including the fund, paying compensation to all the claimant's claims and rights under this Act. Specifies procedures for and the measure of recovery in actions brought by the fund against owners, operators, or guarantors of alleged pollution sources. Declares that the rights and remedies under this Act shall be exclusive with respect to economic loss caused by oil pollution. Sets penalties for persons failing to comply with specified provisions in this Act. Title II: Effective dates; Conforming Amendments - Specifies the effective date of, and amends specified laws to conform with, the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 1976
Maternal and Child Health Care Act - Title I: General Provisions and Administration - Entitles every individual who is a United State citizen or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence, and who is a child or who is pregnant, to have payment made for health care services received by such individual in accordance with this Act. Establishes in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare a Maternal and Child Health Board. Directs the Board to continuously study the operation of this Act and the most effective methods of providing comprehensive personal health services to mothers and children. Requires the Board to report annually to Congress on its activities. Establishes a National Maternal and Child Health Council to advise the Board on matters of general policy, study the operation of this Act, and recommend changes it deems advisable. Title II: Nature and Scope of Benefits - Sets forth procedures to be used in determining whether insitutions are qualified health services providers under this Act. Includes within covered professional services: (1) preventive children's health services; and (2) professional services for the diagnosis, treatment, or rehabilitation of a child following injury, disability, or disease. Includes within covered inpatient hospital services: (1) emergency medical care for children; (2) inpatient services for a child under the age of 12 in a qualified pediatric unit; (3) inpatient services for a child 12 years of age or older in a qualified hospital; and (4) child inpatient services in a qualified nursing home. Includes the following services within the coverage of this Act: (1) rehabilitative services, encompassing physical therapy and speech therapy; (2) social services; and (3) mental health services, encompassing psychiatric and psychological services furnished to a child in a qualified facility. Includes within coverage drugs and biologicals prescribed for a child who is not an inpatient in a nursing home or hospital if such drug or biological is prescribed to be taken for longer than four weeks. Includes within coverage devices, appliances, and equipment, the dispensing of such devices for the correction of a child's vision or hearing, and the dispensing of such devices as are necessary for the treatment or rehabilitation of a child following injury, disability, or disease. Includes within maternity coverage: (1) professional services for the diagnosis and treatment of pregnancy and related medical problems; (2) inpatient hospital services for care during pregancy and for 12 weeks after the pregnancy's termination; (3) diagnostic services performed by a qualified pathology laboratory during such time period; (4) drugs and biologicals prescribed during such time period for a woman not an inpatient in a nursing home or hospital if such drug or biological is prescribed to be taken for more than four weeks; and (5) devices, appliances, and equipment required for treatment of a woman for any pregnancy-related condition during such time period. Directs the Board to arrange for the furnishing of covered medical services to individuals who reside in a medically underserved area or who, because of poverty, discrimination, or cultural barriers, are determined by the Board to suffer a higher risk of infant and maternal mortality than other individuals. Includes within coverage of such individuals, transportation to and from the place where medical services are furnished, care of dependents while such individuals are being furnished medical services, and social outreach services to inform such individuals about services available under this Act. Title III: Administration and Method of Payment of Benefits - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to enter into contracts with carriers to perform some or all of specified administrative functions. Stipulates that payments for covered services may be made only to: (1) the person furnishing such services; (2) the employer of such person; or (3) the facility in which such services were provided. Directs the Secretary to pay 100 percent of the full payment amount for covered services in specified circumstances and to pay 90 percent of that amount in all other cases. Allows the Board, upon determining that a person furnishing covered services under this Act has substantially or consistently violated requirements under this title, to prohibit the making of any payments under this Act for a period not to exceed one year. Requires an individual requesting payment under this Act to: (1) display public notice of participation in the program; and (2) inform each patient of the amount of any copayment the patient must make for covered services, prior to furnishing such services. Requires the Board to approve for each fee payment area a schedule of the amount of payments to be made under this Act for the furnishing of covered professional services. Directs the Board to designate for each fee payment area a nonprofit fee payment board, to submit to the Board a proposed fee payment schedule, and to propose annual revisions. Permits persons adversely affected by the Board's approval or disapproval of a fee payment schedule to seek review in accordance with the provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act. Directs that payments be made on a timely basis for covered institutional services. Requires qualified institutions requesting payment under this Act to: (1) display public notice of their participation in the program; and (2) inform each patient of the amount of any copayment the patient must make for covered services, prior to furnishing covered services. Directs the Board to make available to the public the name, address, and telephone number of each dispenser of drugs and devices covered under this Act. Requires dispensers to display public notice of their participation in the program and to inform patients of any copayment that must be made for any drugs and devices furnished under this Act. Directs the Board to publish annually a schedule of the wholesale cost of covered drugs and devices commonly dispensed under this Act. Title IV: Financing the Maternal and Child Health Program - Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to impose a maternal and child health care tax on employees, employers, and self-empolyed individuals. Creates on the books of the United States Treasury a Maternal and Child Health Trust Fund. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as are necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act in each fiscal year. Appropriates to the Fund for the fiscal year 1976 and each fiscal year thereafter, amounts equivalent to the revenue from the maternal and child health care taxes. Authorizes the Managing Trustee of the Fund to accept and deposit into the Fund money, gifts, and bequests made unconditionally for the benefit of such Fund or any of its activities. Creates a body to be known as the Board of the Trustees of the Fund and designates the Secretary of the Treasury as Managing Trustee. Directs such Board to submit an annual report to Congress on the operation and status of the Fund. Charges the Managing Trustee with the duty of investing such portion of the Fund as is not required to meet current withdrawals. Title V: Penalties, Effective Date, and Technical Amendments - Makes it unlawful to make false statements, misrepresent material facts, or fraudulently conceal or fail to disclose material facts in connnection with applications and payment requests under this Act. Makes it unlawful to solicit, offer, or receive kickbacks, bribes, or referral charge rebates in connection with services covered under this Act. Subjects violators to a fine of not more than $10,000, imprisonment for not more than one year, or both. Makes specified technical and conforming amendments in the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 July 1976
National Aquaculture Organic Act - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish a National Aquaculture Development Plan. States that such plan shall: (1) identify each aquatic species which can be cultured on a commercial basis (priority aquatic species); and (2) contain a program of aquaculture development for such priority aquatic species. Directs the Secretary of Commerce or Secretary of the Interior, whichever is appropriate, to review annually each aquatic species not identified as a priority species and the program established for each priority species. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to: (1) establish and maintain an aquaculture information center; (2) maintain an inventory of public and private aquaculture being carried out in the United States; (3) arrange for the mutual exchange of information relating to aquaculture with foreign nations; and (4) submit an annual report to Congress on the implementation of the provisions of this Act. Establishes the Interagency Committee on Aquaculture comprised of the heads of various Federal agencies to insure that there is a continuing exchange of information relating to the aquacultural programs and projects of the various agencies and to review on a continuing basis the relevant programs and projects of all the Federal agencies. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce or the Secretary of the Interior to carry out any function under this Act through grants or contracts. Limits the amount of any grant made available under this Act to one-half of the estimated cost of the project for which the grant was made. Authorizes either Secretary to guarantee obligations issued for the financing of any aquaculture facility within the United States. Stipulates that the aggregate unpaid principal amount of all such guaranteed obligations shall not exceed $100,000,000. Authorizes the Secretary to collect a fee for guaranteed obligations not to exceed one-half of one percent per annum of the outstanding principal balance of the obligation. Sets forth the allowable interest rate, maturity date, and default procedures relating to such loans. Authorizes the appropriate Secretary to issue notes or obligations to the Secretary of the Treasury if the monies in the loan fund are insufficient to pay such a loan in the event of default. Authorizes the Secretary to make disaster loans available to individuals who have guaranteed loans under this Act. Establishes within the Treasury a Federal Aquaculture Assistance Fund for the purpose of guaranteeing loans or making disaster loans available under this Act. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish an insurance program for persons with guaranteed loans under this Act. Authorizes appropriations to the Secretaries of Commerce and the Interior to carry out the various provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1976
