United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1976
Jobs Creation and Economic Growth Act - Title I: Job Creation Through Government Reform - Provides for the expiration of all provisions of law which authorize new budget authority for programs other than trust funds in the Treasury, on October 1, 1980. Prohibits the authorization of budget authority for new programs for a term greater than four years. Prohibits the authorization of new budget authority for existing programs which exceeds any previous extension of authority by more than one year, or which exceeds one fiscal year in the case of programs not previously extended. Prohibits, after October 1, 1980, any extension of budget authority, or any changes in programs funded from Treasury trust funds or having permanent budget authority unless the concerned program has undergone a program control review. Provides that such reviews shall be undertaken for every government program by the appropriate Congressional committee at least once every four fiscal years to evaluate specified factors pertaining to the future need and efficiency of the concerned program. Directs the Comptroller General to make annual reports through 1979 identifying all Government programs funded from permanent budget authority and the Congressional committees having jurisdiction over them. Requires the Comptroller to identify all programs which have not been funded for two years or which are duplicative. Directs the Comptroller to complete studies of the efficiency and effects which 16 specified areas of tax and labor law, and educational, employment and welfare programs have on productivity in the private sector and unemployment. States that the relevant Congressional committees shall take action on these studies by March 15, 1978, where possible, to eliminate waste and duplication. Requires each head of an Executive department or agency and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to prepare independent evaluations of the effectiveness of any of the department or agency programs undergoing a program control review. Provides for periodic audits and reports by the General Accounting Office of any program the Office determines is substantially deficient in carrying out its objectives. Requires Budget transmittals after October 1, 1978 to include a detailed comparison of past and future objectives for each Government program. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to prepare an annual financial statement, based on accrual accounting procedures, for each Government program or activity. Requires all bills and joint resolutions to contain a fiscal note containing a five year projection of the proposal's estimated costs or savings before they may be introduced or reported from committee. Provides that such fiscal notes shall be prepared by the Governmental instrumentality which would carry out the provisions of the proposal. Title II: General Job Creation and Economic Growth - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the standard personal exemptions, over a transitional period, to $1,000. Increases, over a transitional period, the standard deduction for joint returns and surviving spouses to $2,500, for unmarried individuals to $1,800, and for married individuals filing seperately to $1,250. Reduces personal income tax rates. Provides transitional taxable income and earned income credits. Requires the new tax rates to be applied to all wages withheld after June 30, 1976 for taxable years ending after December 31, 1976. Increases, over a transitional period, the investment tax credit. Increases the corporate surtax exemption. Allows taxpayers to take an amortization deduction for new facilities and equipment in high unemployment areas in lieu of a depreciation deduction. Allows alternative amortization periods for all new pollution control facilities placed in service before January 1, 1981. Provides a five percent income tax credit for five percent of new savings and investments held by the taxpayer at the end of the taxable year. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to prepare a legislative proposal integrating corporate and individual income taxes by providing proportionate tax deductions for dividends paid and tax credits for dividends received. Increases estate taxes by raising rates, lowering limitations on the credit for State taxes, and reducing the progressive scale for such rates and limitations. Increases the estate tax exemption to $150,000. Allows an unlimited deduction from the taxable estate for all bequests and gifts to a surviving spouse. Exempts taxpayers from mandatory filing of gift tax returns during any of the first three quarters of the taxable year where the aggregate value of non-charitable gifts made during the quarter does not exceed $100,000. Extends the number of installments in which estate taxes on an estate consisting largely of an interest in a closely held business may be paid. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to prepare a report by July 1, 1978 evaluating the continued need for the Internal Revenue Code provisions regarding amortization of property in high unemployment areas and whether the investment tax credit should be raised. Amends the Small Business Act to increase the funding available for loans and guarantees to businesses under such Act. Title III: Structural and Long-term Job Creation - Amends the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act to establish an incentive program for providing part-time employment during the school year, and full-time employment during summer months, to disadvantaged youths. Amends the Act establishing the Youth Conservation Corps to increase the employment of disadvantaged youths in reducing the inventory of conservation work undertaken by the National Park Service and the United States Fish and Wildlife and Forest Service. Amends the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act to focus the Act's priorities and assistance upon aiding the chronically unemployed. Provides new programs under the Act, including the development of relocation assistance, to confront chronic unemployment. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a limited tax credit for wages to new employees.
United States · United States Congress · 31 August 1976
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow taxpayers to credit against the income tax specified higher education expenses, including tuition, fees, books and supplies, incurred by the taxpayer for himself or any dependent. Limits the credit to those expenses incurred for each individual which do not exceed $100 during taxable year 1977, $150 during 1978, $200 during 1979, and $250 each taxable year commencing thereafter. Limits the credit to expenses incurred by full time students at institutions of vocational and higher education, minus scholarships and veterans benefits. Limits the total credit allowed the taxpayer to his income tax liability minus the sum of all other credits applied thereto. Disallows any deduction of educational expenses used to determine the amount of the allowed by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 31 August 1976
Authorizes the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to implement a five-year demonstration program to increase the average annual diversion of water from Lake Michigan.
