United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1976
National Consumer Cooperative Bank Act - Title I: National Consumer Cooperative Bank - Sets forth the findings of Congress that there is a need for the establishment of a National Consumer Cooperative Bank and a Cooperative Bank and Assistance Administration which will make available necessary financial and technical assistance to cooperative self-help endeavors as a means of strengthening the Nation's economy. Establishes the National Consumer Cooperative Bank. States that the Bank shall: (1) encourage the development of new and existing cooperatives eligible for its assistance by providing specialized credit and technical assistance; (2) maintain broad-based control of the Bank by its voting stockholders; (3) encourage broad-based ownership, control and active participation by members in eligible cooperatives; (4) assure that the net savings from its operations and the operations of borrowers from the Bank, are made available or accounted for to the stockholders or members of the cooperative organization; and (5) assist in improving the quality and availability of goods and services to consumers. Authorizes the creation of no less than four nor more than twelve corporate regional banks. States that the Bank shall have the power to make and service loans, commitments for credit, guarantees, furnish financially related services, technical assistance, and issue obligations. Enumerates additional powers necessary to carry out its powers and duties under this Act. Authorizes appropriations of $250,000,000 per year for the United States to purchase class A preferred stock of the Bank. Requires the Bank to hold an annual meeting of stockholders. Permits the Bank to obtain funds through the public or private sale of its bonds, debentures, notes, and other evidences of indebtedness. Authorizes the Bank to make loans to eligible organizations which shall be repayable in not more than forty years. States that the objective of the Bank shall be to provide the type of credit needed by eligible borrowers, at the lowest reasonable cost on a sound business basis, taking into account the cost of money to the Bank. Defines "eligible cooperatives" for purposes of assistance under this title as an organization chartered or operated on a cooperative, not for profit basis for producing or furnishing goods, services, facilities, or financing, primarily for the benefit of its members or voting stockholders who are ultimate consumers, if it meets specified criteria, or any other institution chartered or operated in such a way as to enhance competitive market forces or to reduce the price spread between producers and the ultimate consumers of products or services. Title II: Self-Help Development Fund - Establishes in the Treasury a Consumer Cooperative Self-Help Development Fund. Authorizes appropriations of $250,000,000 to be deposited in the Fund. Permits the Cooperative Bank and Assistance Administration to make a capital investment advance out of the Fund to any eligible cooperative if the Administration determines that the applicant's initial or supplemental capital requirements exceed its ability to obtain a Title I loan from the Bank or other sources, and the membership of the applicant consists substantially of low-income persons. Title III: Cooperative Technical Assistance - Directs the Cooperative Bank and Assistance Administration to make available information and services concerning the organization or reorganization of cooperatives to best achieve the objectives of this Act and to best provide the means through which various types of goods, services, and facilities can be made available to members and patrons. States that such assistance may include investigations, surveys, and director and management training and assistance. Authorizes appropriations to the Administration of sums necessary for the administration of this title. Title IV: The Cooperative Bank and Assistance Administration and General Provisions - Establishes the Cooperative Bank and Assistance Administration. Directs the Administration to assure that the objectives of this Act are carried out. States that until the stock of the Bank held by the United States has been fully retired the Bank shall be exempt from any form of taxation. Requires the Administration and the Board to report annually to the appropriate committee of Congress on the activities of the Administration and on the Bank's capital, operations, financial condition, the self-help development fund, and to make recommendations for legistation to improve its services. Authorizes appropriations of sums necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act, in addition to appropriations specifically authorized.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1976
Authorizes a taxpayer, under the Internal Revenue Code, to elect to treat qualified architectural and transportational barrier removal expenses which are paid or incurred during the taxable year as expenses which are not chargeable to capital account. Deems such expenses so treated as allowable tax deductible expenditures.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1976
Includes as a home health service under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, nutritional counseling provided by or under the supervision of a registered dietitian.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1976
Amends the State and Local Fiscal Assistance Act of 1972 to increase the amount allocable to a State or local government by ten percent if such State or local government funds public education from sources other than the collection of property taxes. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1976
Regulatory Reform Act - States Congress' finding that Government economic regulation has become a burden to American business, consumers, and the economy. Requires the President to submit at least once a year for five years a plan to eliminate regulation which has led to inflationary consumer prices or a reduction of competition. Directs that each plan establish more efficient organizational and administrative forms for the regulation of commerce and include provisions necessary to modify or abolish existing agencies and functions so as to eliminate overlapping regulatory jurisdictions and anti-competitive regulations. Requires that such reformation plan be directed toward regulation in the areas of: (1) banking and finance; (2) energy and environment; (3) commerce, and transportation; (4) food, health, safety, and trade practices; and (5) labor, housing, and small business. Defines terms used in this Act. Provides for Congressional review of such plan. Provides that if Congress fails to pass any regulatory reform legislation by a specified date after the President submits his plan to the Congress, such plan shall become effective as of a specified date and all rules of any agency described in such plan shall be of no force or effect.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 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 · 12 April 1976