Coal Pipeline Act - Authorizes the exercise of the right of eminent domain by any carrier of coal by coal pipeline who holds a certificate of public convenience and necessity issued by the Department of the Interior. Stipulates that, before issuance of such certificate, environmental considerations and the need for energy domestically shall be weighed before the Secretary of the Interior makes a finding. Requires that no carrier granted the power of eminent domain under this Act shall transport any coal in which it has any ownership interest. Establishes procedures for making application for a certificate of public convenience and necessity, for antitrust review, and for enforcement under this Act. Imposes a maximum fine of $10,000, six months imprisonment, or both, for the violation of any provision of, or regulation issued pursuant to, this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1976
Establishes in the House of Representatives a select committee to be known as the Select Committee on Narcotics Abuse and Control. Provides that the select committee shall conduct a continuing comprehensive study and review of the problems of narcotics abuse and control and shall review any recommendations made by the President, or by any department or agency of the executive branch of the Federal Government, relating to programs or policies affecting narcotics abuse or control. Authorizes the select committee to conduct field investigations or inspections. Requires the select committee to submit an annual report to the House which shall include a summary of the activities of the select committee during the calendar year to which such report applies.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1976
Older Americans Home Services and Catastrophic Insurance Act - Title I: Home Care for the Elderly and the Disabled - Establishes a voluntary home care benefits program for aged and disabled individuals who are eligible for medicare benefits, such program to be financed with contributions from funds appropriated by the Federal Government and contributions by the States. Includes within such coverage home health services, homemaker services, nutrition services, long- term institutional care services, day care and foster home services, and community mental health center outpatient services. Stipulates that such benefits shall not go into effect in a State until the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare has determined that such State has an agency able to perform the requisite functions under this title and such agency submits to the Secretary a satisfactory plan for operation of a home care benefits program. Creates within the United States Treasury the Federal Home Care Trust Fund, supervised by a Board of Trustees who shall report annually to Congress on the operation and status of the Fund. Authorizes the appropriation to the Trust Fund of such sums as are necessary to carry out this title. Requires participating community home care centers to: (1) furnish services as directed by this title; (2) evaluate and certify the home care needs of eligible individuals; (3) maintain a continuous relationship with each individual receiving items and services; (4) allow full opportunity for individuals and their families to participate in the determinations and functions under this program; (5) make known its existence and location to all eligible individuals in its service area; and (6) submit to the State home care agency an annual report on its activities. Directs the Secretary to pay to each State which has a State home care agency an amount equal to 75 percent of the total amount expended during each quarter as payment to community home care centers. Directs the Secretary to determine whether an individual is entitled to benefits under this title. Entitles any individual dissatisfied with such determination to a hearing and judicial review of the Secretary's final decision. Title II: Catastrophic Health Insurance Coverage for the Elderly and the Disabled - Amends the Social Security Act to extend Medicare coverage of hospital care for the aged to remove time limitations on the coverage of inpatient hospital services and posthospital extended care services. Restructures the limitations on coinsurance under the hospital insurance plan and under the supplementary medical insurance program. Authorizes the appropriation, from time to time, to the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund, of such sums as the Secretary deems necessary to compensate for the increased benefit costs of catastrophic coverage.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1976
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States Postal Service shall not close or suspend the operation of any post offices, unless there is a clear and compelling need to do so. Encourages the service to continue cost-cutting programs which do not affect levels of service.
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 1976
Authorizes and directs the President to issue a proclamation designating the week of October 10 through 16, 1976, as "Native American Awareness Week."
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1976
Grants life-time tenure to judges of the district courts for the Virgin Islands, Guam, and the Canal Zone, during good behavior.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1976
Requires that an election commissioner be appointed in American Samoa. States that the duty of the Commissioner will be to conduct a plebiscite on the issue of whether there should be a popular election for Governor and Lieutenant Governor of that country. Provides that a gubernatorial election be held within one year of such plebiscite if there is a majority of affirmative responses. Directs the legislature of American Samoa to establish rules and procedures regarding nomination, length of terms, and removal from the offices of Governor and Lieutenant Governor.
United States · United States Congress · 2 June 1976
Amends Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to entitle widows and widowers who are under a disability to receive unreduced widow's and widower's benefits without regard to age.
