United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1976
Small Post Office Preservation Act - Prohibits the United States Postal Service from closing any post office which serves a rural area or small town unless: (1) a majority of the persons regularly served by such post office approve the closing; (2) it establishes a rural station or branch which provides the same postal services as the post office and does not result in any change in the mailing address of persons served by such post office; or (3) it establishes a rural route to serve the area involved. Allows the Postal Service to establish a rural route as a substitute for an existing post office only upon making specified determinations.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1976
Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to emphasize crime prevention as a major purpose of Title I of such Act. Requires that States applying for Federal crime prevention, law enforcement, and criminal justice grants under such Act include in their required comprehensive plans a program for the prevention of crime against the elderly.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1976
Housing Incentive Investment Act - Amends the National Housing Act to authorize the Government National Mortgage Association (GNMA) to make monthly housing investment interest differential payments to lenders. Prohibits GNMA from approving a mortgage for assistance unless: (1) the mortgage covers a one-to-four family dwelling; (2) the home mortgage is not in excess of $35,000; (3) the purchaser's interest payments are at least two but not more than six percent below the market rate of interest for home mortgages; (4) the lender's interest rate will be adjusted every six months by GNMA to reflect the yield on VA-FHA mortgages; and (5) the purchaser agrees to repay the aggregate amount of differential payments with interest. Requires that upon sale or other disposition of the dwelling or upon termination of the use of the dwelling by the purchaser as his principal residence prior to retirement of the first mortgage, the cost of the extra assistance by GNMA be repaid by the borrower from the appreciation on his home. Authorizes GNMA to establish a lender's interest rate which may not exceed the average yield on VA-FHA mortgages during the six calendar months preceding the date of execution of the mortgage. Allows GNMA to adjust the lender's interest rate upward or downward every six months except that no single adjustment may exceed one quarter of one percent nor may an aggregate upward adjustment exceed two and one-half percent. Provides that if the lender's rate falls below the borrower's rate that the borrower shall be credited with the difference. Establishes in the Treasury a Housing Incentive Investment Fund to carry out the provisions of this Act. Authorizes GNMA to issue to the Secretary of the Treasury notes or other obligations in an aggregate amount not to exceed $1,000,000,000. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to purchase and sell such notes and obligations. Sets the termination of this program for five years after the date of enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1976
Youth Counseling and Employment Act - Establishes within the Department of Labor a Youth Employment Office, to be headed by a Director appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Authorizes the Director to provide financial assistance through grants and contracts in urban and rural areas for comprehensive work and training programs, and necessary supportive and follow-up services; including: (1) programs to provide useful work experience for high school students from low-income families; (2) programs to provide unemployed, underemployed, or low-income persons aged 16 and over with useful work and training; and (3) jobs for economically disadvantaged youths during the summer months. Requires that to the maximum extent feasible programs conducted under this Act be linked to work and training programs conducted pursuant to the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act of 1973. States that assistance shall be provided, to the maximum extent feasible, for a minimum period of three years. Requires the Director of the Office to conduct necessary studies to assess the effectiveness of the programs and to keep appropriate Congressional committees fully informed. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor, under the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act, to provide financial assistance in urban and rural areas with large concentrations of unemployed and low-income persons for comprehensive work and training programs and necessary supportive and followup services. Authorizes appropriations of sums necessary to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1976
Directs the President to require the head of each executive department and agency to establish an Office of Hispanic Affairs. Provides that such office shall participate in all policy planning and development for all programs which impact the Hispanic communities. Directs the President to take such measures, as may be necessary, to insure that the Chairpersons of the ten Federal Regional Councils establish and maintain a Regional Office of Hispanic Affairs. Provides that the Regional Offices of Hispanic Affairs shall advise all executive departments and agencies regarding the needs of Hispanics in the region. Provides that the Secretary of Commerce shall establish and maintain a Hispanic Information Clearinghouse which shall collect, analyze, and disseminate information concerning the social, economic, employment, health, and housing needs and conditions of Hispanics.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1976
Requires that every public contract under the Davis-Bacon Act shall contain a provision that the contractor must notify the contracting agency when ever a strike occurs involving employees who are engaged in carrying out such contract. Directs the head of the agency involved to terminate any contract if he determines that the contractor has replaced, or attempted to replace, any employee participating in such a strike.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1976
Requires that every contract within the scope of the Service Contract Act of 1965 shall contain a provision requiring that in the case of a work stoppage which is directly related to a labor dispute between the contractor and the employees carrying out the contract, the contractor and the collective bargaining representative shall immediately notify the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service that the work stoppage has occured. Directs the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service to appoint a fact finding panel within two days after receiving such notice. Requires the panel to publish, within five days, its findings on whether the work stoppage is beyond the control of the contractor and was caused without his fault. States that if the panel finds the contractor at fault, the head of the Federal agency which is a party to the contract involved may not make further progress payments on the contract, or exercise any option which would have the effect of increasing the amount payable to the contractor, or the amount of service to be acquired from the contractor, until the dispute is settled. Permits termination of the contract if no collective bargaining agreement is signed within 45 days following the work stoppage.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1976