United States · United States Congress · 10 August 1976
Regulatory Cost Impact Act - Requires every Federal agency to prepare in conjunction with every regulation it proposes which may have a significant impact on costs to the public a Regulatory Cost/Benefit Assessment setting forth the foreseeable costs and benefits of and alternatives to such regulation. Requires that hearings on such regulations include comments solicited from the public, Federal, State, and local agencies on the final wording of such cost/benefit assessment. Provides special procedures for emergency regulations which must be promulgated immediately to protect the public. Requires each committee of Congress which reports legislation which may have a significant impact on costs to the public to prepare a Regulatory Cost/Benefit Assessment.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1976
Stipulates that mining companies or related operations which have discharged amphibole asbestos fibers into Lake Superior shall be required to pay the cost of removing such fibers from water used for human consumption, under regulations promulgated by the Secretary of the Interior. Imposes a civil penalty of up to $1,000 per day for failure to make any payment required under this Act or under regulations promulgated by the Secretary under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1976
Prohibits mining or related operations from discharging amphibole asbestos fibers except on land and in accordance with regulations promulgated by the Secretary of the Interior. Imposes a civil penalty of up to $1,000 per day for violations of requirements imposed under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1976
Amends the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 to provide that any employer who successfully contests a citation or penalty under such Act shall be awarded a reasonable attorney's fee and other reasonable litigation costs.
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 1976
Creates a House select committee which shall conduct an investigation of all records, memorandums, papers, documents, books, and other information of any standing or select committee of the House or officer of the House respecting expenses incurred by or on behalf of any such committee or its members or employees.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1976
Requires the Comptroller General to conduct an audit of the contingent funds of both Houses of Congress no later then 180 days after the close of a session of Congress. Directs the Comptroller General to make the results of such audits public and to report to the appropriate Federal authorities any substantial evidence of a violation of Federal law disclosed by such audit.
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 1976
Provides that funds shall not be expended from the contingent fund of the House of Representatives for allowances to Members, officers, or standing committees of the House except through the adoption of a resolution by the House of Representatives.
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 1976
Directs the Secretary of the Interior to make payments on a fiscal year basis to each unit of local government in which are located: (1) lands within the National Park System, the National Wilderness Preservation System, or the National Forest System; (2) lands administered by the Secretary through the Bureau of Land Management; or (3) lands dedicated to the use of Federal water resources development projects. Reduces the amount payable to any local government by the amount received by such government under specified Federal programs. Directs the Secretary to make additional payments to local governments for five fiscal years with respect to lands acquired by the United States for addition to Redwood National Park pursuant to specified legislation or to the National Park System or National Wilderness Preservation System after December 31, 1970, which were subject to local real property taxes within five years preceding such acquisition. Excludes specified units of local government in California and Oregon and all units of local government in Alaska from the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1976
Narcotic Sentencing and Seizure Act - Title I: Mandatory Minimum Sentences - Amends the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970 to impose specified minimum penalties on individuals convicted of enumerated offenses related to the distribution, transportation, and manufacture of opiates. Permits the court to sentence the defendant to a shorter term of parole ineligibility or imprisonment if, at the time of the offense, the offender was: (1) less than 18 years old; (2) mentally impaired; (3) under unusual and substantial duress; or (4) an accomplice whose participation in the offense was minor. Amends the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure to require a hearing to determine whether a term of imprisonment and parole ineligibility is mandatory in the case of an individual convicted of an opiate-related offense under this Act. Title II: Conditions of Release - Requires judicial officers setting conditions of release for any person charged with an opiate-related offense under this Act to consider which conditions will assure the safety of the community and of witnesses to the offense and which conditions will reasonably assure the avoidance of future similar offenses by the person charged. Permits judicial officers to deny the release of any such person if that person: (1) has previously been convicted of an offense related to an opiate; (2) at the time of the offense was on parole, probation, or other conditional release; (3) is a nonresident alien; (4) was arrested while in possession of a passport or other documentation necessary for international travel incorrectly identifying such person or belonging to someone else; or (5) has been convicted of having been a fugitive from justice, an escapee, or for willfully failing to appear before a court or judicial officer under Federal or State law. Stipulates that no individual shall be denied release unless the judicial officer holds a hearing and finds that there are no satisfactory conditions of release and that there is a substantial probability that the person committed the charged offense. Title III: Forfeiture of Proceeds of Illegal Drug Transactions - Makes all proceeds of an offense described in this Act subject to forfeiture to the United States. Title IV: Illegal Export of Cash - Requires that anyone who intends to transport, or have transported, monetary instruments in an amount exceeding $5,000 from any place within the U.S. to or through any place outside the U.S., or from any place outside the U.S. to or through any place within the U.S. file a report containing specified information. Requires that such reports also be filed by anyone who receives monetary instruments in an amount exceeding $5,000 at the termination of their transportation by common carrier to the United States from or through any place outside the U.S. Permits any Customs officer to search individuals and objects without a warrant where probable cause exists to believe that the report requirement for transport and receipt of monetary instruments has been violated and where exigent circumstances prevent obtaining a warrant. Title V: Prompt Reporting of Vessels - Requires the master of any vessel from a foreign port or of a foreign vessel from a domestic port, or of a vessel of the U.S. carrying bonded merchandise, or foreign merchandise for which entry has not been made, arriving at any place within the U.S., to immediately report the arrival of the vessel at the nearest custom-house.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1976