National Employment Priorities Act - Adds a new chapter (National Employment Priorities) to the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938. Title I: General Provisions - Declares that it is the purpose of this Act: (1) to require prenotification to employees and communities of dislocation of business and agricultural 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. Title II: Establishment of the National Employment Relocation Administration - Establishes 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. Provides that, in order to carry out the purposes of this Act, the Secretary is authorized to perform enumerated functions and duties, including: (1) conduct investigations on any proposed closing or transfer of operations of a business concern; (2) provide adjustment assistance to employees because of a closing or transfer of operations of an establishment of a business concern; and (3) conduct research into the problems of business closings, transfers of operations, and unemployment. Establishes a National Employment Relocation Advisory Council. Specifies the composition and compensation rates of 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. Tittle III: Notice, Investigations, Hearings, and Reports, in Closing an Establishment or Transferring Operations - Requires written notice 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. Specifies the items to be included in such notice. Authorizes the Secretary to investigate a proposed closing or transfer of operations under specified circumstances. Title IV: Assistance to Employees who Suffer an Eligible Employment Loss - Directs the Secretary to establish a program of adjustment assistance for employees suffering an eligible employment loss. Provides that such adjustement 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. Title V: Assistance to Affected Communities and to Businesses Located in Such Communities - 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. Title VI: Assistance to Businesses Threatened with Dislocation - Authorizes the Secretary to provide technical and financial assistance to an establishment or business concern if the Secretary finds that: (1) such establishment is planning to close or transfer operations, (2) such closing will result in a substantial employment loss, and (3) such closing is justified on economic grounds. Directs 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. Title VII: Withdrawal of Certain Benefits on Account of Unjustified Relocations, and Miscellaneous Provisions - Provides that whenever the Secretary determines, after an investigation conducted under this Act, that: (1) the closing or transfer of operations of an establishment or a business concern was not justified; or (2) the transfer or closing could have been avoided if the business concern had accepted assistance under this Act; or (3) the eligible employment loss could have been avoided except for the failure to file a notice of intent to close or transfer, or because of some other unreasonable delay, bad faith or misrepresentation on the part of the business concern; or (4) the transfer of operations is to a new location outside the United States while other alternatives to such transfer of operations exist, then such business concern shall be ineligible for specified benefits under the Internal Revenue Code, for a period not to exceed ten years. 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 · 8 April 1976
Subjects any parent who kidnaps his or her minor child to a fine of not more than $1,000 imprisonment or not more than one year, or both. (Amends 18 U.S.C. 1201)
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 1976
Authorizes payment under the supplementary medical insurance program of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act for optometric and medical vision care.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 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 · 22 March 1976
Opportunities Industrialization Centers Job Creation and Training Act - States that the purpose of this Act is to provide special authority for the Opportunities Industrialization Centers in order to create and provide job opportunities for specific unemployed persons who were particularly hard hit by the recent economic recession, and to provide opportunities for industry to create additional jobs for the unemployed in rural and urban communities. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to enter into a contract with Opportunities Industrialization Centers, Incorporated (OIC) in order to provide comprehensive employment services and jobs for unemployed persons. Requires each such contract to contain provisions assuring that specific requirements are complied with, including requirements that (1) special consideration in providing jobs will be given to unemployed persons who are most severely disadvantaged in terms of the length of time they have been unemployed; (2) due consideration will be given to persons who have participated in manpower training programs for whom unemployment opportunities would be otherwise available, and (3) the program will to the maximum extent feasible contribute to the elimination of artificial barriers to employment and occupational advancement. Sets forth special conditions to be met prior to providing financial assistance pursuant to a contract entered into under this Act. Requires the programs to contribute, to the maximum extent feasible, to the occupational development or upward mobility of individual participants. Prohibits the Secretary from providing financial assistance unless he determines that: (1) periodic reports will be submitted to him to measure the effectiveness of the program; (2) there will be no discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, political affiliation, or beliefs within the program; and (3) the participants in the program will not be employed in the construction, operation, or maintenance of sectarian religious facilities. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the provisions of this Act of $150,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, $200,000,000 for fiscal year 1978, $300,000,000 for fiscal year 1979, and $350,000,000 for fiscal year 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1976
Congressional General Election Campaign Financing Reform Act - Adds a new chapter 97 to the Internal Revenue Code entitled "Congressional General Election Campaign Fund Act". Establishes, within the Internal Revenue Code, procedures by which candidates for nomination for election, or for election to either House of Congress may receive payments of public funds in amounts matching contributions made to the candidates' nomination or election campaign funds. Defines terms used in the Act. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to maintain in the Presidential Election Campaign Fund a separate amount to be known as the Congressional General Election Payment Account. Directs the Secretary to deposit into the Congressional General Election Payment Account that portion of the annual amounts designated by taxpayers on their income tax returns that equals the excess above 30 percent of the total amount made available in the last Presidential election. Limits to $100 the amount of a contribution which an individual may make to one candidate's primary election campaign or to that candidate's general election campaign. Authorizes the Federal Election Commission to examine and audit the qualified campaign expenses of every candidate and to require the candidate to repay to the Secretary the amount of any excess payments made by the Secretary. Requires the Commission to report to Congress at the end of each Federal general election year on the qualified campaign expenses of each candidate, the amount paid to each candidate, and the amount of repayments required from candidates. Authorizes the Commission to bring action in any United States district court to recover any amounts deemed payable to the Secretary as the result of an audit. Establishes a criminal penalty consisting of a fine of up to $25,000, or one year in prison or both for violation of the limitations on expenditures. Increases fines for violations of the limitations set for contributions and expenditures in Presidential and Congressional campaigns.