Requires that every public contract under the Walsh-Healey Act shall contain a provision that the contractor must notify the contracting agency whenever a strike occurs involving employees who are engaged in carrying out such contract. Directs the head of the agency involved to terminate any contract if he determines that the contractor has replaced, or attempted to replace, any employee participating in such a strike.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1976
Requires that every contract within the scope of the Walsh-Healey Act shall contain a provision requiring that in the case of a work stoppage which is directly related to a labor dispute between the contractor and the employees carrying out the contract, the contractor and the collective bargaining representative shall immediately notify the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service that the work stoppage has occured. Directs the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service to appoint a fact finding panel within two days after receiving such notice. Requires the panel to publish, within five days, its findings on whether the work stoppage is beyond the control of the contractor and was caused without his fault. States that if the panel finds the contractor at fault, the head of the Federal agency which is a party to the contract involved may not make further progress payments on the contract, or exercise any option which would have the effect of increasing the amount payable to the contractor, or the amount of services to be acquired from the contractor, until the dispute is settled. Permits termination of the contract if no collective bargaining agreement is signed within 45 days following the work stoppage.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1976
Requires that every public contract entered into by any branch of the Armed Forces under the Service Contract Act shall contain a provision that the contractor must notify the head of the branch of the Armed Forces involved whenever a strike occurs involving employees who are engaged in carrying out such contract. Directs the head of the Armed Forces involved to terminate any contract if he determines that the contractor has replaced, or attempted to replace, any employee participating in such a strike.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1976
Requires that every contract within the scope of the Davis-Bacon Act shall contain a provision requiring that in the case of a work stoppage which is directly related to a labor dispute between the contractor and the employees carrying out the contract, the contractor and the collective bargaining representative shall immediately notify the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service that the work stoppage has occured. Directs the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service to appoint a fact finding panel within two days after receiving such notice. Requires the panel to publish, within five days, its findings on whether the work stoppage is beyond the control of the contractor and was caused without his fault. States that if the panel finds the contractor at fault, the head of the Federal agency which is a party to the contract involved may not make further progress payments on the contract, or exercise any option which would have the effect of increasing the amount payable to the contractor, or the amount of services to be acquired from the contractor, until the dispute is settled. Permits termination of the contract if no collective bargaining agreement is signed within 45 days following the work stoppage.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1976
Title I: Acquisition Ceiling Increases - Increases the limitations on appropriations for the acquisition of lands and interests therein within the following units of the National Park System: (1) Arches National Park, Utah; (2) Assateague Island National Seashore, Maryland and Virginia; (3) Buffalo National River, Arkansas; (4) Capitol Reef National Park, Utah; (5) Fire Island National Seashore, New York; (6) Gulf Islands National Seashore, Florida and Mississippi; (7) Lincoln Home National Historic Site, Illinois; (8) Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado; (9) North Cascades National Park and Lake Chelan National Recreation Area, Washington; (10) Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site, New Hampshire; and (11) Scotts Bluff National Monument, Nebraska. Title II: Development Ceiling Increases - Increases the limitations on appropriations for development of the following units of the National Park System: (1) Andrew Johnson National Historic Site, Tennessee; (2) Arkansas Post National Memorial, Arkansas; (3) Chamizal National Memorial, Texas; (4) Fort Larned National Historic Site, Kansas; (5) Golden Spike National Historic Site, Utah; (6) Jefferson National Expansion Memorial National Historic Site, Missouri; (7) Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site, New Hampshire; and (8) Vicksburg National Military Park, Mississippi. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Repeals provisions relating to beach erosion control, hurrican protection, and purchase of public utility facilities within Assateague Island National Seashore, Maryland and Virginia. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to develop a comprehensive plan for the protection, management, and use of such seashore. Authorizes the Secretary to designate specified areas for addition to the Colorado National Monument, Colorado. Increases the maximum amount authorized to be appropriated for acquisition, development, and rehabilitation of sites of specified events which occurred in Kansas during the decade prior to and during the Civil War. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to transfer specified lands to the jurisdiction of the Director of the National Park Service in Montgomery County, Maryland. Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to transfer specified lands in such county to the jurisdiction of the Secretary of the Interior. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to acquire up to 64 acres of land for addition to the Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site, New Hampshire.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1976
Amends the Organic Act of Guam to authorize the Legislature of Guam to levy a surtax on all taxpayers in an amount not to exceed ten percent of their annual income tax obligation to the Government of Guam. Authorizes to be appropriated sums not to exceed $30,000,000 to be used for loans and grants to the government of Guam. Authorizes to be appropriated funds not to exceed $1,000,000, to be used to conduct a financial management systems study, tax study, and a long-range socioeconomic growth study of Guam. Sets forth the terms for repayment of loans authorized by this Act.
