United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Financial Disclosure Act - Requires the President, Vice President, Members of Congress and candidates for those offices, justices and judges of the United States, Presidential nominees, officers and employees of the United States compensated at a rate equal to or in excess of the rate prescribed for the grade of GS-15, and members of the uniformed services compensated at a rate equal to or in excess of the monthly rate prescribed for grade O-6 to file in each calendar year, with the Comptroller General and other specified executive or administrative officers, a financial statement for the preceding calendar year if such individual has occupied or been a candidate for the office or position for more than 90 days in such calendar year. Specifies the content of such financial statements. Makes mandatory the inclusion in such report of all items held not only by the individual, but by the spouse, and dependents of such person, and those acting on the individual's behalf. Permits the President to exempt any individual in the Central Intelligence Agency, the Defense Intelligence Agency, and the National Security Agency, or other person engaged exclusively in intelligence activities from the requirement to file a report with the Comptroller General if such disclosure would reveal the identity of an undercover Federal agent. Makes failure to file and falsifying reports punishable by a fine and/or imprisonment. Requires the head of each agency, the Clerk of the House of Representatives, the Secretary of the Senate, and the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to submit annually to the Comptroller General a complete list of individuals required to file such a report. Requires the Comptroller General to refer to the Attorney General the names of all individuals who the Comptroller General have reasonable cause to believe has failed to file or falsified such report, and that if such an individual is a Member of Congress, that the name be referred to the appropriate Congressional committees. Requires the Comptroller General to make such reports available to the public for all purposes not excluded under this Act. Makes the House of Representatives, the Senate, the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts, the Chairman of the Civil Service Commission and the head of each agency responsible for the review of such reports in accordance with any law or regulation regarding conflicts of interest or confidential financial information. Directs the Comptroller General to conduct audits of each specified group at varying intervals, and gives the Comptroller General subpena power for the purpose of conducting such audits. Requires the Civil Service Commission and the Department of Justice to recommend to Congress such legislation as may be necessary in the area of financial conflicts of interest among Federal employees and officers.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to require as part of the private pension plan termination insurance program that the Pension Benefit Guarantee Corporation insure during periods when a beneficiary is unemployed and not eligible for benefits under the Social Security Act benefits which (1) are forfeitable, have been in effect for less than 60 months, or are for others reasons deemed nonbasic, and (2) are payable before normal retirement age.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act - Title I: National Park System - Designates specified public lands in the state of Alaska to be included as units of the National Park System. Title II: National Wildlife Refuge System - Establishes specified areas in Alaska as units of the National Wildlife Refuge System. Title III: National Wild and Scenic Rivers System - Lists rivers in Alaska which shall be wild rivers for purposes of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. Title IV: National Forest System - Authorizes the President to add specified lands to the Tongass and Chugach National Forest in Alaska. Title V: National Petroleum Reserve In Alaska - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to manage the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska in such a manner as to preserve subsistence lands for natives and to promote specified conservation objectives. Title VI: Designation of Wilderness Areas - Designates specified Alaskan lands to be included in the National Wilderness Preservation System. Title VII: General Administrative Provisions - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to designate subsistence management zones and to establish regulatory subsistence boards to further the preservation of subsistence lands for natives. Makes additional administrative provisions. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of 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
National Employment Priorities Act - Declares that it is the purpose of this Act: (1) to require prenotification to employees and communities of dislocation of business concerns; (2) to prevent Federal support for unjustified dislocation; and (3) to provide assistance to employees, and affected communities threatened with dislocation. Defines the terms used in this Act. Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to establish in the Department of Labor a National Employment Relocation Administration, to be headed by an Administrator and Deputy Administrator appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to perform enumerated functions in order to carry out the purposes of this Act. Establishes a National Employment Relocation Advisory Council. Directs the members of such Council to perform enumerated functions, including to advise the Secretary and Administrator with respect to the activities of the National Employment Relocation Administration and to evaluate the effectiveness of programs carried out under this Act. Requires written notice to be given to the Secretary whenever: (1) a business concern intends to close or transfer all or part of the operations of an establishment of that business concern; and (2) at least 15 percent of the employees who are members of any labor organization or 15 percent of all employees in that establishment will suffer an eligible employment loss as a result of any such closing or transfer. Authorizes the Secretary to investigate a proposed closing or transfer of operations under specified circumstances. Directs the Secretary to establish a program of adjustment assistance for employees who become unemployed or receive a weekly wage of less than 85 percent of their former wage as a result of a closing or transfer of a business concern. Provides that such adjustment assistance shall include: (1) income maintenance payment; (2) maintenance of pension and health benefits; (3) job placement and retraining benefits; (4) relocation allowances; (5) early retirement benefits; (6) emergency mortgage and rent payments; and (7) food stamps and surplus commodities. Directs the Secretary to make every effort to place employees for substantially equivalent full employment in accordance with their capacity and prospective employment opportunities. Provides that a unit of local government is eligible for assistance under this Act upon determination by the Secretary that the closing or transfer of operations of business establishments has contributed substantially to an unemployment rate within such jurisdiction exceeding eight percent on a seasonally adjusted basis. Authorizes the Secretary to provide assistance to businesses within such areas. Authorizes the Secretary to develop a retraining program for employees who will be required to acquire new or additional skills as a result of the economic adjustment assistance proposal. Makes business concerns ineligible for specified benefits under the Internal Revenue Code if the Secretary makes certain determinations. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Secretary such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Government Economy and Spending Reform Act - Title I: Authorization of New Budget Authority - Terminates all budget authority for Federal programs on specified dates according to the functional or subfunctional category of each program as set forth in the fiscal year 1977 budget. Requires the Comptroller General to report to Congress by April 1, 1977, on specified programs with respect to the laws under which such program is carried on, the amount of new budget authority received by such program during the four fiscal years ending before April 1, 1977, and to identify programs for which no outlays have been made during the last two fiscal years ending before April 1, 1977. Prohibits providing new budget authority after the applicable review date set forth in this Act unless the provision of such budget authority is specifically authorized by law or the standing rules of either House of Congress. Title II: Zero-Base Program Review - Sets forth a timetable for Congressional zero-base review of new budget authority. Defines "zero-base review" as an evaluation of a given program to determine the merits of its continuation at a level less than, equal to, or more than its existing level. Requires each congressional committee conducting a zero-based program review to adopt tentative and final review plans, receive reports from the Comptroller General and Federal agencies on the program being reviewed, and report to their respective House the results of such zero-base review of the program. Sets forth minimum objectives of inquiry for such reviews. Requires that any committee reporting pursuant to this Act recommend the extent to which any program reviewed should be continued or eliminated. Title III: Continuing Review - Amends the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1970 to require, whenever the Comptroller General issues a report which discloses any substantial deficiency in the achievement of the objectives of any Federal program, the agency conducting such program to report to specified congressional committees 60 days after such report and every six months thereafter to delineate the actions taken with respect to such deficiency. Requires that such agency continue to issue such reports until such time as the Comptroller General determines that no purpose is served by their submission. Amends the Budget and Accounting Act of 1921, to require the inclusion in the Budget of a statement of the specific objectives of each Government program, and a comparison, in each subsequent Budget, of the achievement of such objectives for the last completed fiscal year with the planned objectives of such year. Title IV: Miscellaneous - Requires the Director of Management and Budget to study the feasibility of zero-base budgeting for Federal agencies. Requires the Director of the Congressional Budget Office to study the feasibility of personnel ceilings on employees of the United States and their relationships to alternative methods of carrying out the activities of such employees. Requires that such reports be submitted to Congress. Requires Federal agency heads to report requests for new budget authority to Congress. Requires specified committees to study the effectiveness of the zero-base review procedures required by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 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 · 1 October 1976
Requires Federal agencies incurring travel expenses on behalf of a Member of Congress, an employee of a Member of Congress, or an employee of a Congressional Committee to report such expenditure to the Committee of Congress approving such travel. Requires such committee to reimburse such agency for such expenditure.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1976
Amends Rule XI of the Rules of the House of Representatives to provide that committee funds shall not be used for travel unless its official nature is established by resolution approved by majority vote of the committee involved. Requires that the official travel resolution set forth specific items including the purpose of each destination, the names of all persons who propose to take the trip, the anticipated benefit to the taxpayers, and the estimated total expense.