Authorizes any amount received from appropriated funds as a scholarship by a member of a uniformed service who is receiving training under the Armed Forces Health Professions Scholarship Program from an educational institution to be continued to be treated as a scholarship, excludable from gross income under the Internal Revenue Code.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1976
Expresses the general policy of the United States Government to rely upon private commercial sources for the goods and services required to meet Government needs, and that this policy be administered by the Office of Federal Procurement Policy.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1976
Establishes a Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe. Authorizes and directs the Commission to monitor the acts of the signatories to the Final Act of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (Helsinki Agreement) with respect to their compliance with the articles of such Act, particularly with regard to the provisions relating to cooperation in humanitarian fields. Stipulates that the Commission shall be composed of four Members of the House of Representatives, four Senators, and one member each of the Departments of State, Defense, and Commerce, as appointed by the President.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1976
Transfers from Federal to State courts jurisdiction to enter decrees requiring the transportation of students or teachers to carry out a plan of racial desegregation, when such cases arise within a State. Vests appellate jurisdiction of such cases in the Supreme Court of the United States by writ of certiorari from the highest State or territorial court exercising such jurisdiction. Terminates the order of any Federal court requiring the transportation of students and teachers to carry out a plan of racial desegregation. Directs any State court of appropriate jurisdiction to assume jurisdiction of such cases upon application of a party.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1976
National Diabetes Advisory Board Act - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish a National Diabetes Advisory Board to insure the implementation of the long-range plan formulated by the National Commission on Diabetes to combat diabetes. Specifies seven Federal health officers as members of the Board, in addition to seven health professionals and five members of the general public to be appointed by the Secretary. Makes provision for staffing and compensation. Authorizes the Board to enter into contracts or other arrangements, or to take such other action as may be necessary to carry out its functions. Authorizes the Board to engage in and sponsor activities, collect data, and provide technical assistance as it deems necessary and advisable in the performance of its functions. Requires the Board to submit simultaneously to the President and Congress an Annual Diabetes Report describing Board activities in the prior year and progress made in diabetes research, treatment, and education with specific reference to the long-range plan to combat diabetes mellitus and suggesting recommended future expenditures and legislation. Authorizes the appropriation of $500,000 for fiscal year 1976 and such sums as are necessary for each of the four fiscal years thereafter. Authorizes the Secretary to make distinguished scientist awards to individual scientists who have shown continuous and outstanding productivity in diabetes research for the purpose of continuing such research. Limits the amount of each grant to no more than $35,000 per year. Authorizes the appropriation of specified amounts for the purpose of making such grants in fiscal years 1976-1980. Authorizes, under the Public Health Service Act, the appropriation of specified sums in fiscal years 1977-1981 for the purpose of making grants to centers for research and training in diabetes mellitus and related endocrine and metabolic disorders.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1976
Emergency Job Programs Stop-Gap Extension - Authorizes appropriations of sums necessary for fiscal years 1976 and the transition period ending September 30, 1976, for the emergency jobs program under the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act of 1973. Requires that not less than 85 percent of the funds for public service employment programs be used only for wages and employment benefits, with the remainder of such funds available for administrative costs and supplies and equipment.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1976
Arts, Humanities, and Cultural Affairs Act - Title I: Arts and Humanities - Amends the National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities Act to authorize the Chairman of the of the National Endowment for the Humanities to establish grants-in-aid programs in each State to develop and promote the humanities. Sets forth standards relating to program administration for plans submitted by persons and entities seeking assistance. Prohibits the Chairman from making grants to more than one person or entity in any State. Specifies a formula for alloting funds appropriated for grants-in-aid. Authorizes appropriation to the National Endowment for the Arts and to the National Endowment for the Humanities of specified sums for fiscal years 1977 and 1978 and such funds as may be necessary for fiscal years 1979 and 1980. Revises the maximum amount which may be appropriated to such Endowments as grants matching amounts received through donation, bequest, and devise. Requires the President to appoint members of the National Council on the Arts and members of the National Council on the Humanities with the advice and consent of the Senate. Title II: Museum Services - Museum Services Act - Establishes within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare an Institute of Museum Services, consisting of a National Museum Services Board and a Director of the Institute. Authorizes the Director, subject to the advice of the Board, to make grants to museums to increase and improve museum services. Confers authority to the Institute to accept grants, gifts, or bequests of money for immediate disbursement in furtherance of the functions of the Institute. Directs the Federal Council on the Arts and Humanities to advise and consult with the Board and the Director on major problems incurred by the Institute and to coordinate the Institute's policies and activities with those of the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities. Authorizes the appropriation of funds for grants by the Institute for fiscal years 1977 through 1980. Title III: Challenge Grant Program - Authorizes the Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts to establish a program of contracts with, or grants-in-aid to, public agencies and private nonprofit organizations for the purpose of assisting cultural organizations and institutions and promoting citizen involvement with such bodies. Authorizes the appropriation of funds through fiscal year 1980 to carry out such program.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1976