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 · 4 March 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 · 3 February 1976
Creates a nine member House Select Committee on the Fiscal Problems of Cities. Directs the committee to conduct a study to identify the nature and causes of problems afflicting large cities which face severe fiscal imbalance. Provides that consideration shall be given problems which contribute to the financial plight of cities, including: (1) net outmigration of population; (2) decline in employment opportunities; (3) adverse city/suburban relationships; (4) cost of public services; (5) rising crime rates; (6) lack of new investment in housing; and (7) racial, ethnic, and economic segregation. Calls upon the committee to develop a policy regarding the appropriate role of various levels of government in the solution of such problems. Requires the committee to evaluate the consequences of, and coordination among, existing Federal policies and programs which relate to the major problems identified by the committee. Directs the committee to formulate specific recommendations regarding Federal legislation and executive administrative action for modifications of or alternatives to present Federal programs.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1976
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the people of Angola should be allowed to determine their own political future without foreign interference. Expresses support for efforts by the Organization of African Unity to achieve a settlement of the conflict in Angola. Calls upon all countries to terminate military assistance to any group in Angola. States that the President should do his utmost to seek an agreement among the various parties involved in hostilities or in the support of such hostilities in Angola to terminate such hostilities. Directs the President to refrain from providing assistance of any kind, for military activities in Angola, until specifically approved by Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1976
Expands the boundaries of the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. Repeals provisions suspending the Secretary of the Interior's authority to acquire property within the National Lakeshore by condemnation when appropriate zoning agencies have in effect approved valid zoning ordinances applicable to such property. Revises provisions regarding retention of the right of use and occupancy by owners of improved property after such property has been acquired by the Secretary. Increases the membership of the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore Advisory Commission. Authorizes the appropriation of sums for acquisition of lands and interests in land and for development. Requires the Secretary to complete by the end of 1977 a final master plan detailing the development of the lakeshore. Details guidelines regarding rights-of-way and easements added by this Act to the lakeshore and regarding the acquisition, improvement, and use of specified lands and easements not within the expanded boundaries.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1976
Department of Education Act - Establishes an executive department to be known as the Department of Education, to be headed by a Secretary of Education appointed by the President. States that it shall be the principal function of the Department to improve the quality of education throughout the United States. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) advise the President with respect to the progress of education; (2) develop and recommend to the President appropriate policies and programs to foster the orderly growth and development of the Nation's educational facilities and resources especially in the light of long-range requirements; (3) exercise leadership at the direction of the President in coordinating Federal activities affecting education; (4) conduct continuing comprehensive surveys and collect, analyze, and disseminate relevant information concerning education in the United States; (5) provide information and such other assistance as may be authorized by the Congress to aid in the maintenance of efficient school, college, and university systems; and (6) encourage comprehensive long-range planning by State and local governments, especially with respect to coordinating Federal, State, and community educational activities at the local level. Transfers the education functions of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare to the Department of Education. Transfers various education functions of other executive departments to the Department of Education. Establishes a Federal Interagency Committee on Education to study and recommend such actions as may be necessary to assure effective coordination of Federal programs affecting education. Establishes a National Advisory Commission on Education of specified membership and qualification to review and make recommendations with respect to the administration, regulation, and operation of Federal education programs. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as are necessary to enable the Department to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 1975
Denies the business tax deduction under the Internal Revenue Code for amounts paid or incurred for lobbying (including appearances before, and the sending of statements or communications) before Congress or other legislative bodies.