United States · United States Congress · 2 June 1976
Extends the delimiting period in the case of any eligible veteran who is pursuing, during his or her tenth year of eligibility, a program of education. Terminates such extension on whichever of the following dates first occurs: (1) the date on which the veteran completes, or ceases to pursue, the program he was pursuing in his tenth year of eligibility; or (2) the last day of the 11-year period beginning on the date of his discharge from active duty. (Adds 38 U.S.C. 1662(e))
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1976
Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act - Title I: Statement of Findings and Policy - Declares that most of the nation's coal reserve can only be mined by underground methods. Lists the purposes of this Act, including to establish a nationwide program to prevent the adverse effects to society and the environment from surface coal mining. Title II: Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement - Establishes in the Interior Department the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement with a Director appointed by the President. States that such Office shall administer the programs required by this Act and assist the States in development of State programs for surface coal mining and reclamation. States that the Office shall be considered an independent Federal regulatory body. Title III: State Mining and Mineral Resources Research Institute - Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary of the Interior of sums adequate to provide for each participating State $200,000 for fiscal year 1975, $300,000 for fiscal year 1976, and $400,000 for each fiscal year thereafter for five years, to assist the States in carrying on the work of a competent and qualified mining and mineral resources research institute or center at the school of mines of one public college or university of the State. Requires such monies to be matched dollar-for-dollar by the States. Authorizes appropriations of $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, such sum to be increased by $2,000,000 each fiscal year for six years thereafter, for specific projects in mining and mineral research in institutes. Directs the Secretary to establish a center for cataloging current and projected scientific research in mining and mineral resources. Requires the Secretary to appoint an Advisory Committee on Mining and Mineral Research to advise him on all matters concerning mining and mineral resources research. Title IV: Abandoned Mine Reclamation - Creates the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund in the Treasury. Requires operators of coal mines to pay into the fund quarterly fees of $.35 per ton of coal produced by surface mining and $.15 per ton of coal produced by underground mining, or ten percent of the value of the coal in the mine, whichever is less. Authorizes use of money in the Fund for acquisition and reclamation of abandoned and unreclaimed mine lands and for acquisitions and fillings of voids and sealing of tunnels and entryways in abandoned mines. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to enter into agreements with landowners, including owners of water rights, under which such landowners shall furnish a conservation and development plan and shall effect such plan in return for financial assistance from the Secretary of Agriculture of up to 80 percent of the cost of such a reclamation effort. Encourages States to acquire abandoned and unreclaimed land, and to transfer it to the Secretary for reclamation, and authorizes matching grants for such purpose, up to 90 percent of the land price. Allows resale of reclaimed land by public bidding, and allows local public participation in determining the use of reclaimed land. Title V: Control of the Environmental Impacts of Surface Coal Mining - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to publish, within 180 days of the enactment of this Act, regulations which establish a permanent regulatory procedure and performance standards for surface coal mining and reclamation standards. Requires the Secretary to obtain the concurrence of the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency with respect to regulations concerned with air or water quality standards. Establishes a permit program to require mining operators to comply with environmental protection standards. Allows State control over surface mining permits if certain requirements are met. Authorizes the implementation of a Federal program if States fail to Act. Imposes the following general environmental performance standards on surface mining operations as a condition of the issuance of a permit under this Act: (1) restoration of the land affected to a prior use, consistent with public health and safety; (2) restoration to the original contour of the land and backfilling, grading, and compacting the excess overburden and other waste materials to attain the lowest grade; (3) removal and segregation of topsoil in a separate layer where it is able to support vegetation; (4) minimize disturbances to the hydrologic balance at the minesite and surrounding areas by eliminating or reducing toxic drainage, siltation, and contamination problems; (5) conformity with standards for the design and location of coal mine waste piles; and (6) establishment of a diverse, effective, and permanent vegetation on regarded areas. Stipulates that the regulatory authority shall make test borings of core samplings for mining operators with an estimated annual production of less than 250,000 tons of coal. Establishes additional requirements for steep-slope surface mining operations. Defines the term "steep-slope" to include any slope above 20 degrees or lesser slopes as may be defined by the regulatory authority. Permits State laws and regulations that are more stringent than those set forth pursuant to this Act. Requires permit applications to describe the method of mining and equipment proposed to be used, to describe by maps the land to be affected, and to contain a statement of results of test borings or core samplings of the affected land. Stipulates that permits must be accompanied by a mining and reclamation plan which shall include a description of present uses of the land, steps to be taken to prevent environmental damage, and a description of the reclamation activities. Requries the posting of performance bonds and possession of liability insurance by applicants for permits. Requires the establishment of coal exploration regulations by appropriate State and Federal authorities. Requires that such regulations include provisions for reclamation of lands disturbed in exploration activities. Directs the Secretary to promulgate rules and regulations directed at the surface effects of underground mining. Directs and authorizes inspection of surface coal mining and reclamation to determine compliance with this Act and regulations. Provides requirements for recordkeeping and submittal and monitoring by mine operators. Requires surprise inspection by regulatory agencies not less than once a month. Imposes civil penalties for violation of this Act or regulations under it. Establishes procedures for citizen suits and judicial