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 · 28 April 1976
Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act - Requires the Chief Justice of the United States to designate seven district court judges, each of whom shall have jurisdiction to hear applications for and grant orders approving electronic surveillance anywhere within the United States. Requires the Chief Justice to designate three Federal judges to comprise a special court of appeals which shall have jurisdiction to hear an appeal by the United States from the denial of any application. Grants the United States a further right to appeal an affirmance of denial to the Supreme Court. Requires each application for any order approving electronic surveillance for foreign intelligence purposes to be approved by the Attorney General and to include: (1) the identity of the officer making the application; (2) the authority conferred on the applicant by the President and the approval of the Attorney General to make the application; (3) the identity of the subject of the surveillance; (4) the fact and circumstances justifying belief that the target of surveillance is a foreign power or an agent of a foreign power; (5) a description of the type of information sought and a certification by one of specified Federal officers that such information is foreign intelligence information that cannot feasibly be obtained by normal investigative techniques; and (6) a statement of the period of time for which the surveillance is required. Directs the judge to enter an ex parte order as requested or as modified approving the electronic surveillance if he finds that the criteria specified have been met. Allows issuance of orders to approve surveillance for 90 days or the period necessary to achieve its purposes, whichever is less. Permits extensions of orders upon application for an extension made in the same manner as required for an original application. Authorizes the Attorney General, upon a reasonable determination that an emergency situation exists, to authorize the emergency employment of electronic surveillance if an appropriate judge is informed by the Attorney General of such authorization at the time it is made and if an application is made as soon as practicable but not more than 24 hours after authorization. Requires, in the absence of a judicial order, that surveillance terminate when the information sought is obtained, when the application for an order is denied, or 24 hours after authorization, whichever is earliest. Allows information acquired from electronic surveillance conducted pursuant to this Act to be used and disclosed only for designated purposes or for the enforcement of the criminal law. Requires when an order to approve the emergency employment of electronic surveillance is not obtained, that the judge serve notice on the individual subject to surveillance of the fact of the application, the period of surveillance, and the fact that information was or was not obtained. Permits the judge to delay or forego this action on a showing of good cause. Requires the Attorney General to submit an annual report to the Administrative Office of the United States Courts and to Congress including: (1) the number of applications made for orders and extensions of orders approving electronic surveillance and the number of such orders and extensions granted, modified, and denied; (2) the periods of time for which orders authorized surveillances and their actual duration; (3) the number of surveillances in place at any time during the preceding year; and (4) the number of surveillances terminated during the preceding year. Declares that nothing contained in this Act shall limit the Constitutional power of the President to order electronic surveillances for specified national security reasons if the facts and circumstances giving rise to such order are beyond the scope of this Act. (Amends 18 U.S.C. 2521-2528)
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1976
Allows a tax credit, under the Internal Revenue Code, in an amount equal to the lesser of 20 percent of the qualified investment or $5,000,000, but the credit shall not exceed 50 percent of the liability for tax for the taxable year. Defines the term "qualified investment" to mean investment in tangible property located in a development area certified by the Secretary of Commerce as development property which is outside any standard metropolitan statistical area, the population of which exceeds 300,000. Recaptures such tax credit if property which was certified development property placed in service during either of the two preceding taxable years is disposed of or ceases to be certified development property with respect to the taxpayer. Allows any portion of the credit which exceeds the limitations to be carried back to the three preceding taxable years and carried forward to the seven taxable years following the unused credit year. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to report annually to the Congress with respect to the amount of and the economic effects of such tax credit.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1976
Defines terms for purposes of this Act. 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.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1976
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a taxpayer to file a return of tax before the last day prescribed for filing such return without incurring any liability for the payment of tax until such last day.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 1976
Repeals the Postal Reorganization Act. Reenacts provisions relating to the postal service which were in effect immediately prior to the enactment of such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 1976
Prohibits any business deduction, under the Internal Revenue Code, relating to expenses paid or incurred for the transportation of any person by commercial airplane or railroad in excess of an amount which is equal to the retail price of a coach class fare ticket on such airline or railroad, unless the use of first class accomodations was necessitated by the circumstances of the taxpayer's business activities or by a disability or handicap or because coach tickets were unavailable.