United States · United States Congress · 17 December 1975
Approves the compact of permanent union between Puerto Rico and the United States. Accords to Puerto Rico the right of self-government and jurisdiction over the population, territorial seas, and Island of Puerto Rico, as well as jurisdiction over the adjacent population, territorial seas, and islands. Gives the U.S. responsibility for and authority with respect to international relations and defense affecting Puerto Rico. Permits Puerto Rico to enter into specified categories of agreements with other countries consistent with the functions of the U.S. as determined by the President and the Governor of the Free Associated State of Puerto Rico on a case-by-case basis. States that all persons born in Puerto Rico are citizens of the U.S. Makes U.S. currency the exclusive currency of Puerto Rico. Declares that economic, trade, and commercial relations between the two parties shall be conducted within the framework of the common market previously and henceforth established. Lists related rights and responsibilities. Provides that U.S. immigration laws, rules, regulations, and procedures shall be applied to Puerto Rico except as the President and Governor agree to limit or increase the quota of aliens who may be admitted. Directs that Puerto Rico be represented by one elected representative in each House of Congress. Provides that U.S. laws, present and past, be given full effect. Allows, prior to passage of any legislation affecting Puerto Rico, the Governor to submit to Congress objections to its applicability. Exempts Puerto Rico from the provisions of such legislation if the respective Congressional committee or committees by vote express agreement with the objections. Prohibits this procedure if proposed laws directly affect the rights and duties of citizens, security and common defense, foreign affairs, or currency. Allows the U.S. to transfer to Puerto Rico, with its consent, the total or partial performance of Federal functions. Creates a six-member Joint Commission, three members and their successors to be appointed by the President, and three by the Governor. Subjects the Commission to review by the President and the Governor after an initial period of five years, such review to encompass the Commission's membership and continuation. Assigns the Commission to help in the perfection of relations between the U.S. and Puerto Rico, directing it to study: (1) the desirability of retaining, modifying, or eliminating the application of specific Federal laws to Puerto Rico, giving priority to laws pertaining to communications, coastal shipping, and administration of Selective Service; (2) the possible transfer of Federal functions to Puerto Rican agencies; and (3) the desirability of recommending a system of contributory payments from Puerto Rico to the U.S. Treasury, based upon disbursements by the Puerto Rican legislature from the general fund or any other sources subject to its legislative action. Grants concurrent jurisdiction to U.S. and Puerto Rican courts with respect to justifiable questions arising under this Act. Establishes a U.S. District Court for Puerto Rico. Declares that the public policy of the U.S. and Puerto Rico is to make the minimum wage in Puerto Rico equal to that of the U.S. as soon as economic conditions permit. Grants Puerto Rico exclusive jurisdiction over all matters pertaining to minimum wage and working hours, labor-management relations, and occupational health and safety regulation, except as those areas apply to the shipping and aviation industries, where the appropriate Federal law governs. Requires that this compact, to become effective: (1) be approved by the U.S. Congress; (2) be approved by the Puerto Rican electorate in a special referendum; and (3) be proclaimed approved by the electorate, such proclamation to include the effective date as agreed upon by the President and the Governor. (It must become effective within one year of approval). Directs that the provisions of this Act shall not interrupt or impair pending matters before courts or quasi-judicial agencies, and shall not affect franchises, permits, and other grants previously issued. Requires mutual agreement between the two governments for modification of this Act, and with respect to specified provisions concerning fundamental relations, the approval of the Puerto Rican electorate is also required.
United States · United States Congress · 15 December 1975
Department of Education Act - Establishes an executive department to be known as the Department of Education to be headed by a Secretary of Education appointed by the President. States that it shall be the principal function of the Department to improve the quality of education throughout the United States. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) advise the President with respect to the progress of education; (2) develop and recommend to the President appropriate policies and programs to foster the orderly growth and development of the Nation's educational facilities and resources especially in the light of long-range requirements; (3) exercise leadership at the direction of the President in coordinating Federal activities affecting education; (4) conduct continuing comprehensive surveys, collect, analyze, and disseminate relevant information concerning education in the United States; (5) provide information and such other assistance as may be authorized by the Congress to aid in the maintenance of efficient school, college, and university systems; and (6) encourage comprehensive long-range planning by State and local governments, especially with respect to coordinating Federal, State, and community educational activities at the local level. Transfers the education functions of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare to the Department of Education. Transfers various specified education functions of other executive departments to the Department of Education. Establishes a Federal Interagency Committee on Education to study and recommend such actions as may be necessary to assure effective coordination of Federal programs affecting education. Establishes a National Advisory Commission on Education of specified membership and qualification to review and make recommendations with respect to the administration, regulation, and operation of Federal education programs. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to enable the Department to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1975
Tax Credits and Allowances Act - Title I: Personal Credits Allowances for Basic Living Expenses, and other Tax Provisions - Repeals the personal exemption and provides, in lieu thereof, a credit against tax equal to the personal credits granted by this title. Provides a $225 credit for the taxpayer, and additional credits of $225 each for the taxpayer's spouse and each dependent. Authorizes prepayment of estimated personal credits to recipients of allowances for basic living expenses. Repeals the low income allowance. Provides for a standard employment expense deduction of: (1) 10 percent (but not to exceed $500) of the earned income received by the lesser compensated spouse; and (2) 10 percent (but not to exceed $1,000) of the earned income of the head of a household. Provides an allowance for basic living expenses. Specifies the requirements to be met for eligibility for receipt of such allowance, and sets forth the maximum amounts of such allowance. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to promulgate regulations for the administration of this Act. Defines the terms used in the Act. Provides special rules with respect to the filing status of individuals under this Act. Provides for the coordination of allowances and credits authorized by this Act with those authorized under the educational opportunity grant program of the Higher Education Act of 1965. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out the provisions of this title. States that gross income does not include, for the purposes of this title, amounts received by recipients as allowances for basic living expenses. Title II: Public Assistance and Welfare Reform - Requires State supplementation of income to families receiving aid for dependent children in the amount that the income of such families is reduced by the provisions of this Act. Provides that supplementary payments made by States under this title shall be made for a maximum period of 24 months. Changes the eligibility requirements for benefits under the supplemental security income programs of aid to aged, blind, or disabled individuals to prevent reduction of benefits recieved by such individuals by virtue of the provisions of this Act. States that until such time as a comprehensive program of services for families and children is developed and placed into effect, the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare shall provide a transitional program of specified services to such families. States that the Secretary shall develop a comprehensive program of such services within one year of the effective date of this title. Authorizes optional state supplementation of social security income benefits to ameliorate the effects of the provisions of this Act on families with disabled children. Title III: Miscellaneous and General Provisions - Provides that the total amount of State supplementation payments made under this Act may be used as an allowance offset for purposes of income taxation where the application of the provisions of this Act results in a net reduction of its basic living expense allowance or its supplemental security income benefit. Prohibits Federal assistance to child-care facilities imposing income-related fees. Makes technical and conforming amendments in other specified laws. Repeals the Food Stamp Act of 1964. Provides that obligations of the United States shall be subject to garnishment and similar proceedings to meet court-ordered alimony, child-support, and rent obligations.