Higher Education Amendments - Title I: Amendments to the Higher Education Act - Extends the authority of the Commissioner of Education to make grants to eligible students under the Higher Education Act of 1965. Extends the authorization for appropriations for specified provisions of such Act. Requires the Commissioner to publish by July 1, in the Federal Register, a schedule of expected family contributions for purposes of eligibility for basic educational opportunity grants under such Act. States that if Congress, by resolution, disapproves such schedule the Commissioner shall publish a new schedule together with a statement identifying the recommendations made in connection with such resolution. Includes as part of the criteria the Commissioner shall use in promulgating regulations with respect to such expected contribution any educational expenses of other dependent children in the family. Includes as part of "effective family income" as defined under such Act, Social Security payments to the student which would not have been paid if such individual were not a student. Extends the authorization for appropriations in such sums as may be necessary for payments to the States for incentive grants to students under such Act. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1980 for work-study programs under such Act. Authorizes institutions receiving funds under such programs to use a portion of such funds for administrative expenses and for job location and development programs. Authorizes the Commissioner to enter into agreements with eligible institutions for programs which locate and develop jobs for currently enrolled students, if such institution provides specific assurances to the Commissioner. Extends the authorization for appropriations to enable the Commissioner to make grants to institutions of higher learning for cooperative education programs under such Act. Authorizes appropriations for training, demonstration, research grants or contracts for such programs. Sets forth the requirements which institutions of higher learning must meet to become eligible for cooperative education grants. States that in approving applications for such grants the Commissioner shall give priority to programs which show the greatest promise of success. Sets forth criteria for making such determination. Requires that, in the case of default on a loan made under the direct student loan program under such Act, the Commissioner be notified of such default in a report describing the total number of loans from such loan fund which are in default. Repeals the requirement that the Commissioner be notified when a student is no longer in good standing for payments to be suspended to such student. Authorizes institutions to permit borrowers to pay less than the $30 per month repayment minimum under such Act in cases of hardship. Requires that any agreement between an institution and a student for a loan from such fund shall provide that the liability to repay such loan be cancelled upon the death or permanent and total disability of the borrower. Makes training grants available to the States for the purpose of designing and developing programs to increase the proficiency of institutional and State financial aid administrators in all aspects of student financial aid. Authorizes appropriations for such purpose. Authorizes appropriations for community service programs under such Act and for continuing education programs as defined in this Act. Sets forth how such appropriations are to be allotted to the States and American territories. Requires any State to be eligible for such assistance to create a State advisory council which shall submit a State plan which establishes a comprehensive and coordinated Statewide system of community service and continuing education programs. Prohibits the Commissioner from requiring any State to make any agreement or submit any data which is not specifically required under such Act. States that in a judicial review of the Commissioner's disapproval of a State plan or suspension from participation in any such programs, the Commissioner shall have the burden of proof that the State's plan or administration of such plan is at variance with any of the provisions of such Act. Authorizes the Commissioner to make available technical assistance to States and to institutions of higher education. Extends appropriations for college library programs under such Act. Repeals provisions of such Act relating to financial assistance to the Library of Congress for the acquisition and cataloging of library material. Extends appropriations for assistance to developing institutions, education professions development programs, and improvement of undergraduate instruction programs under such Act. Directs the Commissioner to authorize grants to institutions for the renovation and modernization of undergraduate and graduate academic facilities. Sets forth the criteria which the Commissioner shall use in determining the priorities of eligible construction projects. Defines "renovation or modernization" for purposes of this Act. Extends the graduate program grants and general assistance grants to institutions of higher learning under such Act. Requires the Commissioner to conduct public hearings before disapproving any State Commission plan filed pursuant to such Act for grants to community colleges and occupational education. Authorizes appropriations for such grants through fiscal year 1977. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to existing community colleges to: (1) assist them in modifying their educational programs and instructional delivery systems to provide educational programs for persons whose educational needs have been inadequately served; and (2) assist them in expanding their enrollment capacity or in establishing new educational sites. Revises the Federal share of carrying out projects through grants to enable community colleges to lease facilities. Extends appropriations through fiscal year 1977 for occupational education programs under such Act. Repeals provisions of such Act relating to: (1) programs for institutions of higher education to share technical and other educational and administrative facilities and resources; and (2) law school clinical experience programs. Sets forth funding requirements for specified provisions of such Act. Title II: Amendments to Other Acts - Amends the National Defense Education Act to authorize the Commissioner to carry out programs to increase the understanding of students in the United States about the cultures and actions of other nations. Extends the authorization for appropriations to carry out the purposes of such Act through fiscal year 1977. Extends the authorization for appropriations to carry out the provisions of the General Education Provisions Act through fiscal year 1977.
