United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1977
Declares it the sense of the House of Representatives: (1) that the President should obtain removal of the trade impairments placed on dried prunes by the European Economic Community and should seek agreement with the European Economic Community that similar restrictive measures will not be imposed in the future, and (2) that the European Economic Community should be placed on notice that retaliatory measures will be taken if restrictive import regulations are placed on walnuts.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 1977
Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to authorize reduced air fares on a space-available basis for persons 60 years of age or older and for handicapped individuals and their attendants. Directs the Civil Aeronautics Board to conduct a study and to report to the Congress on the feasibility and economic impact on air carriers of providing such reduced rate transportation for persons 21 years of age or younger. Authorizes air carriers operating within the State of California pursuant to authority granted by the State public utilities commission and which operate aircraft capable of carrying 30 or more persons to enter into agreements with other air carriers to establish joint fares, rates and services. Specifies various methods for determining the lowest such joint fare or rate which may be established.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 1977
World War I Pension Act - Directs the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to pay to each veteran of World War I, who meets the service requirements of this Act, or his widow, a pension at the monthly rate of $150. Defines the terms "veteran" and "World War I". States that the pension under this Act shall be paid to a veteran or his widow without regard to his or her annual income, if solely derived from the payments of social security benefits, railroad retirement benefits, or pensions. Sets forth specified minimum service requirements for a veteran to be eligible for a pension under this Act. Stipulates that a widow must have been married to the veteran for not less than ten years at the time of his death.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 1977
Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to authorize reduced air fares on a space-available basis for persons 60 years of age or older and retired, or 65 years of age or older, and for handicapped individuals and their attendants. Directs the Civil Aeronautics Board to conduct a study and to report to the Congress on the feasibility and economic impact on air carriers of providing such reduced rate transportation for persons 21 years of age or younger. Authorizes air carriers operating within the State of California pursuant to authority granted by the State public utilities commission and which operate aircraft capable of carrying 30 or more persons to enter into agreements with other air carriers to establish joint fares, rates and services. Specifies various methods for determining the lowest such joint fare or rate which may be established.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1977
Congressional Salary Act -- Amends the Federal Salary Act of 1967 to make any recommendations of the President relating to the salaries of Members of Congress, Delegates to the House of Representatives, and the Resident Commissioner from Puerto Rico purely advisory. Amends the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 to require that the annual rate of pay for Members of Congress, Delegates to the House of Representatives, the Resident Commissioner from Puerto Rico, and the Senate and House leadership be the rate payable for such positions on the date of enactment of this Act unless otherwise established by law. Prohibits any law increasing such rates of pay from taking effect before the first day of the Congress following the Congress during which such law is enacted.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1977
Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments - Extends through Fiscal year 1978 the authorization of appropriations for: (1) water treatment works pilot training programs; (2) the development of a system of forecasting the supply of and demand for water pollution control specialists; (3) grants for State pollution control programs; (4) scholarships, training grants and contracts in the field of water pollution control; (5) grants to designated agencies to assist in the development and operation of continuing areawide waste treatment management planning processes; (6) grants to the States for lake water improvement programs; and (7) the purposes of this Act other than those specified in (1) through (6) above. Authorizes the use of Federal grants for construction of treatment works as grants for the Federal share of construction costs of sewage collection systems which are part of the same total waste treatment system. Stipulates that the total amount of all such grants shall not exceed $2,800,000. Authorizes the use of a single grant for the combined Federal share of planning and design along with building and construction costs in the case of treatment works with an estimated total cost of $1,000,000 or less. Authorizes the use of ad valorem taxes to satisfy the user charge system requirement for applicants for treatment works grants under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. Establishes procedures for allotment of construction grant funds to States in accordance with criteria established by the House Committee on Public Works and Transportation. Stipulates that allotments made subject to a limitation on obligation shall remain available until expended. Extends the provisions for Federal reimbursement of construction costs of publicly owned water treatment works to include reimbursement for works on which construction was started not later than July 1, 1973. Increases the amount of the appropriation authorized to cover such reimbursement to $2,950,000,000. Authorizes additional appropriations for waste treatment construction grants of $5,000,000,000 for fiscal year 1977 and $6,000,000,000 per fiscal year for fiscal years 1978 and 1979. Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to accept certification by State water pollution control agencies as discharging the Administrator's responsibility for treatment projects within such State. Requires a finding by the Administrator that such projects will be carried out in accordance with State laws and standards at least equivalent to those established by Federal law. Stipulates that the determination of priorities with respect to categories of projects for treatment works within each State shall be made solely by the State. Authorizes the Administrator to extend from July 1, 1977, until July 1, 1982, the deadline for the achievement of effluent limitations for public treatment works. Authorizes additional extensions of deadlines until July 1, 1983, in the case of treatment works based on innovative technology. Requires submission of enforceable compliance schedules by applicants for such extension. Extends until April 1, 1975, the deadline for submission of State water quality inventory reports. Requires that such reports be revised by April 1, 1976, and kept current biennially. Directs the Administrator to submit such reports to Congress on or before October 1, 1976, and biennially thereafter. Deletes the 30-day time requirement for public hearings as required by the Act for proposed toxic and pretreatment effluent standards. Authorizes the Administrator to defer the effective date of proposed toxic effluent standards for up to three years following promulgation of such standards if the Administrator determines that compliance within one year is technologically unfeasible for a particular category of sources. Redefines the term "navigable waters" as it applies to permits for dredged or fill material as required by the Act. Allows the discharge of dredged or fill materials without a permit in waters other than navigable waters and adjacent wetlands. Authorizes the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Corps of Engineers, to enter into agreements with States to regulate the discharge of dredged or fill material in waters other than navigable waters and in wetlands other than adjacent wetlands. Exempts farming, silviculture, ranching, forestry and specified construction activities from permit requirements with respect to discharges of dredged or fill material. Stipulates that Federal projects shall be exempt only if the effects of such discharges have been assessed pursuant to the provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Authorizes the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Corps of Engineers, to delegate authority over dredged and fill material in adjacent wetlands to the States. Establishes an emergency contingency fund to provide assistance in cases of imminent and substantial threats to the public health and welfare. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to maintain such fund with a balance of $5,000,000. Authorizes judicial review of administrative acts connected with effluent guidelines or approval of State certification. Establishes procedures for Congressional review and disapproval of rules or regulations issued under authority of the Act. Requires officers and employees of the Environmental Protection Agency to disclose all known financial interests in persons subject to the provisions of the Act. Imposes criminal penalties for knowing violations of such disclosure requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1977
Natural Gas Act Amendments - Amends the Natural Gas Act to terminate Federal Power Commission authority to regulate sales of new natural gas in interstate commerce. Stipulates that prices for offshore sales of new natural gas shall not exceed the ceiling price for sales of new natural gas produced from onshore Federal lands. Stipulates that emergency sales of natural gas to curtailed customers who qualify as essential users shall not affect such exempt status. Authorizes the Commission to terminate such exemptions on or after April 15, 1978, if they are no longer deemed necessary to protect high priority consumers of natural gas. Directs the Federal Power Commission to conduct studies and make reports regarding the nature and availability of natural gas reserves. Requires that the Commission keep current information available relating to the estimated natural gas reserves for individual fields. Establishes procedures for the establishment of ceiling prices for new natural gas produced from offshore Federal lands through December 31, 1982. Authorizes the Commission to grant exemptions to price ceilings within high-cost production areas. Establishes procedures for adjustments to price ceilings established pursuant to this Act. Directs the Commission to prohibit the curtailment of adequate supplies of natural gas for essential agricultural purposes. Directs the Commission to prohibit the use of natural gas as boiler fuel where adequate alternatives are available. Authorizes exemptions from such prohibition where necessary to comply with pollution control or environmental protection and safety standards.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1977
Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to allow air carriers to offer reduced-rate transportation on a space-available basis to persons 65 years of age or older or 21 years of age or younger, and to handicapped persons and necessary attendants of such handicapped individuals.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1977
Jobs Creation Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce the individual income tax rates. Allows a credit against the income tax up to $1,000, for ten percent of the increase in the total savings deposits and investments since the end of the previous year. Allows a limited income tax deduction by certain domestic corporations for dividends paid. Limits corporate deductions for dividends received from foreign corporations. Repeals corporate deductions for other dividends received. Allows the taxpayer to take a deduction for specified percentages of the acquisition costs of certain types of property, with a corresponding reduction in basis, in lieu of a depreciation deduction. Doubles the corporate surtax exemption to $100,000.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income interest paid or accrued by the taxpayer on savings deposits. Limits this exclusion to $1,000 per individual.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1977
Federal Power Commission Reform Act - Amends the Federal Power Act to direct the Federal Power Commission to require public utilities to report anticipated shortages of power and to file plans to provide for curtailment by retail consumers on a nondiscriminatory basis. Requires that rate increases for the interstate sale of electricity not become effective until public hearings on such increases have been completed by the Commission. Authorizes the Commission to issue orders prohibiting unfair methods of competition by public utilities. Stipulates that rates charged by public utilities shall be approved by the Commission only if based on known and measurable costs. Directs the Commission to audit the fuel acquisition practices of public utilities with a view to eliminating discriminatory or anticompetitive practices.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1977
Social Security Rights Act - Requires that procedures be established for the expedited replacement of undelivered benefit checks under title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act. Requires that decisions (and reconsiderations) on initial benefit claims be made within 90 days. Requires that payment of benefits on approved claims begin no later than the day regularly fixed for delivery of benefit checks in the second month following the month in which the claim was approved.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1977
Requires any rule proposed by any Government agency to be submitted to Congress with a full explanation of such rule. States that such rule shall become effective no later than 60 days after submission to Congress unless either House adopts a resolution disapproving such rule as contrary to law, inconsistent with the intent of Congress, or beyond the mandate of the legislation pursuant to which it was proposed. Sets forth the procedure for adopting such a resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow the taxpayer to take either a tax credit or deduction for expenditures for the improvement of the thermal design of his principal residence. Applies this credit and deduction to the cost of any storm door, storm window, or solar heating and cooling equipment included in the taxpayer's principal residence when purchased. Limits the allowable credit under this Act for each taxable year to: (a) 25 percent of the expenditures paid for the purchase of solar heating equipment or conventional equipment (storm windows, etc.); and (b) $1,000, of which no more than $250 may be taken for conventional materials. Limits the credit taken in any one year to the difference between the taxpayer's income tax liability and specified credits, with a carryback and carryover provision for any unused amount. Allows the taxpayer to take a deduction in lieu of this credit for up to $4,000 in expenditures, of which no more than $1,000 may be claimed for the purchase of conventional materials. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury and the Administrator of the Federal Energy Administration to make a report to Congress by September 15, 1978 analyzing the amount, type, geographic location and energy savings represented by the deductions and credits taken under this Act. Applies to expenses incurred from January 1, 1977 through December 31, 1981.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1977
Homeowner's Energy Conservation Act - Establishes in the Department of Housing and Urban Development a direct low-interest loan program to assist homeowners and other owners of residential structures in purchasing and installing more effective insulation and heating equipment. Authorizes the appropriation of $50,000,000 as the initial amount for such program and additional sums thereafter as may be necessary to carry out this program.
United States · United States Congress · 13 January 1977
Amends Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) to remove the limitation on the amount of outside income which an individual may earn while receiving benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 13 January 1977
Creates, effective January 3, 1977, a House Select Committee on Professional Sports to conduct an inquiry into the need for legislation with respect to the professional sports industry and to conduct a comprehensive study to determine the impact of current antitrust law and policy on all professional sports. Requires the select committee to annually report the results of all activities and investigations conducted by the committee.