United States · United States Congress · 13 November 1975
Prohibits the exploration for and the mining of and the purchase of all valuable mineral deposits within any area of the National Park System. Repeals laws or provisions of laws which permit mining in: (1) Glacier Bay National Monument; (2) Death Valley National Monument; (3) Coronado International Memorial, Arizona; (4) Mount McKinley National Park; and (5) Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to promulgate such regulations as are necessary to govern existing valid mineral rights in the National Park System.
United States · United States Congress · 13 November 1975
Authorizes and directs the President, commencing October 1, 1975, and for a period of 270 days thereafter, to promulgate a regulation providing a maximum price for domestically produced crude oil which shall not be in excess of $11.50 per barrel. Withdraws as of October 1, 1975, any tax or fee on the importation of, and any rate or duty on, petroleum or any product derived therefrom which was imposed by the President in the interest of national security under the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 between January 1, 1975 and the date of enactment of this Act. Provides for the refund of any tax, fee, or duty collected on or after October 1, 1975 on the importation of petroleum or any product derived therefrom. Requires that importers pass such refunds to their ultimate customers or purchasers on a dollar for dollar basis.
United States · United States Congress · 11 November 1975
Increases from $10,000 to $100,000 the maximum fine for conspiracy to commit any offense against the United States. Makes $1,000,000 the maximum fine for such offense by a corporation. (Amends 18 U.S.C. 371)
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 1975
Denies electric and gas public utilities a deduction under the Internal Revenue Code for amounts paid or incurred by such utilities to advertise or promote the sale or use of electricity or gas.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 1975
Young Adult Conservation Corps Act - Declares it to be a finding of Congress that unemployment levels are excessively high among young adults, and that there are large inventories of conservation work and other work of a public nature on public lands, including the national park and forest systems, which require large amounts of labor and relatively small capital investments. States that it is the purpose of this Act to complement the Youth Conservation Corps Act and to provide employment to young adults. Declares the Secretaries of Agriculture and Interior to jointly extend the Youth Conservation Corps to make possible the year-round employment of young adults. States that individuals employed as Corps members under this Act shall be between the ages of 19 and 24; shall meet applicable physical standards; shall be given preference for employment if they reside in counties in which the unemployment rate was equal to or in excess of six percent for three consecutive months; and may be employed for a total of not more than 12 months. Sets forth criteria by which the Secretaries shall be guided in determining the location of projects and the type of work to be done. States that priority should be given to counties having a high rate of unemployment and that highly labor intensive projects should be sought. States that the rate of pay for Corps members should be set at the current Federal minimum wage. Extends the provisions of this Act to cover employment of young adults in State conservation programs in accordance with the provisions of the Youth Conservation Corps Act which make such an extension. Requires the Secretaries to prepare, within eight months of the enactment of this Act, a plan for the execution of the provisions of this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of funds for preparing the plan and for preparing the sites, facilities, and equipment selected in this plan. Authorizes the appropriation of funds as specified for the four fiscal years during which young adults are employed under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 1975
Allows, under the Internal Revenue Code, owners of retail outlets who do not refine crude oil to use the percentage depletion method of deducting investment expenses for their oil or natural gas production.
United States · United States Congress · 5 November 1975
Allows a tax deduction under the Internal Revenue Code to individuals who rent their principal residences for the portion of the real property taxes paid or accrued by their landlords that may be allocated to such residence.
United States · United States Congress · 4 November 1975
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the efforts in Portugal to secure democracy in that country should be supported by the United States. Directs the Administration to submit to Congress its recommendations for ways in which the United States might provide support to a democratic Portugal.
United States · United States Congress · 31 October 1975
Denies the business tax deduction under the Internal Revenue Code for amounts paid or incurred for lobbying (including appearances before, and the sending of statements or communications) before Congress or other legislative bodies.