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
Authorizes appropriations to the Environmental Protection Agency for fiscal year 1977 for environmental research, development, and demonstration activities in the following categories and amounts: (1) under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, $13,813,900; (2) health studies under the Public Health Service Act, $878,900; (3) under the Safe Drinking Water Act, $13,592,500; (4) under the Clean Air Act, $129,223,500; (5) under the Solid Waste Disposal Act, $9,278,900; and (6) under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, $89,779,300. Prohibits the transfer of more than ten percent of the total funds in one category to another category without the consent of Congress. Establishes procedures for obtaining the consent of Congress in such cases. Authorizes tranfers of an amount not to exceed ten percent of the total research budget for the Agency to other authorized Agency activities (except waste treatment works construction grants and overseas research programs). Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to prepare a comprehensive five-year plan for environmental research, development and demonstration. Requires a study of all aspects of the coordination of environmental research and development, to be chaired by the Chairman of the Council on Environmental Quality.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1976
Title I: Amends the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 to increase the amount of appropriations authorized under such Act to $300,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, $450,000,000 for fiscal year 1978, $625,000,000 for fiscal year 1979, and $800,000,000 for each fiscal year thereafter through fiscal year 1989. Revises procedures for the apportionment of land and water conservation fund moneys to States by the Secretary of the Interior. Imposes public participation requirements with respect to the preparation of comprehensive statewide outdoor recreation plans. Authorizes Federal financial assistance for the planning and development of sheltered facilities for swimming pools and ice skating rinks, provided specified conditions are met. Title II: Amends the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 to establish a historic preservation fund in the United States Treasury. Stipulates that $24,400,000 for fiscal year 1977, $75,000,000 annually for fiscal years 1978 and 1979 and $100,000,000 annually for each fiscal year thereafter until fiscal year 1989 be covered into the fund from revenues due and payable to the United States under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act and other Federal Mining laws. Stipulates that such moneys shall remain available until appropriated to carry out the purposes of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. Authorizes the appropriation of $175,000 per year for fiscal years 1977,1978, and 1979 for the International Center for the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1976
National Science Foundation Authorization Act - Authorizes the appropriation of $797,000,000 to the National Science Foundation for fiscal year 1977. Sets forth regulations with respect to the use of such funds. Authorizes the Foundation to continue the Alan T. Waterman Award for scientific research or advanced scientific study during fiscal year 1977.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1976
Authorizes appropriations under the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1977 and $20,000,000 for fiscal 1978. Authorizes appropriations for fire research and safety of $5,500,000 for fiscal year 1977 and $6,000,000 for fiscal year 1978. Prohibits the Administrator of the National Fire Prevention and Control Administration from conducting fire research without the specific authorization of the Secretary of Commerce. Stipulates that no commitment to obligate funds for the construction of any facility of the National Academy for Fire Prevention and Control shall be made unless the Congress approves.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1976
National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act - Authorizes the appropriation of designated sums to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration for research and development programs, construction of facilities including land acquisition, and research and program management. Permits utilization of research and development appropriations for: (1) items of a capital nature which may be required at locations other than installations of the Administration for the performance of research and development contracts, and (2) grants to nonprofit institutions of higher education, or to nonprofit organizations whose primary purpose is the conduct of scientific research, for purchase or construction of additional research facilities. Sets forth further guidelines regarding the use and availability of funds appropriated pursuant to this Act. Specifies procedures where amounts designated for specific programs may be varied upward and whereby up to one half of one percent of the funds appropriated for research and development may be combined with $10,000,000 of funds appropriated for facility construction to construct or modify laboratories or other installations deemed by the Administration to be immediatley needed. Prohibits utilization of sums appropriated pursuant to this Act for: (1) any research or management program in excess of the amount specifically authorized for that program, (2) any program deleted by Congress from requests originally made, or (3) any program which has not been presented to either the House Committee on Science and Technology or the Senate Committee on Aeronautical and Space Sciences unless each such Committee has been given notice of any such proposed action and transmits written notice to the Administration that it has no objection. Directs the Administration to consider geographical distribution whenever feasible in allocating its research and development funds. Authorizes the Administration, when so provided in appropriation Acts, to enter into and to maintain a contract for tracking and data relay satellite services. Establishes an additional Associate Administrator for Advanced Research and Technology within the Administration. Revises the compensation of members of the Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel. Expresses the sense of Congress regarding the need for, and the construction, modernization, and availability of aeronautical test facilities. Declares that Congress finds that the general welfare of the United States requires application of the Administration's expertise to ground propulsion systems research and development.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1976
Designates the week beginning April 4, 1976, as "National Drafting Week." Authorizes and requests the President to issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to observe such week with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1976
Authorizes appropriations to the Environmental Protection Agency for fiscal year 1977 for environmental research, development, and demonstration activities in the following categories and amounts: (1) under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, $13,813,900; (2) health studies under the Public Health Service Act, $878,900; (3) under the Safe Drinking Water Act, $13,592,500; (4) under the Clean Air Act, $122,427,500; (5) under the Solid Waste Disposal Act, $9,278,900; and (6) under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, $79,656,400. Prohibits the transfer of more than ten percent of the total funds in one category to another category without the consent of Congress. Establishes procedures for obtaining the consent of Congress in such cases. Authorizes transfers of an amount not to exceed ten percent of the total research budget for the Agency to other authorized Agency activities (except waste treatment works construction grants and overseas research programs).