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 1977
Federal Aid Highway Act Amendments - Amends the Federal Aid Highway Act of 1976 to increase and extend the appropriations authorized under such Act for the Federal Aid primary system to $3,350,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 1978 through 1990. Increases the Federal Share for projects financed with primary funds on the Federal aid primary system from 70 percent of its cost to 80 percent, or to 95 percent under specified circumstances. Prohibits the Secretary of Transportation from approving projects on such system if the portion of the project that is on a new location does not provide for complete control of access. (Amends 23 U.S.C. 109, 120)
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Title I: Authorizations and Limitations - Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to increase the appropriation for surety bond guarantees from $56,500,000 to $71,000,000. Increases from $6,000,000,000 to $8,000,000,000 the amount appropriated for the business loan and investment fund of the Small Business Administration. Increases from $450,000,000 to $525,000,000 the amount appropriated for economic opportunity loans. Increases the funds for small business investment companies from $725,000,000 to $1,100,000,000. Authorizes appropriations and sets program levels for various programs under the Small Business Act for fiscal years 1978 and 1979. Title II: Miscellaneous, Conforming and Technical Amendments - Requires that reports to the President and Congress concerning minority small businesses include: the proportion of loans and other assistance under this Act; the goals of the Administration for the next fiscal year with respect to such concerns: and recommendations for improving assistance. Title III: Amendments to Small Business Administration Loan Authority - Amends the Small Business Act to allow loans to be used for the financing of residential or commercial construction or rehabilitation for sale. States that no payments will be required of the small business while payments are being made by the Small Business Administration pursuant to the assumption of such business's obligation or while the Administration has suspended payment on its own loan. Limits the period of such assumption or suspension to five years. Sets the prerequisites for receiving the loan and the conditions for repayment of such loan. Title IV: Amendments to Small Business Administration Disaster Loan Authority - Expands the coverage of disaster loans to situations which the Small Business Administration determines to be disasters and where no disaster has been declared upon the certification by the Governor of a State to the Small Business Administration that small business concerns have suffered economic injury as a result of such disaster and that financial assistance is not available on reasonable terms in the disaster-stricken area. Title V: Certificate of Competency - Amends the elements to be considered in certification of any small business for the receipt or performance of a specific Government contract. Requires that final disposition of contract awards be made by the Administration. Describes the role of Government procurement officers and officers engaged in the sale and disposal of Federal property. Title VI: Small Business Set-Asides - Provides that any contracting agency, under the Small Business Act, shall place contracts to allow more than one small business concern to perform work, if the amount of a proposed small business set-aside contract exceeds the maximum amount of a contract for which a surety may be guaranteed against loss under the Small Business Administration's surety bond guarantee program.
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
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 · 4 January 1977
Creates a House Select Committee on Professional Sports to conduct an inquiry into the need for legislation with respect to the professional sports industry and to conduct a comprehensive study to determine the impact of current antitrust law and policy on all professional sports. Requires the select committee to annually report the results of all activities and investigations conducted by the committee.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1976
Authorizes the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to plan and establish wetlands areas in connection with dredging activities required for water resources development projects. Sets forth criteria for the establishment of such areas, including the requirement that increased project costs shall not exceed $300,000. Stipulates that, in computing the benefit-cost ratio of any such project, that the benefits of establishing any wetland area shall be deemed to be at least equal to the cost.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1976
Federal-Aid Highway Act Amendments - Amends the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1976 to increase and extend the appropriations authorized under such Act for the fiscal years 1977 and 1978 for the Federal-aid primary system to $3,350,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 1978 through 1990. Increases the Federal share for projects financed with primary funds on the Federal-aid primary system from 70 percent of its cost to 80 pecent, or to 95 percent under specified circumstances. Prohibits the Secretary of Transportation from approving projects on such system if the portion of the project that is on a new location does not provide for complete control of access. (Amends 23 U.S.C. 109, 120)
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 1976
World War I Pension Act - Directs the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to pay veterans of World War I, or their widows, a pension at a monthly rate of $150. (Adds 38 U.S.C. 513)
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 1976
Deletes the provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act which limit to two the number of petitions for preference status which may be granted to a petitoner on behalf of alien orphans immigrating to the United States for adoption.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 1976