United States · United States Congress · 31 October 1975
Industrial Energy Conservation Act - States that the energy needs of United States industry are increasing consistently, although energy resources are limited, and that the conservation of energy is therefore necessary. Declares that rapid development and cost-effectiveness demonstrations, and widespread application by industry, of energy-efficient technologies can be facilitated by Federal financial assistance in the form of research, development, and demonstration projects and through incentives to companies that invest in such technologies. States that it is the purpose of this Act to stimulate the development of energy-efficient technologies in American industry. Defines terms used in this Act. Directs the Administrator of the Energy Research and Development Administration to establish and maintain a program for research, development and demonstration of energy conserving industrial technologies, including: (1) basic and applied research under the control of the Administrator; (2) the development by the Administrator or private persons of prototypes or demonstration models of energy conserving technologies; and (3) the making of grants to private organizations to facilitate the incorporation of such technologies into commercial operating industrial plants, such projects to be used as demonstrations for other industrial facilities. Sets forth priorities to be observed by the Administrator in determining the recipients of grants under this Act. Authorizes the Administrator to make loans and loan guarantees for the purchase, construction, operation or maintenance of energy-efficient equipment or facilities. Enumerates priorities to be observed in making or guaranteeing such loans, including: (1) the extent to which a loan recipient is located within a depressed industrial area, and will contribute to the economic recovery of such area; (2) the extent to which such loan or guarantee will foster the widespread adoption of energy conservant technology; (3) the extent to which modernization, rather than replacement, of existing equipment will contribute to the purposes of this Act; and (4) the extent to which small businesses will be able to participate in the benefits resulting from this Act. Sets forth regulations governing the administration of loans and guarantees made pursuant to this Act. Requires that at least 60 percent of the funds available for loans and guarantees be allocated to recipients in depressed industrial areas. Sets forth additional regulations pertaining only to loan guarantees made pursuant to this Act. Limits the outstanding indebtedness guaranteed under this Act to $500,000,000 at any one time. States that no guarantee shall be made under this Act after September 30, 1977. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 29 October 1975
Denies Members of Congress any increase in their rate of pay under any law passed, or plan or recommendation received, during a Congress unless such increase is to take effect not earlier than the first day of the next Congress. Makes such prohibition retroactive to apply to those laws passed after June 30, 1975, and to plans and recommendations regarding pay transmitted by the President after such date.
United States · United States Congress · 23 October 1975
Condemns the resolution adopted by the Third Committee of the United Nations General Assembly which equates Zionism with racism, and urges the U.N. General Assembly to disapprove such resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 1975
Recognizes the right to a nutritionally adequate diet as a cornerstone of United States policy in areas such as trade, assistance, monetary reform and military spending. Seeks to improve food assistance programs in the United States. Calls for an increase in this nation's assistance for self-help development among the worlds' poorest people. Sets a target of one percent of our total national production to be spent for such assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1975
Directs the Rail Services Planning Office, under the Regional Rail Reorganization Act, to require the Consolidated Rail Corporation and any railroad subsidized under that Act to submit to the Office information sufficient to permit an accurate determination by the Office of the revenues, costs and operations of local rail lines as economic units. Increases from $5,000,000 to $10,000,000 the appropriations authorized to the Interstate Commerce Commission for the use of the Rail Services Planning Office. Provides for the operation of rail service on light density lines not scheduled to be included in the final system plan established pursuant to the Regional Rail Reorganization Act. Stipulates that such light density lines as are profitable will be operated by the Consolidated Rail Corporation or a profitable railroad in the area. Authorizes the appropriation of up to $38,000,000 to subsidize the operation of such lines. Directs the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct an audit to determine the soundness of the accounting procedures used by the Corporation in assessing the profitability of a light density line. Provides for the inclusion of additional local rail service lines within the final system plan. Sets forth a new schedule of Federal-State shares of the rail service continuation subsidy. States that the Federal share shall be 100 percent for the first two years of this Act and shall be reduced by ten percent each year thereafter until the Federal and State shares shall each be 50 percent. Revises the formula by which rail service continuation funds are allocated to the States to provide for distribution to the States on the basis of the discontinued rail mileage in each State. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to assist the States in developing and implementing the State plan for rail rehabilitation which is a prerequisite to the granting of rail service continuation subsidies. Provides for the granting of rail service continuation subsidies to rail freight services on those additional light density lines included in the final system plan under this Act. Deletes the provision of the Regional Rail Reorganization Act which limits any rail service continuation subsidy to two years. Revises the authorization of appropriations for the rail service continuation subsidies. Makes it possible for States to receive both rail service continuation subsidies and loans to purchase rail properties of a railroad which were originally scheduled for abandonment. Directs the Rail Services Planning Office to conduct a study of each railroad line which is not designated to be included in the final system plan and which is: (1) receiving rail service continuation subsidies; or (2) potentially eligible for such subsidies; or (3) a light density line operated by the Corporation or a profitable railroad. States that such study shall be conducted to determine the overall economic viability of such line including the prospects for such line becoming more economically viable at a reasonable cost and within a reasonable period of time. Directs the Office to designate those lines which such study has determined to be economically viable for transfer to the Corporation or to a profitable railroad operating in the region.