review of actions under this Act. Establishes conditions under which mine operators may request a release of all or part of the performance bond. Requires public notice and hearings upon applications for such releases. Requires States to establish, as a condition of assuming primary regulatory control, a planning process designed to identify lands unsuitable for surface coal mining. Requires designation of lands as unsuitable if it can be shown that reclamation pursuant to the requirements of the Act is not feasible. Authorizes designation of lands as unsuitable where operations mining will: (1) be incompatible with land use plans or programs; (2) affect fragile or historic lands of significant historic, scientific or esthetic value; (3) affect renewable land resources with an impact on long-range food and water supply; and (4) increase a significant hazard to life and property, including the possibility of flood and earthquake damage. Prohibits surface coal mining operations on certain Federal lands, or within 100 feet of a public road or within 300 feet of a building or dwelling, unless the consent of the affected public or private interest is obtained. Requires implementation of a Federal lands program applicable to all surface coal mining and reclamation activities pursuant to Federal laws or taking place on Federal lands. Requires that coal exploration operations which substantially disturb the natural land surface on such lands be subject to a permit program established by the Secretary of the Interior. Requires separate regulations for programs for special bituminous coal surface mines that meet specified criteria, and for anthracite coal surface mines which are regulated by environmental protection standards of the States. Title VI: Designation of Lands Unsuitable for Noncoal Mining - Allows the Secretary to designate Federal lands unsuitable for mining materials other than coal, if they are predominantly urban or suburban in character or if such mining operations would have an adverse impact on lands used primarily for residential and related purposes. Title VII: Administrative and Miscellaneous Provisions - Defines the terms used in this Act. Prohibits discrimination against employees for filing suit under this Act and for testifying in a proceeding under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to make annual grants to the States to assist the States in developing, administering, and enforcing State programs under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to provide technical assistance and training, and assistance in preparing and maintaining a continuing inventory of information on surface coal mining and reclamation projects. Requires the Secretary to submit an annual report to the President and the Congress. Directs the Secretary to contract with the National Academy of Sciences-National Academy of Engineering for a study of surface coal mining conditions in Alaska in order to determine which, if any, of the provisions of this Act should be modified with respect to such operations in Alaska. Directs the Chairman of the Council on Environmental Quality to contract with the National Academy of Sciences-National Academy of Engineering and other groups for a study of the technology for surface and open-pit mining and reclamation for minerals other than coal designed to assist in the development of regulation for such operations. Directs the Secretary to consult with Indian tribes in studying the regulation of surface mining on Indian lands. Requires all surface coal mining operations on Indian lands to comply with requirements at least as stringent as specified provisions in this Act within 30 months from the enactment of this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of the following sums to carry out this Act: (1) for various contract authority, $10,000,000 immediately and $10,000,000 for the next two fiscal years; (2) for the performance of test borings by the regulatory authority, an amount reserved for such purpose from the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund not to exceed $40,000,000; (3) for administrative and other purposes, $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, $20,000,000 for fiscal years 1978 and 1979, and $30,000,000 for fiscal years thereafter; and (4) for research and demonstration projects of alternative coal mining technologies, $35,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, and for the next four years.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1976
Directs the Postmaster General to issue a special postage stamp in honor of Doctor Martin Luther King, Junior, and in tribute to his accomplishments as a citizen of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1976
American Samoan Reorganization Act - Requires that an election commisioner be appointed in American Samoa. States that the duties of such Commissioner will be to conduct a plebiscite on the issue of whether there should be a popular election for Governor and Lieutenant Governor of that country. Provides that a gubernatorial election be held within six months of such plebiscite if there are a majority of affirmative responses. Makes provisions for removal from office by referendum and for replacement in the event of permanent vacancy. Enumerates the duties and powers of the Governor, including his role in the legislative process. Establishes the Office of Lieutenant Governor of American Samoa. Provides that the Governor shall have general supervision over all instrumentalities of the executive branch of government of American Samoa including the appointment and promotion of heads of such departments and agencies. States that the President or his delegates shall conduct an audit directed towards the improvement of the efficiency of the governmental programs of American Samoa so as to insure that the Federal revenues are properly collected and expended. Authorizes the Legislature of American Samoa to call a constitutional convention five years after the enactment of this Act. Makes provisions for the approval of a constitution. Authorizes to be appropriated such annual grants-in-aid as are necessary for the benefit of the government of American Samoa until a constitution is adopted.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1976
Amends the Medicare program of the Social Security Act to authorize payment under the supplementary medical insurance program for specified diagnostic tests and physical examinations given for the detection of breast cancer.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1976
Authorizes the government of the Virgin Islands to levy a surtax on future income taxes payable to itself, which will not exceed ten percent. Authorizes $15,000,000 in loan funds to be appropriated for the government of the Virgin Islands' operating expenses. Authorizes $61,000,000 to be appropriated for loans for the capital improvement program of the Virgin Islands. States the conditions for extension and repayment of such loans. Empowers the Secretary of the Interior to place stipulations on such loans as he deems necessary. Provides an approval procedure for the Legislature of the Virgin Islands with regard to any loan request made by the Governor.