Title I: Water Resources Development - Water Resources Development Act - Authorizes the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to initiate advanced engineering and design of the following water resources development projects, for the following estimated costs as listed: (1) for water supply in the Millers River Basin (Massachusetts), $1,200,000; (2) for water supply at Northfield and Ewing (Massachusetts), $1,300,000; (2) for beach erosion control, navigation, and storm protection from Hereford Inlet to Cape May Canal (New Jersey), $2,062;000; (4) for beach erosion control, navigation, and storm protection from Barnegat Inlet to Longport (New Jersey), $2,396,000; (5) for flood control of the Wallkill River (New Jersey, New York), $330,000; (6) for flood control in the Pasaic River Basin (New Jersey, New York), $12,000,000; (7) for flood control at Lock Haven (Pennyslvania), $430,000; (8) for flood control at Wyoming Valley (Pennsylvania), $450,000; (9) for flood control at Richmond (Virginia), $800,000; (10) for flood control at the Richmond filtration plant (Virginia), $100,000; (11) for navigation at Brunswick Harbor (Georgia), $300,000; (12) for navigation improvements at Charleston Harbor (South Carolina), $500,000; (13) for navigation improvements at San Juan Harbor (Puerto Rico), $300,000; (14) for local flood protection and purposes at Laf Crosse (Wisconsin), $400,000; (15) for beach erosion control for Presque Isle Penninsula (Pennsylvania), $700,000; (16) for flood control and other purposes at Little Calumet River (Indiana), $1,400,000; (17) for flood protection for St. Johns Bayou and New Madrid Floodway (Missouri), $300,000; (18) for flood protection for Noneconnah Creek (Mississippi, Tennessee), $400,000; (19) for natural salt pollution control in the Brazos River (Texas) $650,000; (20) for flood control and other purposes on the Rio Puerco and Rio Salado (New Mexico), $1,500,000; (21) for flood protection on Wears Creek (Missouri), $50,000; (22) for construction and installation of additional facilities at McNary Lock and Dam (Oregon, Washington), $1,800,000; (23) for flood control and other purposes on Calleguas Creek (California), $1,060,000; and (24) for flood control and other purposes on Morrison Creek Stream Group (California), $750,000. Authorizes the appropriation of an additional $5,000,000 for administrative costs of preparing additional reports to Congress prior to commencement of final engineering and design activities. Authorizes the appropriation of $4,000,000 per fiscal year for fiscal years 1978 and 1979 for the preparation of additional initial engineering and design studies for future projects. Authorizes the prosecution of the following projects, at the following estimated costs as listed, in accordance with requirements of the Flood Control Act of 1968: (1) for navigation improvements in New London Harbor and Thames River (Connecticut), $8,022,000; (2) for local flood protection and other purposes on the Minnesota River (Chaska, Minnesota), $10,498,000; (3) for local flood protection on the Park River (Grafton, North Dakota), $10,973,000; (4) for flood control for Harris Fork Creek (Kentucky, Tennessee), $5,000,000 (5) for flood control and other purposes on the Red River (Arkansas, Louisiana), $4,401,000; (6) for salt water control on the Neches River and Tributaries (Texas), $14,300,000; and (7) for navigation in the Los Angeles, Long Beach Harbors (California), $16,580,000. Title II: River Basin Monetary Authorizations - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1978 for the following comprehensive river basin development programs, as listed: (1) Alabama-Coosa River Basin $7,000,000; (2) Arkansas River Basin $5,000,000; (3) Brazos River Basin $28,000,000; (4) Columbia River Basin $19,000,000; (5) Mississippi River and tributaries $263,000,000; (6) Missouri River Basin $101,000,000; (7) North Branch Susquehanna River Basin $36,000,000; (8) Ohio River Basin $31,000,000; (9) Ouachita River Basin $1,000,000; (10) Red River Waterway project $22,000,000; (11) San Joaquin River Basin $69,000,000; and (12) South Platte River Basin $8,000,000. Stipulates that the total amount of such authorizations shall not exceed $590,000,000.
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 1976
Title I: Frederick Law Olmsted Home and Office, Brookline, Massachusetts - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to prepare and transmit to specified Congressional committees a study of the feasibility and suitability of designating the Frederick Law Olmsted Home and Office, Brookline, Massachusetts, as a unit of the National Park System. Title II: Saint Paul's Church, Eastchester, New York - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to prepare and transmit to specified Congressional committees a study of the feasibility and suitability of designating Saint Paul's Church, Eastchester, New York, as a unit of the National Park System. Title III: National Museum of Afro-American History and Culture at or near Wilberforce, Ohio - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to prepare and transmit to specified Congressional committees a study of the feasibility and suitability of establishing a National Museum of Afro-American History and Culture in the vicinity of Wilberforce, Ohio. Title IV: Kalaupapa Settlement on the Island of Molokai, Hawaii - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to study the feasibility and desirability of designating as a unit of the National Park System all or part of Kalawao County on the island of Molokai, Hawaii, in which is located the Kalaupapa leper settlement. Requires the Secretary to submit a report of such study, including a detailed proposed master development plan, to the President and Congress within two years of the enactment of this title. Establishes the Kalaupapa National Historical Park Advisory Commission. Prohibits agencies and departments of the United States from taking any action which would impact on the proposed park area pending submission of the Secretary's report. Title V: Shawnee Hills, Illinois - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to designate all or part of the Shawnee Hills in specified counties in Illinois as a national recreation area.