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1975
Authorizes the President to issue a proclamation designating the week in November which includes Thanksgiving Day in each year as "National Family Week."
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 1975
Free Speech Act - Prohibits any court from granting the United States an injunction against any party seeking to freely speak or publish any matter except where the Government proves that the communication will surely result in direct, immediate, and irreparable damage to the security of the United States or its people. Provides that no classification of documents by the Executive shall be deemed conclusive in determining the outcome of any petition by the United States for a restraining order or a temporary or permanent injunction against any party. Stipulates that no provision in any agreement or contract between the United States and any individual shall be the basis for the issuing of any restraining order, or temporary or permanent injunction, against any party seeking to speak, print, or publish any matter relating to his employment by the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 1975
Provides that individuals attending or teaching at vocational schools shall be eligible to serve as congressional interns in the House of Representatives.
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 1975
Requires that the support price of milk be adjusted by the Secretary of Agriculture at the beginning of each quarter to reflect estimated changes during the immediately preceding quarter in the index of prices paid by farmers of production items, interest, taxes and wage rates.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1975
Directs the Rail Services Planning Office, under the Regional Rail Reorganization Act, to require the Consolidated Rail Corporation and any railroad subsidized under that Act to submit to the Office information sufficient to permit an accurate determination by the Office of the revenues, costs and operations of local rail lines as economic units. Increases from $5,000,000 to $10,000,000 the appropriations authorized to the Interstate Commerce Commission for the use of the Rail Services Planning Office. Provides for the operation of rail service on light density lines not scheduled to be included in the final system plan established pursuant to the Regional Rail Reorganization Act. Stipulates that such light density lines as are profitable will be operated by the Consolidated Rail Corporation or a profitable railroad in the area. Authorizes the appropriation of up to $38,000,000 to subsidize the operation of such lines. Directs the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct an audit to determine the soundness of the accounting procedures used by the Corporation in assessing the profitability of a light density line. Provides for the inclusion of additional local rail service lines within the final system plan. Sets forth a new schedule of Federal-State shares of the rail service continuation subsidy. States that the Federal share shall be 100 percent for the first two years of this Act and shall be reduced by ten percent each year thereafter until the Federal and State shares shall each be 50 percent. Revises the formula by which rail service continuation funds are allocated to the States to provide for distribution to the States on the basis of the discontinued rail mileage in each State. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to assist the States in developing and implementing the State plan for rail rehabilitation which is a prerequisite to the granting of rail service continuation subsidies. Provides for the granting of rail service continuation subsidies to rail freight services on those additional light density lines included in the final system plan under this Act. Deletes the provision of the Regional Rail Reorganization Act which limits any rail service continuation subsidy to two years. Revises the authorization of appropriations for the rail service continuation subsidies. Makes it possible for States to receive both rail service continuation subsidies and loans to purchase rail properties of a railroad which were originally scheduled for abandonment. Directs the Rail Services Planning Office to conduct a study of each railroad line which is not designated to be included in the final system plan and which is: (1) receiving rail service continuation subsidies; or (2) potentially eligible for such subsidies; or (3) a light density line operated by the Corporation or a profitable railroad. States that such study shall be conducted to determine the overall economic viability of such line including the prospects for such line becoming more economically viable at a reasonable cost and within a reasonable period of time. Directs the Office to designate those lines which such study has determined to be economically viable for transfer to the Corporation or to a profitable railroad operating in the region.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 1975
Official Accountability Act - States that the purpose of this Act is to assure that persons charged with making or implementing American foreign, military, and national security policy will do so according to law. Title I: National Security Crimes - Stipulates that no officer or employee of the United States, nor any other person who receives any compensation or remuneration from the United States for the commission of any act covered by this Act, shall order or engage in the planning of, preparation for, initiation or waging of a war of aggression or a war in violation of any international treaty or agreement to which the United States is a party. Prohibits such persons from participating in acts of murder, torture, use of hostages, use of slave labor, and the wanton destruction of cities or towns. Sets forth specified acts which shall be deemed to be in violation of the laws and customs of war for purposes of this Act. Includes in such listing the overthrow by force, violence, or bribery of the leadership of a nation with which the United States is not at war. Provides sanctions for violations of this Act. Places the prosecution of such violations under the exclusive authority of the National Security Solicitor. Title II: Administration and Enforcement - Establishes an independent office of the Legal Office of National Security Affairs. Places such Office under the direction of a National Security Solicitor. Sets forth the powers and duties of such official. Stipulates that such official shall have access to any book, document, paper, record, or other material of any United States agency, including the White House staff and Executive Office of the President.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 1975
Denies Members of Congress any increase in their rate of pay under any law passed, or plan or recommendation received, during a Congress unless such increase is to take effect not earlier than the first day of the next Congress. Makes such prohibition retroactive to apply to those laws passed after June 30, 1975, and to plans and recommendations regarding pay transmitted by the President after such date.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 1975