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
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 · 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
Prohibits mining or related operations from discharging amphibole asbestos fibers except on land and in accordance with regulations promulgated by the Secretary of the Interior. Imposes a civil penalty of up to $1,000 per day for violations of requirements imposed under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1976
Stipulates that mining companies or related operations which have discharged amphibole asbestos fibers into Lake Superior shall be required to pay the cost of removing such fibers from water used for human consumption, under regulations promulgated by the Secretary of the Interior. Imposes a civil penalty of up to $1,000 per day for failure to make any payment required under this Act or under regulations promulgated by the Secretary under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 1976
Amends the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974 to require that the Energy Research and Development Administration notify the appropriate State legislature of plans for radioactive waste storage facilities. Stipulates that such facilities shall not be constructed in States where the legislature by concurrent resolution states that the proposed site shall not be used for such purpose.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 1976
Condemns the murders of Orlando Letelier and Ronni Karpen Moffitt and the serious injury of Michael Moffitt. Urges a complete and thorough investigation by federal authorities of the circumstances surrounding the bombing.
United States · United States Congress · 8 September 1976
Amends Rule XI of the Rules of the House of Representatives to provide that committee funds shall not be used for travel unless its official nature is established by resolution approved by majority vote of the committee involved. Requires that the official travel resolution set forth specific items including the purpose of each destination, the names of all persons who propose to take the trip, the anticipated benefit to the taxpayers, and the estimated total expense.
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 · 2 September 1976
Amends Rule XI of the Rules of the House of Representatives to provide that committee funds shall not be used for travel unless its official nature is established by resolution approved by majority vote of the committee involved. Requires that the official travel resolution set forth specific items including the purpose of each destination, the names of all persons who propose to take the trip, the anticipated benefit to the taxpayers, and the estimated total expense.
United States · United States Congress · 31 August 1976
Authorizes the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to implement a five-year demonstration program to increase the average annual diversion of water from Lake Michigan.
United States · United States Congress · 26 August 1976
Authorizes the President to issue a proclamation designating the week beginning October 3, 1976, and ending October 9, 1976, as "National Volunteer Firemen Week."
United States · United States Congress · 10 August 1976
Amends Rule X of the House of Representatives to provide that any Member of the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct may, at his own discretion, disqualify himself from participating in any investigation of the conduct of any Member, officer, or employee of the House. Provides that when such action is taken the Speaker of the House shall designate a Member of the House from the same political party as the disqualifying member of the committee to act as a Member of the committee.
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 · 3 August 1976
Amends Rule XI of the Rules of the House of Representatives to provide that committee funds shall not be used for travel unless its official nature is established by resolution approved by majority vote of the committee involved. Requires that the official travel resolution set forth specific items including the purpose of each destination, the names of all persons who propose to take the trip, the anticipated benefit to the taxpayers, and the estimated total expense.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1976
Constitutional Amendment - Provides that no law varying the compensation for the services of Senators and Representatives shall take effect until an election of Representatives shall have intervened.
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 · 21 July 1976
Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to require the Pension Benefit Guarantee Corporation to guarantee the payment of specified benefits which provide for the payment of benefits before the normal retirement age while the beneficiary is unemployed and not eligible for benefits under the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 1976
Amends Rule X of the Rules of the House of Representatives to provide that the Speaker shall make appointments to conference committees without regard to seniority. Amends Rule XXVIII to provide that conference committee meetings between the House and Senate shall, at all times, be open to Members who may desire to attend such meeting. Deletes provisions of rule XXVIII which provide that conference committee meetings shall be open to the public except when the managers of either the House or Senate determine by a roll call vote of a majority of those managers present, that the remainder of the meeting shall be closed to the public. Allows the closing of a meeting by a roll call vote of a majority of those Members voting. Prohibits a conference committee from conducting any business through the use of a subcommittee. Affords any Member who has successfully offered an amendment to any measure to a conference committee, the opportunity to appear before the conference committee to make comments respecting the amendment. Directs that no Member of any conference committee may vote on conference committee business by proxy.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1976
Amends Rule X of the House of Representatives to provide that any Member of the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct may, at his own discretion, disqualify himself from participating in any investigation of the conduct of any Member, officer, or employee of the House. Provides that when such action is taken the Speaker of the House shall designate a Member of the House from the same political party as the disqualifying member of the committee to act as a Member of the committee.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1976
Amends Rule X of the House of Representatives to provide that any Member of the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct may, at his own discretion, disqualify himself from participating in any investigation of the conduct of any Member, officer, or employee of the House. Provides that when such action is taken the Speaker of the House shall designate a Member of the House from the same political party as the disqualifying member of the committee to act as a Member of the committee.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1976