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1976
Alaskan Natural Gas Pipeline Authorization Act - Expresses the intent of Congress that the Alaskan natural gas pipeline be constructed promptly, without further administrative or judicial delay or impediment. Declares that the most efficient and economical method available for the transportation of Alaskan natural gas is a pipeline system from northern Alaska, across Canada, to the lower forty-eight States. Directs the Federal Power Commission to issue all necessary permits and authorizations in order to expedite the construction and operation of such pipeline within 60 days of the date of enactment of this Act. Grants the holders of such permits the powers of eminent domain under the Natural Gas Act. Directs the Secretary of the Interior and other appropriate Federal officials to issue all necessary permits and take appropriate action within 60 days to expedite the enforcement of all rights-of-way related to the construction and operation of such pipeline. Authorizes the Secretary to modify the pipeline route through the States to provide greater environmental protection during the construction period. Requires compliance with requirements of the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920 relating to the rights-of-way for pipelines through Federal lands. Exempts such pipeline from requirements regarding (1) environmental protection, (2) technical and financial capacity of applicants, (3) public hearings, (4) licensing requirements for crude oil under the Export Administration Act of 1969, and (5) furnishing of specified information and reports. Authorizes the Secretary and the Commission to waive procedural requirements of Federal law where desirable to accomplish the purposes of this Act. Declares that (1) the actions of Federal officers and agencies under this Act and (2) the legal or factual sufficiency of any environmental statement relative to such pipeline under provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 shall not be subject to judicial review of the courts. Allows the claims that (1) this Act is unconstitutional, (2) actions under this Act will deny Constitutional rights, and (3) actions taken are beyond the scope of authority conferred by this Act, provided that such claims are filed within 60 days following the date of the challenged action. Declares that exclusive jurisdiction shall be vested in the United States District Courts, and that review of any final order shall be had only upon direct appeal to the United States Supreme Court. Declares that the power to issue injunctive relief against the issuance of any certificate, except in cases where a final judgment is entered. Declares that authorizations issued pursuant to this Act shall grant no immunity from Federal antitrust laws.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1976
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Federal Government should accelerate its development of commercial sailing ships. States that the budget of the Maritime Administration, the Department of the Navy, the Energy Research and Development Administration, the National Science Foundation, the Federal Energy Administration, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Transportation, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and the Department of Commerce should include adequate funds to prove the commercial viability of sailing ships.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1976
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Federal Government should accelerate its development of lighter than air systems. Provides that the budgets of specified Federal agencies concerned with research in such area should include adequate funds to prove the commercial viability of lighter than air systems.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1976
Requires, where a defendent is found guilty of or pleads guilty to an explosive related offense for which one of the possible sentences is death, that the judge who presided at the trial or before whom the guilty plea was entered conduct a separate hearing to determine the existence of mitigating and aggravating factors. Dismisses such requirement where the Government stipulates that none of the aggravating factors exists or that one or more of the mitigating factors exists. Requires that the hearing be conducted before a jury or, if the defendent so moves, before the court alone, if the court and the Government approve. Requires the court to disclose to the defendant or his counsel all material contained in any presentence report, if one has been prepared, except such material as the court determines is required to be withheld for the protection of human life or for the protection of national security. Removes from consideration any such presentence information withheld from the defendant. Sets forth trial procedures and directs the jury, or the court to return a special verdict setting forth its findings as to the existence or nonexistence of each aggravating and mitigating factor. Permits the imposition of the death penalty only where the jury or, where there is no jury, the court finds by a preponderance of the information that one or more of the aggravating factors exists and that none of the mitigating factors exists. Enumerates the mitigating and aggravating factors. (Amends 18 U.S.C. 844)
United States · United States Congress · 11 December 1975
Declares that the Secretary of Transportation shall not approve a Federal-aid highway project of any State which he determines does not have effective controls on the use of the Federal-aid system by motor vehicle, hauling dirt, sand, gravel and trash. Defines "effective control" as requiring appropriate covering of hauled materials to prevent escape while on such highway. Excludes publicly owned or controlled vehicles while such vehicles are on a portion of a highway which is being serviced or repaired. (Adds 23 U.S.C. 156)
United States · United States Congress · 10 December 1975
Truth in Government Accounting Act - Requires that the United States Government prepare and make public annual consolidated financial statements utilizing the accrual method of accounting.