United States · United States Congress · 2 September 1976
Designates as wilderness specified lands within the following components of the National Wildlife Refuge System and the National Forest System: (1) Simeonof National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska; (2) Big Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Arkansas; (3) Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge, Florida; (4) J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge, Florida; (5) Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge, Florida; (6) Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge, Illinois; (7) Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge, Louisiana; (8) Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge, Minnesota; (9) Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge, Minnesota; (10) Mingo National Wildlife Refuge, Missouri; (11) Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, Montana; (12) Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge, Nebraska; (13) Swanquarter National Wildlife Refuge, North Carolina; (14) Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge, Oregon; (15) San Juan Islands National Wildlife Refuge, Washington; (16) Shoshone National Forest, Wyoming; (17) Sierra National Forest, California; (18) Mark Twain National Forest, Missouri; and (19) Cibola National Forest, New Mexico. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to review the suitability of, and the President to submit recommendations relative to, preserving as wilderness specified lands within the following national forests: (1) Angeles National Forest, California; (2) San Bernadino National Forest, California; (3) Mendocino National Forest, California; (4) Mark Twain National Forest, Missouri; (5) Flathead National Forest, Montana; and (6) Lewis and Clark National Forest, Montana.
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
Imposes mandatory minimum sentences on persons convicted in the District of Columbia of specified violent crimes if the victim of the offense is 60 years of age or older.
United States · United States Congress · 2 September 1976
Requires, under the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act, that Federal agencies pay interest at an annual rate of at least 12 percent on any payment which is overdue by more than two weeks on a contract with a small business concern.
United States · United States Congress · 2 September 1976
Authorizes the States to administer permit programs to regulate obstructions on intrastate navigable waters under the Act of 1899, relating to Federal regulation of rivers and harbors. Requires that such State programs meet minimum Federal standards.
United States · United States Congress · 2 September 1976
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the amount of the personal exemption from $750 to $1,000. Provides for automatic annual cost-of-living increases in individual income tax rates. Allows a tax credit for educational expenses paid to an institution of higher education for the taxpayer, his spouse, and any of his dependents. Sets limitations on the amount of such credit. Makes the amendments made by this Act effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 1976.
United States · United States Congress · 23 August 1976
Modifies the Noyo Harbor project in California to authorize the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to construct necessary breakwaters and additional channel improvements.
United States · United States Congress · 10 August 1976
Title I: Public Buildings Cooperative Use Act - Amends the Public Buildings Act of 1959 and the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 to require the Administrator of General Services, when acquiring or managing space necessary for Federal agencies, to: (1) utilize space in buildings of historic, architectural, or cultural significance where feasible; (2) encourage the location of commercial, cultural, educational, or recreational activities within or near public buildings; and (3) encourage the public use of public buildings outside of regular Federal working hours. Requires the Administrator to place on the access level of Federal buildings those activities requiring regular public contact. Title II: Requires the Administrator to report annually to Congress with respect to his activities and those of other departments with regard to standards issued, revised, repealed, or waived under the Act to insure that certain buildings financed with Federal funds are so designed and constructed as to be accessable to the physically handicapped.