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. States 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 or 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 appropriation of $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, such sum to be increased by $2,000,000 each fiscal year for 6 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 10 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 publication within 180 days of enactment of this Act of regulations covering surface coal mining and reclamation and setting standards for State programs. States that such regulations must meet approval of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator. Requires all surface coal mining operations commencing within six months from the date of enactment of this Act on State-regulated lands to comply with specified provisions of this Act. Requires all surface coal mining operations on State-regulated lands to be in compliance with specified provisions of this Act within one year from the date of enactment. Requires States which wish to assume exclusive jurisdiction over the regulation of surface coal mining and reclamation operations to submit to the Secretary of the Interior, within 18 months of enactment, programs for carrying out this Act, such programs to include a State regulatory authority capable of regulating surface coal mining, State laws providing for sanctions for violations of regulations, and a permit system for surface coal mining regulation. Demands that such State programs meet the approval of the EPA Administrator. Subjects State programs to approval of Secretary of Interior within six months. Requires implementation of a Federal program of surface coal mining regulation where States fail in such implementation. Permits State laws and regulations that are more stringent than those set forth pursuant to this Act. Prohibits the conduct of any surface coal mining operations by any person on or after six months from the promulgation of a State or Federal reclamation program unless the person has first obtained a permit, good for a maximum of five years, to conduct such operations. Provides for the renewal of such permits. 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. States 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. Sets general performance standards for environmental protection in surface coal mining which permittees under this Act must meet. Imposes additional standards for steep-slope surface mining. Directs the Secretary, within 135 days from the date of enactment, with the concurrence of the Chief of Engineers, to promulgate standards and criteria regulating the design, construction, maintenance and abandonment of new and existing coal mine waste piles. 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 record keeping 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. Provides that when an operator completes the backfilling, regrading, and drainage control of a bonded area, he may request a release of 60 percent of the bond. Provides that the remaining amount may be returned upon completion of all reclamation. Allows persons with a legal interest to file objections to release of bond, and for public hearings to follow. Permits any person to bring a civil suit against any person, including the United States, alleged to be in violation of this Act. Allows the court to award costs of litigation to parties in suits brought under this Act. Permits the Secretary to intervene in actions under this Act. Allows, where State regulatory authorities do not exist or fail to act, for Federal enforcement of this Act and of permit conditions. Permits issuance of an order to cease mining and reclamation. Provides for the Attorney General to institute civil suit for a restraining order or injunction to enforce this Act or regulations under it. Directs States to designate as unsuitable for surface coal mining those areas where reclamation is impossible or where land is fragile or of historical value. Prohibits existing mining operations from being declared unsuitable. Requires implementation of a Federal lands program applicable to all surface mining and reclamation operations on Federal land. Requires such program to, at least, adopt all requirements of this Act. Demands separate regulations for programs for special bituminous coal surface mines that meet speicified 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 appropriations to carry out this Act, as follows: (1) $10,000,000 for various contract authority immediately and 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; (3) for research and demonstration projects of alternative coal mining technologies, $35,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, and for the next four years. Requires the written consent of the owner of the surface rights before the Secretary shall lease Federally-owned mineral rights, and requires compensation to be paid by the lessee to the surface owner. States that nothing in this Act shall be construed as increasing or diminishing the rights of any owner of coal in Alaska to conduct or authorize surface coal mining operations for coal which has been or is hereafter conveyed out of Federal ownership to the State of Alaska or pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act; provided, that such surface coal mining operations meet the requirements of the Act. States that nothing in this Act shall be construed as affecting in any way the right of any person to enforce or protect his interest in water resources affected by a surface coal mining operation.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 1975
Provides under the Social Security Act that where benefits are claimed under the Aid to Families with Dependent Children (title XIV), the Medicaid program (title XIX) other Social Services programs, and Federal-State public assistance programs, the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare shall make a determination as to the eligibility of the claimant within 90 days of submission of the claim (120 days where the Secretary requires more information from the appropriate State and such information is not furnished within the first 60 days after submission of the claim). Provides that payments made to States for medical assistance to aged, blind, or disablied individuals later determined by the Secretary to be ineligible for such payments shall not be deemed an overpayment to such state.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 1975
Authorizes the people of the Virgin Islands to organize a government pursuant to a constitution of their own adoption under the provisions of this Act. Authorizes the Legislature of the Virgin Islands to call a constitutional convention to draft a constitution for the people of the Virgin Islands. Requires that such constitution shall include a bill of rights. Provides for eligibility for membership at the convention. Establishes voting procedures for the approval or disapproval of such constitution as may be drafted by the convention. Provides that upon taking effect, a constitution drafted and approved under this Act shall supersede such provisions of the Organic Act of the Virgin Islands as may be inconsistent with such constitution.
United States · United States Congress · 8 September 1975
Authorizes the President to issue a proclamation designating Sunday, September 14, 1975, as "National Saint Elizabeth Seton Day" and calling upon the people of the United States to observe that day with appropriate ceremonies.
![Official portrait of Rep. Carr, Bob [D-MI-8]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/c000178_200.jpg)