United States · United States Congress · 13 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 · 13 April 1976
Establishes in the House of Representatives the Select Committee on Nuclear Proliferation and Nuclear Export Policy. Directs the Committee to conduct a full and complete study of: (1) the threat of nuclear proliferation; (2) the present policies of the United States concerning nuclear proliferation; (3) the decisionmaking process within the executive branch on nuclear export policies; and (4) any related areas which the committee deems necessary to investigate and study to discharge its responsibilities. Directs the committee to report to the House as soon as practicable the results of its investigation and study, together with such recommendations as it deems advisable.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1976
Prohibits the United States Postal Service from changing the nature of postal services provided by any post office unless such change is approved in an election by persons regularly using such facility.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1976
Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require the Commissioner of Education to make Federal interest subsidy and administrative cost allowance payments to holders of loans under such Act on behalf of the borrower within 30 days of receipt by the Commissioner of an itemized voucher in such form as the Commissioner shall by regulation prescribe.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1976
Authorizes and requests the President to issue annually a proclamation designating the first week of May of each year as "Clean Air Week," and inviting the Governors and Mayors of State and local governments to issue similar proclamations. Requests the President to consider including in such a proclamation an invitation calling upon the communications media and all organizations and individuals concerned with programs to improve the quality of the atmosphere to participate in "Clean Air Week."
United States · United States Congress · 8 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 · 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 · 5 April 1976
Removes the present requirement that a veteran either: (1) have been discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable; or (2) have died while in the active service, for his widow, children, or parents to be eligible for dependency and indemnity compensation. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 410)
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1976
National Diabetes Advisory Board Act - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish a National Diabetes Advisory Board to insure the implementation of the long-range plan formulated by the National Commission on Diabetes to combat diabetes. Specifies seven Federal health officers as members of the Board, in addition to seven health professionals and five members of the general public to be appointed by the Secretary. Makes provision for staffing and compensation. Authorizes the Board to enter into contracts or other arrangements, or to take such other action as may be necessary to carry out its functions. Authorizes the Board to engage in and sponsor activities, collect data, and provide technical assistance as it deems necessary and advisable in the performance of its functions. Requires the Board to submit simultaneously to the President and Congress an Annual Diabetes Report describing Board activities in the prior year and progress made in diabetes research, treatment, and education with specific reference to the long-range plan to combat diabetes mellitus and suggesting recommended future expenditures and legislation. Authorizes the appropriation of $500,000 for fiscal year 1976 and such sums as are necessary for each of the four fiscal years thereafter. Authorizes the Secretary to make distinguished scientist awards to individual scientists who have shown continuous and outstanding productivity in diabetes research for the purpose of continuing such research. Limits the amount of each grant to no more than $35,000 per year. Authorizes the appropriation of specified amounts for the purpose of making such grants in fiscal years 1976-1980. Authorizes, under the Public Health Service Act, the appropriation of specified sums in fiscal years 1977-1981 for the purpose of making grants to centers for research and training in diabetes mellitus and related endocrine and metabolic disorders.