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 · 9 August 1976
Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to allow air carriers to offer reduced-rate transportation on a space-available basis to persons who are 65 years of age or older or 21 years of age or younger, to handicapped persons, and to an attendant of such a handicapped person.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1976
Federal Coal Leasing Amendments Act - Amends the Mineral Lands Leasing Act to remove the 40-acre limitation on tracts of land which may be leased for coal mining by the Secretary of the Interior. Prohibits the lease of Federal lands for coal production where the prospective lessee has not produced coal for 15 or more years from other lands held under such a lease. Stipulates that lands containing coal deposits may only be offered for lease after inclusion in a comprehensive land use plan. Stipulates that each coal lease shall contain provisions requiring compliance with the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and the Clean Air Act. Requires that an exploration license be acquired from the Secretary prior to the conduct of coal exploration for commercial purposes on oil lands subject to the Mineral Lands Leasing Act. Stipulates that licensees may not cause substantial disturbance to the natural land surface. Authorizes the Secretary to consolidate coal leases into logical mining units. Stipulates that development and production of the unit shall be completed within a time period established by the Secretary, which shall not exceed 40 years. Stipulates that coal leases shall be for a period of 20 years and for so long thereafter as coal is produced annually in commercial quantities from that lease. Requires termination of any lease not producing coal in commercial quantities at the end of ten years. Imposes the requirement that mining operations be developed diligently and continuously. Requires that lessees submit for the Secretary's approval an operation and reclamation plan. Requires that the Secretary make annual reports to Congress on coal leasing activities, including recommendations for improved management, efficiency, and environmental safeguards. Authorizes disposition of royalties to the States for additional public purposes. Directs the Director of the Office of Technology Assessment to study all leasing activities pursuant to the Mineral Lands Leasing Act and report his findings and recommendations to Congress. Stipulates that no person or legal entity may control more than 46,080 acres of coal leases in any one State, nor more than 100,000 acres in the entire United States under the Mineral Lands Leasing Act.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1976
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow specified otherwise tax exempt organizations to operate a public entertainment activity in conjunction with a National, State, local, regional, or international fair or exposition without losing their tax exempt status, by excluding such public entertainment activity from the definition of the term "unrelated trade or business."
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1976
Natural Gas Act Amendments - Amends the Natural Gas Act to terminate Federal Power Commission authority to directly regulate sales prices of new natural gas except for new natural gas produced from offshore Federal lands. Stipulates that prices for onshore sales of new natural gas shall not exceed the ceiling price for sales of new natural gas produced from offshore Federal lands. Stipulates that prices paid for natural gas in transactions between a natural gas company and its affiliates shall not exceed prices paid in comparable sales by persons not affiliated with any natural gas company. Directs the Federal Power Commission to conduct studies and make reports regarding the nature and availability of natural gas reserves. Requires that the Commission keep current information available relating to the estimated natural gas reserves for individual fields. Establishes procedures for the establishment of ceiling prices for new natural gas produced from offshore Federal lands. Authorizes the Commission to grant exemptions to price ceilings within high-cost production areas. Establishes procedures for adjustments to price ceilings established pursuant to this Act. Directs the Commission to prohibit the curtailment of adequate supplies of natural gas for essential agricultural purposes. Stipulates that the provisions of the Natural Gas Act shall extend to synthetic natural gas. Directs the Commission to prohibit the use of natural gas as boiler fuel where adequate alternatives are available. Authorizes exemptions from such prohibition where necessary to comply with pollution control or environmental protection and safety standards. Establishes procedures for the establishment and periodic revision of national ceiling prices for the sale of old natural gas in interstate commerce.
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 · 28 July 1976
Amends the National Labor Relations Act to provide that all employees covered by that Act who are members of a bona fide religion which has historically held conscientious objections to joining or financially supporting labor organizations shall not be required to join or so support any such organization as a condition of employment.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 1976
Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1977 of $150,000 under the Indian Elementary and Secondary School Assistance Act, $1,200,000 under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, and $632,000 under the Adult Education Act for the continuation of specified grants authorized under those Acts.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 1976
Expresses the sense of the Congress that no individual whose social security or railroad retirement benefits are increased should suffer, by reason of such increase, a loss of or reduction in any pension which he or she (or any member of his or her family) is otherwise entitled to receive under laws administered by the Veterans' Administration. Stipulates that the House and Senate Committees on Veterans' Affairs should without delay consider and report legislation eliminating the possibility of any loss of or reduction in pensions payable under laws administered by the Veterans' Administration on account of increases in social security or railroad benefits.
![Official portrait of Rep. Clausen, Don H. [R-CA-2]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/c000475_200.jpg)