Amends Rule XXVIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives to prohibit conference committees from conducting business through the use of subcommittees.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1976
Amends the Rules of the House of Representatives to provide that Members of conference committees may not vote by proxy on conference committee business.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1976
Amends the Rules of the House of Representatives to afford a Member an opportunity to appear before a conference committee to make comments respecting any amendment which such member has successfully offered in the House.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1976
Amends Rule XXVIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives to provide that conference committee meetings between the House and Senate shall, at all times, be open to Members who desire to attend such meeting.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1976
Amends the Rules of the House of Representatives to provide that in appointing Members to conference committees, the Speaker shall make such appointments without regard to seniority.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1976
Amends Rule X of the Rules of the House of Representatives to provide that the Speaker shall make appointments to conference committees without regard to seniority. Amends Rule XXVIII to provide that conference committee meetings between the House and Senate shall, at all times, be open to Members who may desire to attend such meeting. Deletes provisions of rule XXVIII which provide that conference committee meetings shall be open to the public except when the managers of either the House or Senate determine by a roll call vote of a majority of those managers present, that the remainder of the meeting shall be closed to the public. Allows the closing of a meeting by a roll call vote of a majority of those Members voting. Prohibits a conference committee from conducting any business through the use of a subcommittee. Affords any Member who has successfully offered an amendment to any measure to a conference committee, the opportunity to appear before the conference committee to make comments respecting the amendment. Directs that no Member of any conference committee may vote on conference committee business by proxy.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1976
Amends the Rules of the House of Representatives to provide that a conference committee meeting may be closed to the public only upon a vote in the House specifically authorizing the closing of such meeting.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1976
Paperwork Review and Limitation Act - Amends the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1970 to require that each public bill or resolution reported by a Congressional committee be accompanied by a Paperwork Impact Statement which assesses the amount and character of the information that such bill or resolution will require of private individuals and businesses and the cost of time required of such individuals or businesses who must provide the information sought by such legislation.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1976
Amends rule X of the Rules of the House of Representatives to permit a majority of the House to direct the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct to investigate complaints or resolutions involving alleged misconduct if the committee fails to undertake an investigation within 15 legislative days after the receipt of such complaint or referral of such resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1976
Consumer Communications Reform Act - States that Congress finds that the revenues from integrated interstate and foreign common carrier telecommunications services helped maintain a level of charges for telephone exchange service which is lower than otherwise would be required. Expresses the sense of Congress that the authorization of lines, facilities, or services of specialized carriers which duplicate the lines, facilities, or services of other telecommunications common carriers is contrary to the public interest. Reaffirms the intent of Congress that the complete authority to regulate terminal and station equipment used for telephone exchange service shall rest with the States even though such terminal and station equipment also may be used in connection with interstate services. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to provide that no compensatory charges for or in connection with such communication service may be found to be unjust or unreasonable on the ground that it is to low. Prohibits the Federal Communications Commission from holding the charge of a carrier up to a particular level to protect the traffic or revenues from a communication service offered or provided by another carrier if such charge proposed by the carrier is compensatory. Grants the Commission jurisdiction to approve the acquisition of control by a domestic common carrier of any other domestic common carrier or to approve the acquisition by a person which is not a common carrier of control of any domestic common carrier or the acquisition of the whole or any part of the property of a domestic common carrier after determining that the acquisition is in the public interest. Provides that the Commission shall not grant or authorize any construction permit, station license, or certificate, for the construction, acquisition, or operation of any communication or transmission line or facility, or extension thereof, or any modification or renewal thereof, unless the Commission shall find, after full opportunity for evidentiary hearing on the record, that such permit, license, or certificate will not result in increased charges or unnecessary duplication of communication lines.
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 1976
Amends the Social Security Act to authorize payment under the medicare program for specified services performed by chiropractors, including x-rays and physical examinations, and related routine laboratory tests.
United States · United States Congress · 14 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 · 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
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 · 25 May 1976
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to deny a tax deduction as an ordinary and necessary business expense for any amount paid or incurred in connection with lobbying expenses with respect to legislation or proposed legislation before Congress or any legislative body of a State.
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 · 19 May 1976
Permits the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to initiate a civil action to enforce Federal prohibitions against discriminatory housing practices. Allows Federal courts to award private plaintiffs bringing suit out to enforce such prohibitions reasonable attorney fees whether or not such individuals are financially able to bear the cost.
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.
![Official portrait of Rep. Carr, Bob [D-MI-8]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/c000178_200.jpg)