United States · United States Congress · 8 December 1975
Rehabilitation Act Amendments - Extends under the Rehabilitation Act, the authorization of appropriations for: (1) vocational rehabilitation services; (2) research and training; (3) grants for construction of rehabilitation facilities; (4) vocational training services for handicapped individuals; (5) special projects and demonstrations; (6) the National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults; (7) program and project evaluation; (8) secretarial responsibilities; and (9) the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1975
Designates the week beginning April 4, 1976, as "National Rural Health Week." Urges that efforts in disseminating health information be intensified. Calls for improved health services for rural America.
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 · 6 November 1975
Requires that the Secretaries of the military departments be kept full and currently informed regarding matters considered and acted upon by the Joint Chiefs of Staff. (Amends 10 U.S.C. 141)
United States · United States Congress · 4 November 1975
Prohibits a petroleum refiner or distributor from cancelling, failing to renew, or otherwise terminating a franchise unless he furnishes notification in writing to each affected distributor or retailer by certified mail not less than ninety days prior to the date on which such franchise will be canceled, together with a statement of the reasons of such cancellation and of the remedies available. Provides that a petroleum refiner or distributor shall not cancel, fail to renew, or otherwise terminate a franchise unless the retailer or distributor whose franchise is terminated failed to comply substantially with any essential and reasonable requirement of such franchise or failed to act in good faith in carrying out the terms of such franchise. States that if a refiner or distributor engages in conduct prohibited under this Act, a retailer or distributor may maintain a suit against such refiner or distributor.
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 1975
Permits a tax deduction under the Internal Revenue Code of household and dependent care expenses by a married couple when one spouse is a fulltime student to the same extent that such expenses could be deducted if both spouses were employed. Provides that such deductions are to be available to taxpayers electing to take the standard deduction.
United States · United States Congress · 28 October 1975
Grants the Federal Power Commission emergency authority to exempt temporarily any activities or operations relating to the sale, transportation, transfer, or exchange in interstate commerce of natural gas or of commingled natural gas and synthetic natural gas, from the provisions of the Natural Gas Act, in order to alleviate the hardships caused by the natural gas shortage. Stipulates that no such exemption shall exceed 180 days. Directs that the Commission shall not deny the purchase price paid by an interstate natural gas pipeline company for gas exempted under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 October 1975
National Climate Program Act - States that the purpose of this Act is to help the Nation respond more effectively to climate-induced problems by enabling its Government to be aware of and anticipate climate fluctuations and their domestic and international impacts, particularly in the areas of management and planning of domestic and international food supplies, and land, natural resource, and energy allocation and utilization. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to coordinate the establishment and operation of a climate program to collect, analyze and disseminate data concerning past, present and future climatic states, their fluctuations, and the influence of man's activities on the process of climatic dynamics. States that the program shall include, but not be limited to: (1) development of a climate impact warning system to provide both timely warnings and assessments of the risks of future climate impacts; (2) improvement of current monthly and seasonal temperature and precipitation predictions, particularly with respect to their impact on food production, availability of water resources, and energy consumption; and (3) development of mathematical-computer systems for the modeling, simulation, and prediction of climate and man's effects on climate. Directs the Secretary to consult and coordinate with climatic experts and with Federal departments and agencies. Requires the Secretary to establish advisory committees in the field of climatology and related fields. Specifies that the Secretary must prepare and submit an annual report for the President and the Congress on the administration of this Act, including, but not limited to: (1) a summary of the achievements of the climate program during the previous year; (2) a list of publications produced as a result of research sponsored under this Act; and (3) a summary of the outstanding problems encountered in the administration of this Act during the year. Authorizes to be appropriated to the participating Federal departments and agencies such sums to carry out the provisions of this Act as may be necessary, not to exceed $10,000,000 for the fiscal period beginning July 1, 1976, and ending September 30, 1976, not to exceed $42,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, not to exceed $48,000,000 for fiscal year 1978, and not to exceed $56,000,000 for fiscal year 1979.