United States · United States Congress · 14 April 1976
Authorizes under the Federal Civil Defense Act of 1950 the use of Federal civil defense funds by local civil defense agencies for natural disaster relief. Increases the Federal contribution for travel expenses and per diem allowances for students in civil defense training programs and increases the Federal financial contribution to States for civil defense personnel and administrative expenses. Increases the authorization for appropriations under such Act for travel expenses, for personal equipment for State and local workers,and for personnel and administrative expenses.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1976
Designates specified areas within the following national parks and national monuments as wilderness: (1) Bandelier National Monument, New Mexico; (2) Gunnison National Monument, Colorado; (3) Chiricahua National Monument, Arizona; (4) Great Sand Dunes National Monument Colorado; (5) Haleakala National Park, Hawaii; (6) Isle Royale National Park Michigan; (7) Joshua Tree National Monument, California; (8) Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado; (9) Pinnacles National Monument, California; and (10) Saguaro National Monument, Arizona. Revises the boundaries of Isle Royale National Park, Michigan, and Pinnacles National Monument, California. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to review the suitability of specified lands in Coronado National Forest, Arizona, for designation as wilderness.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1976
Local Public Works Capital Development and Investment Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the Economic Development Administration, to make grants to any State or local government for local public works projects, including but not limited to: (1) those public works projects of State and local governments for which Federal financial assistance is authorized under provisions of law other than this Act; and (2) the architectural design, engineering, and related planning of local public works projects. Stipulates that the Federal share of any project for which a grant is made under this Act shall be 100 percent of the cost of such project. Authorizes the Secretary to make an additional grant for the purpose of increasing to 100 percent the Federal contribution to a public works project for which Federal financial assistance is authorized under provisions of law other than this Act. Stipulates that no such grants shall be made for any project which has as its principal purpose the channelization, damming, dredging, or diversion of a natural watercourse, or the enlargement of any canal other than a canal designated as a historic site. Directs the Secretary to prescribe rules, regulations, and procedures necessary to carry out this Act. Lists factors that the Secretary shall consider in accordance with the relative needs of the various sections of the country, with priority consideration to those areas where unemployment exceeds the national average. Stipulates that not less than one-half of one percent nor more than ten percent of all amounts authorized under this title shall be allocated for local public works projects within any one State. Authorizes the appropriation of $2,500,000,000 through fiscal year 1977 in order to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1976
Federal Regulatory Review Act - Establishes a Federal Regulatory Agency Review Commission to study the structures, policies and regulations of the regulatory agencies and make recommendations to the Congress to promote the elimination of practices which result in greater consumer costs, and to promote competition throughout American industry. Authorizes the Commission to hold hearings and to have access to any information which is relevant to its function. Directs the Commission to transmit an interim report to the Congress not later than six months after the Commission's first meeting and a final report six months later. Provides that the Commission shall expire 30 days after the submission of the final report.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1976
Extends for one year (until September 30, 1977) the period for making loans to the unemployment fund of the Virgin Islands. Increases the authorized funds by $10,000,000.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1976
Extends for one year (until September 30, 1977) the period for making loans to the unemployment fund of the Virgin Islands. Increases the funds to be authorized by $10,000,000. Makes available funds for advances to the Unemployment Trust Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1976
Guam Shipyard Repair Facility Act - Requires the Guam shipyard facility to function at the maximum productive capacity at which it has operated in the past. Directs the Secretary of the Navy to study the necessity of maintaining shipyard repair facilities in the western Pacific not dependent on foreign treaties or foreign workers, and to report to the Armed Services Committees of the House and Senate within six months of the date of enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1976
Designates April 13, 1976 as "Thomas Jefferson Day."
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 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 available, 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 program; (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, $200,000,000 for fiscal year 1978, $300,000,000 for fiscal year 1979, and $350,000,000 for fiscal year 1980.