United States · United States Congress · 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 · 24 March 1976
Includes as Federal service for purpose of Federal employee unemployment compensation service performed in Guam in the employ of the United States or an instrumentality thereof. Directs the Secretary of Labor to pay unemployment compensation to a Federal employee or former member of the armed forces who files a first claim while residing in Guam in the same amounts, on the same terms, and subject to the same conditions as would be paid to such individual under the unemployment compensation law of the District of Columbia if such individual's Federal service and Federal wages had been included as employment and wages under such law.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1976
Provides that upon the adoption of this resolution it shall be in order to move, section 401(a) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 (Public Law 93-344) to the contrary notwithstanding, that the House resolve itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union for the consideration of the bill (H.R. 9725) to provide for the cooperation between the Secretary of the Interior and the States with respect to the regulation of surface coal mining operations, and the acquisition and reclamation of abandoned mines, and for other purposes. Directs that after general debate, which shall be confined to the bill and shall continue not to exceed two hours, to be equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs, the bill shall be read for amendment under the five-minute rule by titles instead of by sections. Provides that it shall be in order to consider en bloc the amendments printed on pages H2189-2191 of the Congressional Record of March 22, 1976, by Representative Melcher. Requires that, at the conclusion of the consideration of the bill for amendment, the Committee shall rise and report the bill to the House with such amendments as may have been adopted, and the previous question shall be considered as ordered on the bill and amendments thereto to final passage without intervening motion except one motion to recommit.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 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.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1976
Declares that the purpose of this Act is to encourage colleges and universities to develop programs that give their students an opportunity to gain an appreciation of international problems and ideas by providing financial assistance for students participating in such programs. Directs the Secretary of State to provide funds to institutions of higher education for stipends to students participating in international internships for travel expenses and additional stipends for such students for living expenses if such student demonstrates financial need. Directs that an institution may grant any such stipend to a student who: (1) is pursuing a course of full-time study at the junior or senior level of undergraduate school, or is a graduate student; (2) possesses academic excellence and knowledge of a foreign language; (3) has been placed in an international internship relevant to the student's course of study; (4) has agreed to participate in such internship for not less than three months and not more than one year; and (5) has been fully insured by the institution against expenses incurred by illness or accident during such internship. Sets forth the basis on which sums appropriated for such grants shall be allotted to the States. Authorizes security investigations of students receiving stipends under this Act where such investigation is a precondition to service with the international organization supervising such student. Requires the Secretary to submit annual reports to Congress of the activities carried out and expenditures made in furtherance of the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1976
Privacy Protection for Rape Victims Act - Amends the Federal Rules of Evidence to prohibit, in cases of alleged rape or assault with intent to commit rape, the introduction of evidence of the victim's prior sexual conduct or reputation. Makes such prohibition inapplicable to evidence of the victim's prior sexual conduct with the alleged assailant.
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.
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.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1976
Prohibits the inspection, acquisition, or requisition by officers, employees, agents or departments of the United States of the medical or dental records of patients not receiving assistance from the Federal Government. Imposes penalties for violation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1976
Radiation Health and Safety Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to develop and issue to the States criteria and minimum standards for the accreditation of educational institutions conducting programs for the training of radiologic technologists and minimum criteria for educational institutions conducting programs for the training of medical and dental practitioners. Directs the Secretary to develop and issue to the States criteria and minimum standards for licensure of radiologic technologists. Directs that State and local governments be encouraged to minimize exposure of the public to ionizing from all sources, and establishes procedures for the adoption of appropriate standards. Allows the Secretary to make grants to States in an amount up to two-thirds of the first year and one-third of the second year costs of planning, developing, or establishing programs to carry out the provisions of this Act. Prohibits conducting activities contrary to this Act and subjects violators to a civil penalty of not more than $1,000. Requires the Secretary to submit to Congress an annual report evaluating the implementation of this Act and making recommendations for legislation.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1976
Establishes the Frederick Law Olmsted Home and Office in Brookline, Massachusetts, as a national historic site. Authorizes to be appropriated sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1976
Marihuana Control Act - Stipulates that the possession of not more than one ounce of marihuana for private use, or the transfer of not more than one ounce of marihuana without profit for private use, shall not constitute a crime against the United States. Establishes a civil penalty of not more than $100 for such possession or transfer.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 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 appropriation 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 research 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 mined 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 regraded areas. 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. Requires the posting of performance bonds and possession of liability insurance by applicants for permits. Requires operators to obtain a permit prior to conducting any coal exploration operations which substantially disturb the natural land surface. 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 inspections 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 operation 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 mining and reclamation operations on Federal land. 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 approriation 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 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 (3) 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 · 11 March 1976
Prohibits the filing of joint returns, under the Internal Revenue Code, unless each spouse verifies, by oath or affirmation, that such spouse has equal ownership, management, and control of the income, assets, and liabilities of the marriage partnership.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1976
Designates February 22, May 30, and October 12 as Washington's Birthday, Memorial Day, and Columbus Day, respectively. Makes such days legal public holidays.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1976
Authorizes payment under the supplementary medical insurance program of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act for hearing aids and dentures.
![Official portrait of Del. Won Pat, Antonio B. [D-GU-At Large]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/w000686_200.jpg)