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
National Science and Technology Policy and Organization Act - Title I: National Science Policy - Declares that the United States shall adhere to a national policy for science and technology which includes the following principles: (1) the continuing development and implementation of a national strategy for determining and achieving the appropriate scope, level, direction, and extent of scientific and technological efforts based upon a continuous appraisal of the role of science and technology in achieving goals and formulating policies of the United States; (2) the enlistment of science and technology to foster a healthy economy in which the directions of growth and innovation are compatible with the prudent and frugal use of resources and with the preservation of a benign environment; and (3) the development and maintenance of a solid base for science and technology in the United States. States the declaration of Congress that the Federal Government should maintain central policy-planning elements in the executive branch in mobilizing resources for essential science and technology programs, in securing appropriate funding for those programs, and to review systematically Federal science policy and programs and to recommend legislative amendments when needed. States that, in order to expedite and facilitate the implementation of the policy enunciated in this Act, the following coordinate procedures are of paramount importance: (1) Federal procurement policy should encourage the use of science and technology to foster frugal use of materials, energy, and appropriated funds; to assure quality environment; and to enhance product performance; (2) explicit criteria, including cost-effectiveness principles where feasible, should be developed to identify the kinds of science and technology programs that are appropriate for Federal funding support and to determine the extent of such support; (3) Federal promotion of science and technology should maximize quality of research, stability of scientific and technological institutions, and, for urgent tasks, timeliness of results; and (4) antitrust regulation should not preclude cooperation among competing firms in industrial research and development unless such cooperation is anticompetitive. Title II: Office of Science and Technology Policy - Presidential Science and Technology Advisory Organization Act - Establishes in the Executive Office of the President the Office of Science and Technology Policy. Provides for the appointment of a Director, four Assistant Directors, and other personnel. Specifies the functions of the Office, including to: (1) advise the President of scientific and technological considerations involved in areas of national concern; (2) evaluate the scale, quality, and effectiveness of the Federal effort in science and technology and advise on appropriate actions; (3) advise the President on scientific and technological considerations with regard to Federal budgets; and (4) assist the President in providing general leadership and coordination of the research and development programs of the Federal Government. Title III: The Federal Science and Technology Survey Committee - Establishes within the Executive Office of the President, and in association with the Office of Science and Technology Policy, a Federal Science and Technology Survey Committee. States that the Committee shall consist of from five to twelve members appointed by the President. Specifies the qualifications of the members of the Committee. States that the functions of the Committee shall be to survey, examine, and analyze the total context of the Federal science and technology effort including missions, goals, personnel, funding, organization, facilities, and activities in general. Stipulates that the life of the Committee shall be 24 months from the date of its first organizational meeting. Title IV: Miscellaneous - Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 1975
Allied Services Act - Title I: Human Services Planning - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants for projects for developing the allied delivery of human services (services to help families in need to achieve the highest level of personal independence and self-sufficiency) within a State. Provides for the designation of State and local agencies to administer the development program in service areas designated by the Governor of the State. Requires such local agencies to develop for the service area a local plan which is designed to serve as a demonstration or evaluation of means to substantially improve the allying and consolidation of human services planning and delivery. States that, to be approved by the State agency, such plan must also: (1) specify the agencies and organizations which have agreed to participate in the local program for the allied delivery of human services within the service area; (2) contain a survey of the needs for human services within the service area and an inventory of resources available to meet those needs; (3) enumerate the human services programs which will be allied within the service area; (4) provide reasonable assurance that the agencies and organizations participating in the local plan will make progress toward allying their provision of services; (5) describe the progress which the local agency has made in achieving the objectives specified in any preceding local plan developed by the local agency pursuant to this subsection; (6) specify procedures found adequate by the Secretary to assure that interested agencies, organizations, and individuals will have their views taken into consideration with respect to the carrying out of the local plan. Provides requirements for the approval of State plans for the allied delivery of services. Provides that if the Secretary finds, after notice to a State and adequate opportunity for the State to respond, it is failing to comply substantially with the provisions of its approved allied delivery of services plan for any fiscal year (or that any local agency designated thereunder is failing to comply substantially with the provisions of its local plan which was incorporated into such State plan), then thereafter (during such year and until there is no longer any such failure to comply) no Federal funds may be consolidated or transferred, no requirements may be waived, and no payments of grants under this Act may be made. Provides for notice to the public of allied delivery of services plans and for means to accept comments from the public thereon. Title II: Administrative Support Services - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to States which have in effect State plans approved under this Act or through such States to local agencies which have local plans approved by such States, to assist in meeting the initial costs of allying or consolidating administrative support services and management functions necessary to facilitate the allied delivery of human services where funds to cover such costs cannot be obtained from other sources. Provides that no State, office, or agency may receive grants under this title for more than 3 years. Title III: Special Authorities - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make single grants for human services. Authorizes transfer of Federal assistance available for expenditure under a human services program for use in another human services program. Authorizes waiver of program requirements certified by State or local agencies to be impeding the implementation of its plan. Authorizes $20,000,000 to be appropriated to carry out the purposes of this Act for fiscal year 1976.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 1975
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the signing in Helsinki of the Final Act of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe did not change in any way the longstanding policy of the United States on nonrecognition of the Soviet Union's illegal seizure and annexation of the three Baltic nations of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1975
Authorizes, under the Privacy Act of 1974, the disclosure to individual Members of Congress or their designates of information regarding individuals. (Amends 5 U.S.C. 552a)
![Official portrait of Rep. Esch, Marvin L. [R-MI-2]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/e000213_200.jpg)